Fifty Years of Masonry in California PDF

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| IFTY YEARS
of "1/\SONRY
in CALIFORNIA
V() LUIN1 E ||.
Compile (! and Edited by Edwin A. SH E R N1AN, 53°

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SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.:
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CHA P T E R XV.
THE ORIGIN OF ROYAL ARCH 1ASONRY.

*
OUT.G.RowTH OF SCHEMING FOR THE CROWN OF ENGLAND. PRACTICED BY THE “ANCIENTs'
PRIOR TO THE REUNION OF THE GRAND LODGES.
///: symbolism of Freemasonry teaches the fundamental belief of mankind, the hope of all
|ages—an existence beyond. The intelligence of our present civilization is but the evolu
in of cycles. Our thoughts quicken with knowledge, but our faith requires no elabora
n to fortify the hope that the hereafter has a place for all the sons of men. The tribes
the jungles of India have traditions more sacred to them than is history to the Caucasian; and in
their simple life they believe ALLAH hath power to save. The Koran abounds with the fruits of
living faith. The North American Indian is as sure of his happy hunting ground as is the sur
plice '' e Elysian fields prepared for the faithful of the LORD. The Ancient Mysteries
taught the £of death and resurrection as strikingly as did the Apostles of CHRIST. Tracing
history until its attenuation disappears in the mists of tradition, the one distinctive Rock of Ages,
illumined by the Star of Hope, is the absolute, confiding, peaceful faith in the immortality of the soul.
It is the search for TRUTH which is the one great study of Freemasonry. It is this thought
which underlies even the foundation of our beautiful superstructure, and which weaves its woof in the
labyrinths of mystery and finds living expression in the symbolisms of sections and degrees. As the
devotee of science is stimulated to greater research by one achievement, so the novitiate in the mys
teries of Ancient Craftship advantages acquired knowledge as the open sesame to other chambers in
the search for TRUTH, which is the essence of beginning, the hope of present and the belief in
eternity.
Symbolic, or Blue Lodge Masonry, is the splendid foundation upon which, in ages and climes,
Craftship has been sustained. The adornment of columns and pilasters, of frieze and coping, are
outward evidences of inward beauty which the Master Mason realizes are hidden from present view,
and which may be discovered and elaborated along the paths which lead to the Holy of Holies,
where TRUTH is enthroned in everlasting reign, and where the Great I AM is the Beginning and the
End, the Alpha and Omega, the ONE in all, the ALL in one.
Royal Arch Masonry is a progressive step in the ladder of knowledge, though its ritualism as
taught by this generation is somewhat incongruous. It is, however, more realistic in its relations to the
construction of the Temple than some other branches of Masonry, and in every reference to operative
Craftship speculative lessons are taught. In the quarries we delve for useful knowledge; in the com
pletion we celebrate the glory of Jah; and in the rebuilding we discover the Covenant of Promise,
536 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
and have the S1gnet of Truth as our strength and fortress. And from this trinity of construction,
completion, and rebuilding the student acquires knowledge which befits him for further research
in the still greater development of other branches and other rites of Freemasonry.
The origin of Royal Arch Masonry is so intimately connected with the political disturbances
of England and Scotland that a brief reference thereto becomes historically interesting. There are
two parallel lines of history to be followed in relation to two separate Royal Arch degrees of Free
masonry, both of which, however, in their inception undoubtedly had a common origin. Both of
these Royal Arch degrees evidently concealed purposes, both political as well as religious in their
aims, in the interests of the rival houses of the Stuarts and the Georges, which were fraught with
momentous issues, and which afterward culminated in civil and semi - religious war in Scotland and
the northern portion of England, though Masonry in itself is declared to be utterly neutral. The
biblical history of the rise and fall of the Jewish nation, the setting up of the Tabernacle and form
ulating the ceremonies of its religion largely borrowed from the Egyptian by Moses, the building of
the Temple at Jerusalem by Solomon, its repeated destruction and rebuilding in which Nebuchad
nezzar, Cyrus, Dar1us, Zerubbabel, Herod, T1tus Vespas1anus, and others have been represented
in history, both sacred and profane, have produced legends and traditions, real and fictionary, mingled
together and added to, for the purpose of parabling inventions in statecraft, politics, and religion of
sects; while the Bible, with Josephus and profane history, have served as vast quarries out of which
material has been unlimitedly appropriated by legitimate and spurious Masonic inventors of degrees.
Freemasonry in the Old World from its very beginning was united in a greater or lesser
degree to the crown and the established religion of the kingdom or state, where monarchy prevailed,
either absolutely or constitutionally. In England and its dependencies, the so-called "Revival
of Freemasonry" took place on June 24, 1 7 1 7 (Sr. John the Baptist's Day), when the four Lodges
at St. Paul's Cathedral assembled at the Apple Tree Tavern and organized the Grand Lodge of
England, but afterward divided the work into three degrees only— Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft,
and Master Mason. It is necessary to briefly give some collateral history of the different reigns of
monarchs and the times antecedent to this revival of Freemasonry in 1717 and for a period afterward,
in order to better understand the conditions under which Freemasonry existed, in connection with
government or incidental thereto, prior to its being planted in America. Monarchy was overthrown
by Ol1ver Cromwell, when the royal troops were defeated at Marston Moor and Charles I beheaded
on January 30, 1648. The Commonwealth was established with Cromwell as Lord Protector and
continued until his death in 1660, when Charles II succeeded to the throne and reigned until Feb
ruary 6, 1685. The latter was succeeded by his brother James II, who was false to his coronation
oath to maintain the Protestant religion and was driven from his throne. He abdicated, but with a
French army invaded Ireland and was with the Irish rebels defeated at the battle of the Boyne on
July 1, 1690. He was succeeded by his son-in-law W1ll1am III (the Prince of Orange, by whom
he had been beaten at the battle of the Boyne) and Mary, the eldest daughter of James II. They
were crowned King and Queen April 11, 1689, and sworn to support and maintain the Protestant
religion. Mary died without issue December 28, 1694, and W1ll1am III died March 8, 1702, and
was succeeded by Anne, his sister-in-law, as Queen, who was crowned April 23, 1702. She died
August 14, 1 7 14, and was the last of the house of the Stuarts to occupy the throne of the United
Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Queen Anne was succeeded, pursuant to the provisions of the Act of Settlement, by George I,
of the house of Brunswick and Hanover, a Protestant German Prince. In England the Protestant
line of royalty had run out, and it became necessary to import a foreigner to keep the Protestant
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIy1. 537
religion allied to the throne. The following is the Coronation Oath, taken in Section VII of the
Order of Coronation Ceremonies:
“The sermon being ended, and his Majesty having in the presence of the two Houses of Par
liament made and signed the Declaration, the Archbishop goeth to the King, and standing before
him administers the Coronation Oath, first asking the King, 'Sir, is your Majesty willing to take
the oath?' And the King answering, “I am willing. The Archbishop ministereth these questions,
and the King, having a copy of the printed Form and Order of the Coronation Service in his hands,
answers each question severally, as follows: Archbishop—Will you solemnly promise and swear to
govern the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dominions thereto
belonging, according to the statutes in Parliament agreed on, and the respective laws and customs of
the same? Aing—I solemnly promise so to do. Archbishop—Will you to your power cause law and
justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgments? King—I will. Archbishop—Will you to the
utmost of your power, maintain the laws of GOD, the true profession of the Gospel, and the Protestant
reformed religion established by law? And will you maintain inviolably the settlement of the United
Church of England and Ireland, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by
law established within England and Ireland, and the territories thereunto belonging? And will you
preserve unto the bishops and clergy of England and Ireland, and to the churches there committed
to their charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of
them? Aing—All this I promise to do. Then the King arising out of his chair, supported as before
and assisted by the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Sword of State being carried before him, shall go
to the altar, and there, being uncovered, make his solemn oath in the sight of all the people to
observe the premises; laying his right hand upon the Holy Gospel in the Great Bible, which was
carried before him in the procession and is now brought from the altar by the Archbishop and
tendered to him as he kneels upon the steps, saying these words: King—The things which I have
here before promised I will perform and keep. So help me GoD. Then the King kisseth the
book and signeth the oath.”
It is now necessary to revert to JAMES II, who was a Roman Catholic, and who abdicated
the throne of England and Scotland in 1688 and died in Paris, September 6, 1701. He was
married twice, first to ANNE, the eldest daughter of EDwARD HYDE, Earl of Clarendon, Lord High
Chancellor of England, by whom he had eight children, the most of whom died in infancy. His
first wife died March 31, 1671. He was married the second time to MARY BEATRIX ELEANORE,
daughter of ALPHONSO, the second Duke of Modena, by whom he had eight children. One of them,
who had two sons and a daughter, was destined to keep Scotland in a ferment and England at the
chopping block at the Tower of London. -
JAMES FRANCIS EDWARD was born June 10, 1688. After the death of his father, JAMEs II, he
was proclaimed at Paris King of England, and was designated in England by the name of “The
Pretender.” In 1719 he married MARY CLEMENTINA, daughter of Prince JAMEs SoBIESKI, King of
Poland, and died January 1, 1766, leaving issue two sons. First, CHARLEs EDWARD LOUIS CASSIMER,
commonly called “The Chevalier St. George,” or in England “The Young Pretender." He was born
in Rome, November 30, 1720, and married the Princess STOHLBERG of Germany, but died without
issue, January 31, 1788. Second, HENRY BENEDICT, called “The Cardinal of York,” who was born
March 24, 1725, elevated to the purple by Pope BENEDICT XIV in 1747, and died in 1807, when
the whole issue of JAMES II became extinct.
The so-called Revival of Freemasonry in 1717 occurred during the reign of GEORGE I, when
the Pretender, through his friends and adherents in England, Scotland, and France, made use of
THE T E M 1' L K OF KING SOLOMON
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. 539
Freemasonry as a quasi neutral ground when desiring to promote their objects in ousting the
German house of Brunswick and Hanover from the throne of England and Scotland and estab
lishing the papacy in place of the Protestant religion. The contest was between GEORGE I and
JAMES III or The Pretender, and was continued between the next generations of GEORGE II and
CHARLEs EDWARD, The Young Pretender. It was during these events that the so-called Revival of
Freemasonry took place and the Royal Arch degrees invented, which afterward aided in rending the
Grand Lodge of England in twain and caused Freemasonry to be transplanted in France and other
countries on the Continent of Europe, and rival Grand Lodges, with non-intercourse, propagating
Masonry in America and sowing the seeds of discord and disunion in the fraternity at large.
During the contest between these rival houses for the united thrones of England and Scotland, there
was a strong Scottish bias in favor of JAMES III and his son CHARLEs EDWARD, as being the rightful
heirs to the throne; and being Scottish in descent and of the “true bluid," even some of the Scotch
Presbyterians were in favor of the STUARTs, though the latter were Roman Catholics. Many of the
Scottish nobility allied their fortunes with those of the STUARTs, called “The Pretenders," and forfeited
their titles and estates. There were not less than seventy earls, lords, and viscounts who had forfeited
their titles and estates, and some their lives, because they had favored and supported the cause of the
house of the STUARTs against that of Brunswick and Hanover represented by GEORGE I and GEORGE II.
Before the Revival of Freemasonry, JAMEs RADCLIFFE, the Earl of Derwent water, was
executed for rebellion in 1716, being beheaded in the Tower of London. CHARLEs RADCLIFFE on
the death of the unmarried son of his brother, who was thus executed, assumed the title of Earl
of Derwentwater. He had married CHARLOTTE, the Countess of Newburgh, a widow. He was the
third son of EDWARD, the second Earl of Derwent water, and his mother was MARY TUDOR, the ille
gitimate daughter of CHARLEs II. He had also been arrested and attainted and convicted of treason,
but escaped to France and thence to Rome, where he received a small pension from “The Pretender."
After a residence of some years he went to Paris, where, with the Chevalier MAsKLYNE, Mr. HEGUETTY,
and some other Englishmen, he established a Lodge in the Rue des Boucheries, which was followed
by the organization of several others, and was elected Grand Master. Leaving France for a time in
1733 he was succeeded in the Grand Mastership in that country by Lord HARNOUESTER. He
made several visits to England in unsuccessful pursuit of pardon. The blood of the STUARTs which
flowed in his veins operated as an effective barrier to his hopes and prospects. Baffled with hopeless
disappointment he at last allied his fortunes to those of “The Young Pretender" in 1745, and sailed
from France to join him, but the vessel in which he had embarked was captured by an English man
of-war. He was taken prisoner, and he, too, thirteen years after his nephew –CHARLEs RADCLIFFE,
the titular Earl of Derwentwater—was beheaded on Tower Hill, London, December 8, 1746. [The
fourth Grand Master of California and the first Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter
of California, CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF, born at Inverness, Scotland, February 5, 1818, was his grand
nephew.]
Of the other Scottish noblemen whose titles and estates were forfeited there were the Duke
of Wharton, the Earl of Dalkeith, Lord PAISLEy, and others, together with GEORGE PAYNE and JoHN
THEOPHILU's DESAGULIERs (a French Huguenot reformer, born March 12, 1683, at Rochelle, France),
who on June 24, 1717, organized the first Grand Lodge of England at the Apple Tree Tavern. The
suspicions attached during this crisis to Scotchmen in London are described by Sir ANDREW MITCHELI.
in a letter to DUNCAN FORBEs on October 23: “Already every man of our country is looked on as
a traitor, as one secretly inclined to the Pretender and wanting but an opportunity to declare. The
guilty and the innocent are confounded together, and the crimes of a few are imparted to the whole
540 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA
nation." Among his collection to be found in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford, among other things,
El1as Ashmole said: "There is no doubt to be made that the skill of Masons, which was always
transcendent even in the most barbarous times — their wonderful kindness and attachment to each
other, how different soever in condition, and their inviolable fidelity in religiously keeping their
secret — must expose them in ignorant, troublesome, and suspicious times to a variety of adventures,
according to the different fate of parties and alterations in government. By the way, I shall note
that the Masons were always loyal, which exposed them to great severities when power wore the
trappings of justice and those who committed treason punished true men as traitors. Thus in the
third year of the reign of Henry VI (1432) an Act of Parliament was passed to abolish the society
of Masons and to hinder, under grievous penalties, the holding of Chapters, Lodges, or other regular
assemblies. Yet this Act was afterward repealed, and even before that King Henry VI and several
of the principal lords of his court became Fellows of the Craft."
Toward the latter part of the seventeenth century, on June 9, 1668, was born at Ayr, Scot
land, Andrew M1chael Ramsay, the son of a baker, who was well-to-do, and gave his son a liberal
education in his own town and at the University at Edinburgh. By his great natural ability, dili
gence, and industrious perseverance he rose high in his scholarship to the position of a teacher. He
was originally a Protestant in religion, and sought the practice of his profession, first in Holland, and
was subsequently employed by James III, the Pretender, as the tutor of his children. But having
while in Holland imbibed the spirit of mysticism, he became the formulator of a Masonic rite bearing
his name, from which several of the degrees were taken to form other rites and systems of Masonry
out of the myths, legends, and histories of the ancient nations, with that of the Hebrew and Egyptian
especially, and with the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem as the central idea of concentration as a
symbol. In 1728 he visited England and Scotland ostensibly with the object of having his system
adopted by the Masonic Lodges there, while secretly engaged in the interest of the Pretender, but
he did not meet with the success he hoped for. Being an apostate from Protestantism and a Roman
Catholic he met with the strongest opposition from Rev. John T. Desagul1ers, a French Huguenot
reformer, and Rev. James Anderson, a Scotch divine, a native of Edinburgh and pastor of the Scotch
Presbyterian Church in Swallow street, Picadilly, and compiler of the Constitutions and Ancient Charges
of the Grand Lodge of England, and its history from 1717 to 1738. It was Anderson, under the
direction and aid of Desagul1ers, who reorganized the institution, and he was the veritable lawgiver
at that time of the fraternity. Ramsay returned to France, where he remained until 1740, when he
again went to England for the same purpose, but did not succeed in establishing his work, and he
returned to France, where he died May 6, 1743. But his visits to England were not entirely fruit
less, as will be seen by the following.
The great majority of the fraternity in England at that time were communicants of the Estab
lished Churches of England and Scotland; a few only were Independents or Congregationalists,
Methodists, and Dissenters, with some Roman Catholics of influence and of Scottish blood, but the
greater portion of the minority were liberals in their religious sentiments and governed by a spirit of
toleration toward all the various sects. While Ramsay could not succeed in having the English
Lodges adopt his system, especially the degree of the Royal Arch of Solomon or Enoch (which was
also called the "Grand Scottish Knight of the Sacred Vault of James VI," and used in France to
promote the interests of the Pretender James VI of Scotland, who was to be James III of England,
if successful), yet he secretly furnished enough material and planted the seeds of jealous)', ambition,
and discord, to bear fruit in the then near future, and to rend the Grand Lodge of England
asunder and cause no less than three Grand Lodges to exist in England at one and the same time,
at war with each other, and with intercourse interdicted.
FIFTY' YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 541
Ramsay's Royal Arch of Solomon had failed to be engrafted upon the Masonic system of
England, it being covertly in the interest of the adherents of the Pretender and incidentally at least
or constructively under the influence of Scottish Masons and some others, and consequently the
Secret Vault was left in ruins beneath Ramsay's ambition, from which was to arise a second Royal
Arch degree, or the Royal Arch of Zerubbabel. Though Ramsay did not succeed with his Royal
Arch degree at that time in England, he left fragments behind nearly sufficient to form another, which
were made use of bv Lawrence Dermott and other Brethren whose curiositv and inventive genius
were aroused. It could be used for the double purpose of maintaining indirectly the cause of the
house of Hanover, and at the same time it would gratify the desires and aspirations of those who
were ambitious for office among the Craft. The sacred history of the setting up of the religion of the
Hebrews in the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness by Moses was to be exemplified as a
symbol of a state religion, maintained by the civil government, with the ultimate power of the throne
yet invisible in the distance. The return from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple under
Zerubbabel, in which labor no others were to be permitted but those who could prove their Jewish
lineage and genealogy, confining the work to that people alone, from which all other Masons were
to be excluded, was to signify that no Craftsmen friendly to the house of the Stuarts need apply.
The legend of the discovery of the ruins of the Secret Vault over which the Sanctum Sanctorum,
or Holy of Holies, had been erected, the finding of the fallen arch and the keystone on the
highest part of the rubbish, the jewels of the three Grand Masters farther down on the heap, and
the Ark of the Covenant and pillars at the bottom, which were recovered and brought to the surface
for examination and the Book of the Law restored to the light, symbolized the Reformation in fact,
under the government of the Crown, and the Bible recovered from the ruins, caused by the Dark
Ages, for the use of the people had a signification which gave no promise of hope of a return of the
British nations of England, Scotland, and Wales to the communion and authority of Rome.
The system of the Grand Lodge of England had become crystallized, impassive, and conserva
tive, and during the foreign wars in which England was constantly engaged and at the same time
combatting the intrigues of the Jesuits and adherents of the Pretender both at home and abroad, it
looked with ill favor upon Ramsay's efforts to add anything more to Freemasonry, and was suspicious
of everything that bore the appearance of innovation in the body of Masonry. But there were those
who believed in progress and adding new features to the work. Among these was a hot-blooded,
restless agitator from Ireland domiciled in London, Lawrence Dermott, who with his companions
seceded from the Grand Lodge of England proper in 1739, were expelled, and organized themselves
into a new "Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons," so called, without any authority of the Grand
Lodge of York, while they styled the Grand Lodge and subordinates from which they had seceded
as "Moderns." They added the Royal Arch degree to the other three. This new Grand Lodge of
schismatics was under the leadership of Lawrence Dermott, who was at first the Grand Secretary
and afterward the Deputy Grand Master of the seceders. "In 1756 he published his 'Ahiman
Rezon,' a book of constitutions, wherein he; proclaimed that the Masons of Ireland, Scotland, and the
Ancient Masons of England have the same customs, usages, and ceremonies, and that the Modern
Masons in England differ materially, not only from the above but from most Masons in all parts of
the world. He asserted that Ancient Masonry consisted of four degrees, the Apprentice, Fellow
Craft, and the sublime degree of Master, and a Brother being well versed in these degrees and others
well qualified, 'is eligible to be admitted.' The first reference to the Royal Arch degree that has
been found either in print or manuscript and fairly considered is in a book published in 1744, by
Dr. FlFlELD d'Ass1cny, of the Grand Lodge of the Ancients, which states that the Royal Arch was
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known in London about the year 1740, soon after the bull of Pope CLEMENT XII proclaimed death
to all Masons and the confiscation of all their property, issued April 28, 1738. The Royal Arch
degree is said to have originated among the British royalists (Jacobins) and to have been manufac
tured by the Chevalier RAMSAY. The Scotch Kilwinning Masons in 1736 claim to have saved from
oblivion many higher degrees in Masonry, and Dove, of Virginia, asserts that from these RAMSAY
must have taken his Royal Arch. LAURIE in his history of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, says:
‘M. REGHILLINI DE SCHIO distinctly states that it was invented by the Scotch Chevalier RAMSAY,
who he says created a new rite of the three symbolic degrees and added four others founded upon
new institutions and doctrines, the last of the seven being the Royal Arch. In December, 1736,
RAMSAY was Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of France, and in 1740 he came to England. From
all the authorities consulted and by the strong preponderance of evidence it would seem that RAMSAY,
from material purported to have been gathered at Kilwinning, Scotland, invented the Royal Arch
degree, and that between 1728 and 1743–probably in the year 1740– in the interest of CHARLEs
EDWARD, the Pretender, he brought over to England several new degrees, among which was one
called the Royal Arch; that he first offered these degrees to the London Grand Lodge, and upon its
refusal to accept them, that he tendered them to the 'Ancients, and that LAWRENCE DERMoTT thus
became possessed of the groundwork of his fourth degree. DERMOTT was an indefatigable opponent,
and he early saw in the contest he was waging with the London Grand Lodge the immense advan
tage which this new degree would give to the Ancients. The ritual was not identical with RAMSAY's,
but it bore marks of his work, and OLIVER says in his day the English ritual still embodied some of
the details of RAMsAy's Royal Arch."
The reason for this is obvious: for DERMoTT to have adopted RAMSAY's Royal Arch in the
main would have led him into complications which might have been treasonable; for in 1743 CHARLEs
EDWARD, the Young Pretender, had been advised by his brother HENRY BENEDICT (who in 1747
was made a cardinal by Pope BENEDICT XIV) to leave Rome and go to Paris and prepare for his
departure for Scotland to strive for the possession of the crown of the United Kingdom. RAMsAy
in 1728 had in a similar manner intrigued with some of the Scotch Masons in London and also in
Scotland in the interest of JAMEs III, the Old Pretender, and failed, for reasons heretofore stated;
and in his efforts in the interest of the son of JAMES III, by the introduction of his Royal Arch of
Solomon, he again failed to have his scheme adopted, and returned to France. Hence DERMoTT,
with a part of the material of RAMSAY's Royal Arch, and with his own inventions, fabricated the
Royal Arch of Zerubbabel, or the English Royal Arch degree, as it has come down to us with its
modifications and changes, but somewhat in a different form from that now practiced and commonly,
though erroneously, called a part of the York Rite. We shall refer to RAMSAy's Royal Arch of Solo
non again when we come to give the history of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, where the
oldest Royal Arch degree will be found in its proper place. In 1767 the degrees of Perfection of
that rite were conferred at Albany, N. Y., among which was the Royal Arch, called the Royal Arch
of Solomon.
“The Ancients with their Royal Arch made great progress. Their system of work was
favored by the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland, and soon the schism was introduced into
America. As early as 1758 Lodge No. 3 at Philadelphia worked as a Chapter, conferring the Royal
Arch in communion with a Military Chapter working under a warrant, No. 351, granted by the
Grand Lodge of all England."
M.'. W. . Bro. WILLIAM S. GARDNER, of Massachusetts, Past Grand Master of that State and
Past Grand Commander of Knights Templar, in his oration delivered at the centennial anniversary
of St. Andrews Chapter in Boston on September 29, 1869, states: "The establishment of the first
Lodge in Massachusetts (St. Johns) created dissensions between the Ancient and Modern
Masons, the former being chiefly members of Military Lodges in the Royal regiments." Then
he said: "Under this state of things they applied to the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a charter,
and on the 13th of November, 1756, a warrant was granted by the name of St. Andrews Lodge,
No. 82. This charter is substantially in form like the one used by the Grand Lodge of Massachu
setts, and grants to the petitioners and their successors full and ample power to meet, convene, and
assemble in a regular Lodge, to enter and receive Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts, and raise Master
Masons." There is no allusion in the charter to the Royal Arch, nor to any other degrees than
those specified above. The establishment of St. Andrew's Lodge in Boston did not remedy the
difficulty, although the Brethren of this Lodge did everything in their power to promote friendly and
fraternal relations with the members of the Modern Grand and subordinate Lodges. As late as 1766
a committee of St. Andrew's, in a letter to the Grand Master of Scotland, complain that "the Grand
Lodge declared that the persons named in St. Andrews charter were not at the time of their consti
tution Masons, but were irregular Masons, that they had at different times applied to the Grand
Lodge for liberty to visit the Lodges under its jurisdiction, but have been refused, and members
prohibited from visiting this irregular Lodge." "The Ancients soon retaliated, and in 1768 they voted
to keep the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, and that none vulgarly called Modern Masons be
admitted to the feast. Convinced that it would be utterly impossible to live on fraternal terms with
the Modern Masons of Boston, they determined to strengthen themselves by the establishment of a
Provincial Grand Lodge. Accordingly on St. Andrew's Day, 1768, Joseph Warren being Master,
they voted 'that there be a committee appointed to take into consideration the expediency of applying
to the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a Grand Master of Ancient Masons in America, and to confer
with such committees as shall be appointed by the other Ancient Lodges now in town.' The follow
ing month the committee reported favorably to the project, and proposed as officers Bro. Joseph
Warren of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 82, for Grand Master; Bro. Jerem1ah French of the jurisdic
tion of Ireland, No. 322, for Grand Senior Warden; and Bro. Thomas Musgrave of the Duke of
York's Lodge, No. 106, for Junior Grand Warden. The petition was from four Lodges of Ancient
Masons, viz.: St. Andrews, No. 82, Registry of Scotland; Dtike of York's, No. 106, Registry of
Scotland, held in the 64th Regiment of Foot; Lodge No. 58, Registry of England, held in the 14th
Regiment; Lodge No. 322, Registry of Ireland, held in the 29th Regiment; Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, resident in Boston, Mass.
"In 1768 Boston was occupied by British troops. The commission to Joseph Warren, Grand
Master, was dated May 30, 1 769, and received at Boston during the summer. Some of the members
of St. Andrew's Lodge had seven years prior to this received the Royal Arch, for on the 29th of
October, 1762, a committee of five from St. Andrew's Lodge, in a letter to the Grand Master of
Scotland, say: 'We should likewise be glad to know if a charter could be granted to us for holding
a Royal Arch Lodge, as a sufficient number of us have arrived to that sublime degree.' To this
letter no response was received. August 28th, 1769, the first recorded meeting of the Royal Arch
Lodge was held in Boston, and is in full as follows: 'At a Royal Arch Lodge held at Masons'
Hall, Boston, New England, August 28th, 1769 — present, the Right Worshipful Brother James
Brown, Master; Charles Chambers, S. W. ; W1nthrop Gray, J. W.; W1ll1am McM1llon, Henry
Glynn, W1ll1am McKane, John Wordd1ngton, Joshua Lor1ng, D. Sy. The petition of Bro.
W1ll1am Dav1s coming before the Lodge, begging to have and receive the parts belonging to a Royal
Arch Mason, which being read was received, and he unanimously voted in, and was accordingly
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 545
made by receiving the four steps, that of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch, and Knight Templar.'
This is believed to be the first record of conferring the Orders of Knight Templar in this country,
and was given as a part of the Royal Arch, or as an honorary degree until December 19th, 1794,
after which time the record is silent in regard to it. The other degrees were undoubtedly taken
from the Irish ritual, for Ol1ver says that the Irish system consisted of three degrees, the Excellent,
Superexcellent, and Royal Arch, as a preliminary step to which the Past Master's degree was indis
pensable."
Dermott's Grand Lodge of the Ancient Masons also soon after granted charters for conferring
the Knight Templar degree brought from France to England in 1750. It was a singular fact, coinci
dental with the schism created by Dermott in the Grand Lodge of the Modern Grand Lodge, that
speculative and operative Masonry began to divide about the same time, or rather as an organization
the operative portion was to wane within the fraternity, though the Accepted Masons were to control
its progress and destiny. The reason chiefly for this gradual change was the laws of the kingdom
in relation to the wages of the various guilds of workmen, including Masons. "The statute of
George I is for the regulating journeymen tailors, etc, especially those of London, who have
lately departed from their services without just cause and have entered into combinations to
advance their wages to unreasonable prices and lessen their usual hours of work." This
statute affected Masons as well, and of course indirectly the whole fraternity of Freemasonry,
and the Accepted Masons retained the control and government of the institution, leaving the
operative portion, the actual architects and builders, to attend to the material directly affected by
the law in relation to contracts and wages to be paid. It is evident that those independent Lodges
of Freemasons in Scotland, Ireland, and those of London, York, and elsewhere, outside of the four
Lodges in London which formed the first Grand Lodge of England, had ceremonies or forms of
initiation which those four Lodges did not possess. Lawrence Dermott, the author of the Royal
Arch of Zerubbabel, himself says ("The True Ahiman Rezon," by Lawrence Dermott, Deputy Grand
Master, dedicated to the Duke of Atholl, Grand Master of Ancient Masons, first American from third
London edition, New York, 1805): "Suppose we were to inquire into the origin of the present
Grand Lodge of Master Masons (Modern). Upon inquiry it would appear that all their boasted
supremacy is derived from an obscure person, who lived about sixty-two years ago, and whose name
is not to be found on record amongst Ancient or Modern Masons. Whoever doubts the truth
hereof let him examine Dr. Anderson's Constitutions (printed in 1738), page 109, where it is written
'four Lodges,' that is to say, some persons who were wont to meet 'at the Goose and Gridiron Ale
House in St. Paul's Churchyard; at the Crown Ale House in Parker's Lane; at the Apple Tree in
Charles Street, Covent Garden ; and at the Rummer and Grapes in Channel Row, Westminster, did
meet at the Apple Tree aforesaid, in the year 1716, or rather 17, and having chosen (the nameless
person before hinted) a chairman, they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge.' Such are the words
of the most authentic history amongst Modern Masons, and beyond contradiction prove the origin of
their supremacy to be a self-created assembly. Nor was a self-creation the only defect. They were
deficient in numbers. To form (what Masons mean by) a Grand Lodge there must have been the
Masters and Wardens of five regular Lodges, that is to say, five Masters and ten Wardens, making
the number of installed officers fifteen. Their Moderns (I mean their writers) cunningly call those
transactions a revival of the Grand Lodge. Plausible as this story of a supposed revival, etc, may
appear, yet one minute's reflection will show (an Ancient Mason) the fallacy of this part of their
history.
"This will be done

by considering, that, had
it been a revival of the
Ancient Craft only, with
out innovations or alter
ations of any kind, the
Free and Accepted Ma
sons in Ireland and Scot
land, where no change
has yet happened— nay,
Freemasons in general—
would agree in secret
language and ceremonies
with the members of the
Modern Lodges. But
daily experience points
out the contrary. And
this, I say, is an incon
trovertible proof of the
fallacy of their history.
Indeed, this is acknowl-
canterbury cathedral — England. edged by the Moderns
themselves, in their calendar for 1777, page 31, where, speaking of the old Masons, we find these
words, 'The Ancient York Constitution, which was entirely dropt at the revival of the Grand Lodge,
171 7.' By this it is plain that, instead of a revival, a discontinuance of Ancient Masonry took place.
To put this matter out of the reach of contradiction, take the testimony of Mr. Spencer, one of their
Grand Secretaries. Copy of an answer, in writing, given to Brother W. C— —1.L, a certified peti
tioner from Ireland: 'You being an Ancient Mason, you are not entitled to any of our charity.
The Ancient Masons have a Lodge at the Five Bells in the Strand, and their Secretary's name
is Dermott. Our Society is neither Arch, Royal Arch, or Ancient, so that you have no right to
partake of our charity.'
"The case was briefly this: A Lodge at the Ben Johnson's Head, in Pelham street in Spital-
fields, were composed mostly of Ancient Masons, tho' under the Modern Constitution. Some of them
had been abroad, and had received extraordinary benefits on account of Ancient Masonry. Therefore
they agreed to practice Ancient Masonry on every third Lodge night. Upon one of those nights
some Modern Masons attempted to visit them, but were refused admittance. The persons so refused
laid a formal complaint before the Modern Grand Lodge, then held at the Devil Tavern, near Temple
Bar. And the said Grand Lodge, though incapable of judging the propriety or impropriety of such
refusal, not being Ancient Masons, ordered that the Ben Johnson's Lodge should admit all sorts of
Masons, without distinction. And upon non-compliance to that order they were censured."
The following is what Lawrence Dermott, the author of the Royal Arch of Zerubbabel, says
about the so-called "Revival of Freemasonry," June 24, 171 7, during the reign of George I, after
stating that he was introduced into the Society of Moderns in 1748: "About the year 1717 some
joyous companions [Bro. Thomas Gr1nsell, a man of great veracity, and a brother of the celebrated
James Ou1nn, Esq., informed the Lodge, No. 3, in London (in 1753) that eight persons whose
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy!. 547
names were DESAGULIERS, GOFTON, KING, CALVERT, LUMLEY, MADDEN, DE NOVER, and VRADEN, were
the geniuses to whom the world is indebted for the remarkable invention of Modern Masonry], who
had passed the degree of Craft, though very rusty, resolved to form a Lodge for themselves, in order
(by conversation) to recollect what had formerly been dictated to them, or, if that should be found
impracticable, to substitute something new which might for the future pass for Masonry amongst
themselves. At this meeting the question was asked whether any person in the assembly knew the
Master's part, and being answered in the negative, it was resolved, mem. con., that the deficiency
should be made up with a new composition, and what fragments of the old order found amongst
them should be immediately reformed and made more pliable to the humors of the people. The
Ancients under the name of Free and Accepted Masons, the Moderns under the name of Freemasons
of England; and though a similarity of names, yet they differ exceedingly in makings, ceremonies,
knowledge, Masonical language, and installations, so much that they always have been, and still con
tinue to be, two distinct societies, totally independent of each other." One of the questions that
DERMoTT asks and answers is: “7th. Whether it is possible to initiate or introduce a Modern Mason
into the Royal Arch Lodge (the very essence of Masonry) without making him go through the
Ancient ceremonies? Ans. No."
Said our late good Bro. ALBERT G. MACKEY: “DERMoTT was undoubtedly the moving and
sustaining spirit of the great schism, which, from the middle of the eighteenth to the beginning of
the nineteenth century, divided the Masons of England, and his character has not been spared by the
adherents of the constitutional Grand Lodge. LAURIE (Hist., p. 117) says of him: ‘The unfairness
with which he has stated the proceedings of the Moderns, the bitterness with which he treats them,
and the quackery and vainglory with which he displays his own pretensions to superior knowledge,
deserve to be reprobated by every class of Masons who are anxious for the purity of their Order
and the preservation of
that charity and mild
ness which ought to
characterize all their pro
ceedings.' I am afraid
that there is much truth
in this estimate of DER
MoTT's character. As a
polemic he was sarcastic,
bitter, uncompromising,
and not altogether sin- |
cere or veracious. But
in intellectual attain
ments he was inferior -
to none of his adversa- |
ries, and in a philosoph- ||

ical appreciation of the
character of the Masonic .
institution he was in ad-
vance of his age. No -
doubt he dismembered 1–
the third degree, and to ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL-England.

him we owe the establishment of English Royal Arch Masonry. He had the assistance of
Ramsay's Scottish degree Royal Arch Masonry as we now have it come from the fertile brain and
intrepid heart of Dermott. It was finally adopted by his opponents in 1813, and it is now hardly
a question that the change effected by him in the organization of the York Rite In 1740 has been of
evident advantage to the service of Masonic symbolism."
As Lawrence Dermott was the author of the English Royal Arch degree and unjustly attacked
the constitutional Grand Lodge of England and stigmatized them as "Moderns" and belittled its
organizers, and that we may have all the light upon this subject, which is desired by every honest
and true Masonic reader, it is proper to give the biographical sketch and Masonic history of one of
its chief founders, eminent in Masonry, as given by our late Bro. Albert G. Mackey, and there is
no higher authority than this most eminent Masonic historian and scholar — John Theoph1lus Desa-
gul1ers. Of those who were engaged in the revival of Freemasonry in the beginning of the eighteenth
century none performed a more important part than he, to whom may well be applied the title of
the "Father of Modern Speculative Masonry," and to whom perhaps more than any other person is
the present Grand Lodge indebted for its existence. A sketch of his life, drawn from the scanty
materials to be found in Masonic records and in the brief notices of a few of his contemporaries,
cannot fail to be interesting to the student of Masonic history. The Rev. John Theoph1lus Desa-
gul1ers, LL. D., F. R. S., was born March 12, 1683, at Rochelle, France. He was the son of a
French Protestant clergyman, and his father having removed to England as a refugee on the revoca
tion of the Edict of Nantes, he was educated at Christchurch, Oxford, where he took lessons of the
celebrated Ke1ll in experimental philosophy. In 17 13 he received the degree of Master of Arts,
and in the same year succeeded Dr. Ke1ll as a lecturer of experimental philosophy at Hart Hall.
In the year 17 14 he removed to Westminster, where he continued his course of lectures, being the
first one, it is said, who ever lectured upon physical science in the metropolis. At this time he
attracted the notice of Sir Isaac Newton. His reputation as a philosopher obtained for him a fellow
ship in the Royal Society. He was also about this time admitted to clerical orders and appointed
by the Duke of Chandos his chaplain, who also presented him to the living of Whitchurch. In 17 18
he received from the University of Oxford the degree of Doctor of Laws, and was presented by the
Earl of Sunderland to a living in Norfolk, which he afterward exchanged for one in Essex. He
maintained his residence in London, however, where he continued to deliver his lectures until his
death. His contributions to science consist of a "Treatise on the Construction of Chimneys," trans
lated from the French, and published in 1716; "A Course of Experimental Philosophy," in two vol
umes, published in 1734; and in 1735 he edited an edition of Gregory's "Elements of Catoptrics
and Dioptrics." He also translated from the Latin Gravesandes' mathematical " Elements of Natural
Philosophy." In the clerical profession he seems not to have been an ardent worker, and his theo
logical labors were confined to the publication of a single sermon on repentance. He was in fact
more distinguished as a scientist than as a clergyman, and Pr1estly calls him "an indefatigable
experimental philosopher."
"It is, however, as a Mason that Dr. Desagul1ers will most attract our attention. Soon after
his arrival in London he was made a Mason in the Lodge meeting at Goose and Gridiron in St.
Paul's Churchyard, which subsequently took the name of the Lodge of Antiquity. 'The peculiar
principles of the Craft,' says Dr. Ol1ver, 'struck him as being eminently calculated to contribute to
the benefit of the community at large, if they could be redirected into the channel from which they
had been diverted by the retirement of Sir Chr1stopher Wren.' It is said that he visited that
veteran architect, and from his conversations with him was induced to inaugurate those measures
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy!. 549
which led in 1717 to the revival of Freemasonry in the south of England. The reputation of
DESAGULIERs as a man of science enabled him to secure the necessary assistance of older Masons to
carry the design of revival into effect, and, supported by the activity and zeal of many Brethren, he
succeeded in obtaining a meeting of the four London Lodges in 1717 at the Apple Tree Tavern,
where the Grand Lodge was constituted in due form, and at a subsequent meeting on ST. John
the Baptist's Day, ANTONY SAYRE was elected Grand Master. In 1719 DESAGULIERs was elected to
the throne of the Grand Lodge, succeeding GEORGE PAYNE, and being thus the third Grand Master
after the revival. He paid much attention to the interests of the fraternity, and so elevated the
character of the Order that the records of the Grand Lodge show that during his administration sev
eral of the older Brethren, who had hitherto neglected the Craft, resumed their visits to the Lodges,
and many noblemen were initiated into the institution.
“Dr. DESAGULIERS was peculiarly zealous in the investigation and collection of the old records
of the Society, and to him we are principally indebted for the preservation of the ‘Charges of a Free
mason' and the preparation of the ‘General Regulations, which are found in the first edition of the
Constitutions, which, although attributed to Dr. ANDERSON, were undoubtedly compiled under the
supervision of DESAGULIERS ANDERSON we suppose did the work, while DESAGULIERs furnished much
of the material and the thought. One of the first controversial works in favor of Freemasonry –
namely, ‘A Detection of Dr. Plot's Account of the Freemasons' – was also attributed to his pen;
but he is said to have repudiated the credit of its authorship, of which, indeed, the paper furnishes
no internal evidence. In 1721 he delivered before the Grand Lodge what the records call 'an
eloquent oration about Masons and Masonry. It does not appear that it was ever published, at
least no copy of it is extant, although KLoss puts the title at the head of his ‘Catalogue of Masonic
Orations. It is, indeed, the first Masonic address of which we have any notice, and would be
highly interesting, because it would give us in all probability, as Kloss remarks, the views of the
Masons of that day in reference to the design of the institution.
“After his retirement from the office of Grand Master, in 1720, DESAGULIERS was three times
appointed Deputy Grand Master—in 1723 by the Duke of Wharton, in 1724 by the Earl of Dal
keith, in 1725 by Lord PAISLEy—and during this period of service he did many things for the benefit
of the Craft, among others that scheme of charity which was subsequently developed in what is now
known in the Grand Lodge of England as the Fund of Benevolence. After this Dr. DESAGULIERs
passed over to the Continent and resided for a few years in Holland. In 1731 he was at The
Hague, and presided as Worshipful Master of a Lodge organized under a special dispensation for the
purpose of initiating and passing the Duke of Lorraine, who was subsequently Grand Duke of Tus
cany and then Emperor of Germany. The Duke was during the same year made a Master Mason
in England. On his return to England DESAGULIERS was considered, from his position in Masonry,
as the most fitting person to confer the degrees on the Prince of Wales, afterward GEORGE II, who
was accordingly entered, passed, and raised in an occasional Lodge, held on two occasions at Kew,
over which Dr. DESAGULIERs presided as Master. Dr. DESAGULIERs was very attentive to his Masonic
duties and punctual in his attendance on the communications of the Grand Lodge. His last recorded
appearance by name is on March 19, 1741, but a few years before his death."
Of DESAGULIERs Masonic and personal character Dr. OLIVER gives from tradition the following
description:
“There were many traits in his character that redound to his immortal praise. He was a
grave man in private life, almost approaching to austerity; but he could relax in the private recesses
of a tiled Lodge, and in company with Brothers and fellows, where the ties of social intercourse are
55O FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
not particularly stringent. He con

sidered the proceedings of the Lodge
as strictly confidential, and being per
suaded that his Brothers by initiation
- actually occupied the same position
as brothers by blood, he was undis
- guisedly free and familiar in the mutual
interchange of unrestrained courtesy.
In the Lodge he was jocose and free
hearted, sang his song, and had no
objection to his share of the bottle,
although one of the most learned and
distinguished men of his day. In
17 13 DESAGULIERs had married a
daughter of WILLIAM PUDsEy, Esq.,
by whom he had two sons—ALEx
ANDER, who became a clergyman, and
THOMAS, who went into the army and
became a colonel of artillery and an
equerry to GEORGE III. DESAGULIERs
died on the 29th of February, 1744,
at the Bedford Coffee House, and
was buried in the Savoy.
“To few Masons of the present
day, except to those who have made
Freemasonry a subject of especial
study, is the name of DESAGULIERs
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL–London.
very familiar. But it is well they
should know that to him, perhaps more than to any other man, are we indebted for the present exist
ence of Freemasonry as a living institution; for when, in the beginning of the eighteenth century,
Masonry had fallen into a state of decadence which threatened its extinction, it was DESAGULIERs who by
his energy and enthusiasm infused a spirit of zeal into his contemporaries which culminated in the revival
of the year 1717, and it was his learning and social position that gave a standing to the institution
which brought to its support noblemen and men of influence, so that the insignificant assemblage of
four London Lodges at the Apple Tree Tavern has expanded into an association which now over
shadows the entire civilized world. And the moving spirit of all this was JoHN THEOPHILUs DESA
GULIERS."
And it was this man and his contemporaries and fellows whom LAwRENCE DERMoTT attempted
to belittle and treated with disrespect and disdain, drew off from this Grand Lodge with his fellow
conspirators and organized a new Grand Lodge which he called the “Ancients," shifted the positions
of the pillars, dismembered the third degree and manufactured the Royal Arch of Zerubbabel, as
already stated, and which for a period of three-quarters of a century was to divide the Masonic
fraternity into two rival hostile factions in both Great Britain and America, while the two contending
houses of the STUARTs and the GEORGES for the throne kept both Great Britain and her American
colonies in a turmoil, the mother country in a state of preparation to repel invasion and a portion of
the time in civil and religious war, by which the pure waters in the stream of Masonry were to be
muddied by the caving in of the banks of political and religious rivalries between the adherents of
the houses of the Stuarts and of Hanover.
In order to complete the early history of the Royal Arch degree before it was finished in
England it is necessary to introduce the following brief biographical sketch and Masonic history of
another individual which is of great importance to our readers and especially the Masonic student:
Thomas Dunckerley, number one among the Masons of England, occupied a more distinguished
position or played a more important part in the labors of the Craft during the latter part of the
eighteenth century than Thomas Dunckerley, whose private life was as romantic as his Masonic was
honorable. Thomas Dunckerley was born in the city of London on October 23, 1724. He was
the reputed son of Mr. and Mrs. Mary Dunckerley, but really owed his birth to a personage of a
much higher rank in life, being the natural son of the Prince of Wales, afterward George II, to
whom he bore, as his portrait shows, a striking resemblance. It was not until after his mother's
death that be became acquainted with the true history of his birth, so that for more than half of his
life this son of a King occupied a very humble position on the stage of the world, and was some
times even embarrassed with the pressure of poverty and distress. At the age of ten he entered the
navy and continued in the service for
twenty -six years, acquiring by his in
telligence and uniformly good conduct
the esteem and commendation of all his
commanders. But having no personal
or family interest he never attained to
any higher rank than that of a gunner.
Dunckerley had hoped that his
case would have been laid before his
royal father and that the result would
have been an appointment equal to his
birth. But the frustration of these
hopes by the death of the King seems
to have discouraged him, and no efforts
appear for some time to have been
made by him or his friends to commu
nicate the facts to George III, who
had succeeded to the throne. In 1767,
however, the declaration of his mother
was laid before the King. It made an
impression on him, and inquiry into his
previous character and conduct having
proved satisfactory, on May 7, 1767,
the King ordered Dunckerley to re
ceive a pension of £ 100, which was
subsequently increased to a£800, to
gether with a suite of apartments in
Hampton Court Palace. He also as
sumed and was permitted to bear the YORK cathedral- England.
royal arms, with the distinguishing badge of the bend sinister, and adopted as his motto the appro
priate words "Fato non merito." In his familiar correspondence and in his book-plates he used
the name of Fr1tz George. In 1770, when 46 years of age, he became a student of law and in
1774 was called to the bar, but his fondness for an active life prevented him from ever making much
progress in the legal profession. Dunckerley died at Portsmouth in the year 1795, at the age of 71.
The Masonic career of Thomas Dunckerley, if less remarkable than his domestic life, is still
more interesting to the Freemason. There is no record of the exact time of his reception into the
Order, but it must have been not long before 1757, as he in that year delivered an address, as we
should now call it, before the Lodges of Plymouth, which was published at the time under the title
of "The Light and Truth of Masonry Explained," being the substance of a charge delivered at
Plymouth in 1757. In the title of this production he styles himself simply as Master Mason, show
ing that he had not been long enough in the Order to have attained official position, and in the
body of the charge he apologizes for the apparent presumption of one "who had been so few years
a Mason." It is probable that he was initiated about the year 1755, being at that time in the navy,
in one of the Lodges at Plymouth, which was then as now frequented by vessels of war. In this
charge, it is worthy of note, a prayer written by Dunckerley appears for the first time, which,
slightly abridged, has ever since been used in all English and American Lodges at the initiation of a
candidate. Ol1ver says that shortly after his return to England he was elected the Master of a
Lodge. This must have been in the year 1766 or 1767, for in the latter year he received from
Lord Blaney, the Grand Master, the deputation for Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire, which,
we suppose, would scarcely have been given him if he had not "passed the chair." Preston speaks
of his "indefatigable assiduity" in the discharge of the duties of the office and of the considerable
progress of Masonry in the province through his instrumentality. He was soon after appointed to
the superintendence' of the Lodges in Dorsetshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Somersetshire, and Here
fordshire. And some years afterward the Grand Lodge, in grateful testimony of his zeal in the cause
of Masonry, resolved that he should rank as a Past Senior Grand Warden, and in all processions
take place next the present Senior Grand Warden for the time being. During the rest of his life
Dunckerley received many evidences of the high esteem in which he was held by the Masonic
authorities of the day, and at the time of his death was occupying the following prominent positions,
in addition to that of Provincial Grand Master, which he held from the Prince of Wales, viz.: Grand
Superintendent and Past Grand Master of Royal Arch Masons of Bristol and several counties,
appointed by the Duke of Clarence, and Supreme Grand Master of the Knights of Rosa Crucis,
Templars, and Kadosh, under Prince Edward, afterward Duke of Kent. His royal kinsmen did not
neglect his claims to patronage.
Far higher, however, than any of these titles and offices and of more lasting importance to
the Craft was the position occupied by Dunckerley as an instructor of the Lodges, and a reformer,
or at least a remodeler, of the system of lectures. To these duties he was called by the Grand
Lodge of England, which authorized him to construct a new code of lectures, a careful revision of
the existing ritual, and a collation of all ancient formulas. In the lecture of the third degree, as
prepared by Desagul1ers and Anderson, it is said "that which was lost is now found," meaning,
says Ol1ver, that the Master Mason's word was delivered to the newly raised Master in the latter
ceremonies of the third degree, which would preclude the necessity of a Royal Arch degree. But
Dunckerley was intent on also having a Royal Arch degree for his own constitutional Grand Lodge,
or the Moderns, and he often visited the Lodges of the Ancients for the purpose of ascertaining
what were the essential differences between the two systems, and of that which was good he culled
the best and transplanted into the workings of the legitimate Grand Lodge. He dismembered the
third degree, taking from it the Master's word. This involved the necessity of a new degree. Says
Ol1ver, concerning Dermott's Royal Arch : "As it was originally constructed, it was jumbled together
in a state of inextricable confusion, the events commemorated in Ramsay's Royal Arch, the Knights
of the Ninth Arch, of the Burning Bush, of the East or Sword, of the Red Cross, the Scotch Fellow
Craft, the Select Master, the Red Cross Sword of Babylon, the Rose Croix," etc Dunckerley bor
rowing from Ramsay, Dermott, and from his own invention, fabricated his degree of Royal Arch for
the Modern Masons, a violent innovation, for the success of which he was indebted only to his own
great popularity among the Craft and the influence of the Grand Master.
George III, being the first native-
born King of England of the house of Han-
over, there was no danger of further trou-
ble from the house of the Stuarts, which
soon became extinct, and the illegitimate
brother of George I I I was engaged in recon-
structing the Masonry of the Grand Lodge
and using a portion of the work in the
construction of his Royal Arch that had
been invented by Ramsay in the interest
of the unsuccessful Pretenders, and some
of the material of the "lost cause" was to be
worked in for the moral support of Free-
masonry given to the house of Hanover and
in the mother country cemented to the throne.
To Dunckerley is the Craft indebted for the
introduction into the lectures of the ancient
astronomical figures, giving a new definition
of the two parallel lines as a symbol of
the two Saints John and the "theological
ladder." Dunckerley wrote nothing of great
importance. His contributions to Masonic
literature seem to have been confined to a few
charges or addresses delivered in 1757 and
in 1769, and to a very brief chronological
sketch of the Order ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL — The Nave and Choir. of Knights Templar,
which was published in the third volume of the Freemason s Magazine. He was also the author
of some Masonic poetry, and two of his odes are inserted in Noorthouck's edition of the
Book of Constitutions. But his most effective labors were almost altogether esoteric and his
instructions oral, and his industry in this way seems to have been indefatigable and his influence
extensive. The results are felt, as has already been said, to the present day. His popularity as a
lecturer is to be attributed to the active character of his mind and his thorough mastership of the
subjects which he taught, and the fluency of his delivery. His conduct was irreproachable and hence
he was fortunate in securing the esteem and regard of the Craft, and the friendship of the most dis
tinguished Masons who were his contemporaries. Preston styles him "that truly Masonic luminary,"
and Ol1ver says he was the oracle of the Grand Lodge and the accredited interpreter of its consti
tutions. His decision, like the law of the Medes and Persians, was final on all points, both of doc
trine and discipline, and against it there was no appeal.
We have thus given the origin of the Royal Arch degrees, who made them, and the history
of their authors in the Old World. The further history of the first Royal Arch degree, that of the
Royal Arch of Solomon made by Ramsay, will be found in the history of the Ancient and Accepted
, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, further on in the work. The Roval Arch of Dermott and the Royal
Arch of Dunckerlev were welded together when the constitutional Grand Lodge of Freemasons or
Moderns and the Atholl Grand Lodge of the Ancients created by Dermott and his adherents were
a consolidated in 1813 into the present "United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of England,"
' twenty-five years after the death of Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, who died Janu
ary 31, 1788, when that house of the Stuarts became extinct. In England in 1834 considerable
changes were made in the ceremonies of exaltation, but the general outline of the system was pre
served. The Royal Arch degree is now conferred in Chapters under the Supreme Grand Chapter of
England and is the fourth degree in the Masonic series, and a Master Mason who has been so for
twelve months is eligible for exaltation, unless this rule has been recently changed. The principal
officers of an English Chapter are three Principals, Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Joshua; three Sojourners;
two Scribes, Ezra and Nehemiah ; a Treasurer and a Janitor.
The American degree of Mark Master was transplanted in London, England, and in June,
1856, the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters of England established, which governs that degree only.
The American degrees of Mark, Past, Excellent, and Superexcellent Masters were transplanted in
Scotland, and are the preliminary degrees required before receiving the Royal Arch degree in that
country, the Chapters of which also confer the Order of the Knight of the Babylonish Pass, which is
the same as the Knight of the East and Prince of Jerusalem, the fifteenth degrees of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite and the Order of the Red Cross given in an American Commandery of
Knights Templar. The officers of a Royal Arch Chapter in Scotland are the same as in England.
In Ireland the officers are about the same as in an English or Scotch Royal Arch Chapter, and a
new ritual has been adopted nearly conforming to the American. Said Bro. Mackey: "However
the legend or historical basis might vary in the different rites in all of them the symbolical significa
tion of the Royal Arch was identical. Hence the building of the second Temple, so prominent in
the English and American systems, and so entirely unknown in the Continental, cannot be considered
as an essential point in the symbolism of the degree. It is important in the systems in which it
occurs, but it is not essential. The true symbolism of the Royal Arch system is founded on the
discovery of the Lost Word, which is the symbol of Truth."
It is most appropriate, in connection with the narrative of the origin of Royal Arch Masonry,
and the story of the dissensions and triumphs of the Craft, to illustrate this chapter with the practical
work of our ancient Brethren of operative Craftship. Four old English Cathedrals are selected for
this purpose, each of which was projected in the seventh century. Razed by conflicting wars, rebuilt,
and added to, their beauty of proportion and grandeur of construction command the admiration of
succeeding generations. Canterbury, St. Paul's, York, and Rochester are enduring monuments to the
brain and toil of their projectors. At St. Paul's Cathedral the four Lodges of London met to
organize the Grand Lodge of England in 171 7. The first stone of this edifice, destroyed by fire in
1666, was laid by Sir Chr1stopher Wren, eminent Mason — the last by his son. Speculative Masons
view with admiration the work of the old masters. They build not in the operative sense, but they
mold and fashion the rough stones of humanity into perfect ashlars for the glory of "that spiritual
building, not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens."
CHAPTER XVI.
Royal Arch Masonry in America.
Amended, Altered, Added to, and the Degree of Most Excellent Master Invented — The Work
of Thomas Sm1th Webb.
HE recorded history of the Royal Arch degree in America gives the

seniority to Royal Arch Lodge, No. 3, in Philadelphia, as being in pos-
jpjt - y session of the work in 1767; but, as already mentioned, St. Andrew s
Chapter, in Boston, originally called Royal Arch Lodge, first con-
,3» /U'l ferred the Royal Arch degree on August 28, 1769. In England be -
p.. y , tween these two years the title of Chapter was adopted April 29, 1768,
and ten years afterward the word Companion was first used in England
— February 8, 1778. The name and the title were subsequently adopted
in America, though the Royal Arch Chapters were held in the bosoms
of the Lodges of the Ancients in this country until the Royal Arch de
gree was severed from the control of the symbolic Lodges and organ
ized under a separate government. While connected with the Lodge
—^>^~* the Royal Arch had the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft, and Master Mason to support it ; but left to itself, it required additional degrees to produce a self-
sustaining and attractive organization. Hence the addition of the Mark, Past, and Most Excellent degrees.
The Mark Master Degree. — This is the first degree conferred in an American Royal Arch
Chapter, as every Companion and well-informed Mason knows. Beyond all question or doubt its
origin was in the work of the "Fellows of the Craft," or what is now denominated the Fellow Craft
degree, but shorn of that portion of what actually pertains to it, though Thomas Sm1th Webb
revamped it and introduced anachronisms into the ritual by putting in a parable of Chr1st [Matthew
xx] and also a portion of the Revelations of St. John the Evangelist [Revelations ii, 1 7] a«d" chrono
logically 1043 years and 1 106 years respectively after the erection of King Solomon's Temple. The
parable refers to the enforced keeping of a contract without regard to the equities in the case where
the price of labor is involved, and the other, the Revelation of St. John, in relation to the having
an attentive ear and the giving of a precious white stone as a jewel, seal, keepsake, or talisman. It
has no reference to a keystone or a building stone, but in the American degree is made to appear
as a keystone with the misapplication of Scripture of "the stone which the builders refused is become
the headstone of the corner." [Ps. cxviii, 22; Mat. xxi, 42; Mk. xii, 12.] Now, a keystone is not
a headstone or corner-stone, and the letters placed in the circle of the keystone in the Mark Master's
degree express nothing whatever, though it is implied that the stone was shipped from Tyre to
Jerusalem as a gift from the donor to be placed in the Temple.
The original degree of Mark Mason very properly has a cubic stone. This stone was trans
lucent, of the purest alabaster or white marble, and finished and polished with the greatest of skill.
Upon its upper face were two circular lines with the letters H. T. W. S. S. T. K. S., which were the
initials of a message that the True Word would be sent up in accordance with the compact or agree
ment between the two kings. This stone was to be placed on a pedestal in the center of the Secret
Vault, or arch under the Sanctum Sanctorum or the Holy of Holies of the Temple, and afterward
upon it was to be placed and sunk in the center of the stone a triangular plate of gold, which H1ram
the King of Tyre was having prepared with precious gems and costly stones and the letters of the
True Word in three languages engraved upon it. If the inventor of this, the oldest Mark degree,
or if Thomas Sm1th Webb, while quoting from Revelations had gone a little further, it would have
been more complete and satisfactory to all who have received the degree, as witness the following
from the next Chapter:
"Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I
make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out ; and I will write upon him
the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh
down out of Heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name."
Instead of the above, regardless of the information conveyed in the cabalistic letters in the
circle of what yet was to be sent and placed in the center of the stone, the candidate himself is to
enter his own device or mark, regardless of what it may be. There is no application of the message
contained in the circle to the mark chosen by the newly made Mark Master Mason, though the
candidate himself symbolically represents what is sent up to Jerusalem. Many marks are chosen
which are nowise Masonic or have any Masonic symbolism or application. In one Chapter book of
marks in San Francisco some years ago the device which a member chose was that of a ring -tailed
monkey climbing a pole, proving his belief in the Darwinian theory and that his simian ancestry was
not very remote; and that he himself might be descended from some of the apes which the Queen
of Sheba brought with her peacocks and other gifts to King Solomon.
The Mark Master degree teaches several important lessons which should be deeply engraved
in the mind and heart of every one who has received it, regardless of the incoherency of the matters
and events which are embraced in the ritual of the degree itself.
The earliest date on which this degree was conferred in America of which there is any record
was November 17, 1774, in Halifax, Nova Scotia; next on May 17, 1791, in Hiram Chapter, No.
1, in Newtown, Conn. It was known in St. Andrews Chapter in Boston in March, 1793, and
conferred July 25, 1793, by the Chapter in that city. It was conferred by Washington Chapter, in
Providence, R. I., on October 5, 1793, and in Jerusalem Chapter, in Philadelphia, on May 18, 1795.
The Past Master Degree. — In England Past Master is understood to mean one who has
actually served twelve months as Master of a Lodge. It is under control of the Grand Lodge, but
is not termed a separate degree. In 1744 the words "having passed through the chair" were used
to describe a ceremony. It has been said also that the Installed Master was originated about this
period. The Constitution of 1723, concerning the installation of the Master, speaks of certain "sig
nificant ceremonies and ancient usages." The late Comp. John Dove, Grand Secretary of the Grand
Lodge and the Grand Chapter of Virginia for many long years, said to his Grand Lodge in 1872:
"I intended to have said something in condemnation of the action of the M.\ E.\ Grand
Chapter of England, in abolishing the degree of Past Master and substituting a so-called 'Chair
Degree.' A degree which has thus been practiced for one hundred years, and by us in Virginia
since 1790, ought not thus summarily be thrown out at the dictum of any one Grand Body."
In a code of by-laws, adopted by Jerusalem Chapter in Philadelphia, September 5, 1789, it is
said: "No Brother can be exalted until he has been at least three years a Master Mason and has
presided six months as Master of some regularly warranted Lodge or has passed the chair by dis
pensation."
The charter of Washington Chapter, already referred to, shows that the position now occupied
by the degree was well defined prior to September, 1793. The Companions in Boston moved more
slowly, as the degree has no Chapter record there prior to March 16, 1796, when three Brethren
were "Past" and thirteen others were "Past" during that year.
At about this time the Chapter working under the charter of Harmony Lodge, No. 52, in
Philadelphia, conferred the degree. The by-laws required "that every Brother who has not passed
the chair shall pay fourteen dollars, out of which the dispensation shall be paid for; if past the chair,
for being exalted, eight dollars."
This by-law was adopted June 19, 1799. In January, 1801, a committee of the Grand Chap
ter found that two Brothers had been passed the chair without having been duly elected Worshipful
Masters of said Lodge and without previously obtained dispensations from the R.\ W.\ Grand
Master.
The degree was held as prerequisite to receiving the Royal Arch degree ; therefore the neces
sity of a dispensation. This rule is still observed in Pennsylvania, where a candidate for the Mark,
Most Excellent, or Royal Arch degree must be "a Past Master, either by election or dispensation."
Said Comp. Albert G. Mackey:
"Past Master — An honorary degree conferred on the Master of a Lodge at his installation
into office. In this degree the necessary instructions are conferred respecting the various ceremonies
of the Order, such as installations, processions, the laying of corner-stones, etc When a Brother who 1
has never before presided has been elected the Master of a Lodge, an emergent Lodge of Past Masters,
consisting of not less than three, is convened, and, all but Past Masters retiring, the degree is conferred
upon the newly elected officer. Some form of ceremony at the installation of a new Master seems I
to have been adopted at an early period after revival. In the 'manner of constituting a new Lodge,' j
as practiced by the Duke of Wharton, who was Grand Master in 1723, the language used by the
Grand Master when placing the candidate in the chair is given, and he is said to use 'some other
expressions that are proper and usual on that occasion, but not proper to be written.' Whence we
conclude that there was an esoteric ceremony. Often the rituals tell us that this ceremony consisted !
only in the outgoing Master concerning certain modes of recognition to his successor. And this
actually, even at this day, constitutes the essential ingredient of the Past Master degree. The degree \
is also conferred in Royal Arch Chapters, where it succeeds the Mark Master degree. The confer- j
ring of this degree, which has no historical connection with the rest of the degrees in a Chapter,
arises from the following circumstance. Originally, when Chapters of Royal Arch Masonry were
under the government of Lodges in which the degree was then always conferred, it was a part of the
regulations that no one could receive the Royal Arch degree unless he had previously presided in the
Lodge as Master. When the Chapters became independent the regulation could not be abolished, 1
for that would have been an innovation ; the difficulty has therefore been obviated by making every
candidate for the degree of Royal Arch a Past Master before his exaltation."
Dunckerley dismembered the third degree, which was only conferred upon the Master of a
Lodge and who at the time he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason was invested with
the True Word. This Dunckerley eliminated from the Master degree and placed it in the Royal
Arch. Consequently a substitute word was given to the Master degree, as also a substitute to the
Past Master degree, upon the induction of a new Master elect into office, or when the degree was
conferred in a Royal Arch Chapter as a prerequisite to being exalted to the Royal Arch degree.
For several years past the question has been agitated in some of the Grand Lodges of the United
States whether this degree is within the jurisdiction of symbolic or Royal Arch Masonry. The
explanation just given of its introduction into Chapters manifestly demonstrates that the jurisdiction
over it by Chapters is altogether an assumed one. The Past Master of a Chapter is only a quasi
1 Past Master; the true and legitimate Past Master is the one who has presided over a symbolic Lodge.
The jewel of a Past Master in the United States is a pair of compasses extended to sixty
\ degrees on the fourth part of a circle, with a sun in the center. In England it was formerly the
square on a quadrant, but is at present the square with the forty-seventh problem of Eucl1d engraved
on a silver plate suspended within it.
Most Excellent Master. —Says the late Bro. Mackey of this degree:
"The sixth degree in the York Rite. Its history refers to the dedication of the Temple by
King Solomon, who is represented by its presiding officer under the title of Most Excellent. Its
officers are the same as those in a symbolic Lodge. In some rituals the Junior Warden is omitted.
This degree is peculiarly American, it being practiced in no other country. It was the invention of
Webb, who organized the Capitular system of Masonry in this country, and established the system of
lectures which is the foundation of all subsequent systems taught in America."
In speaking of Webb's work, the late distinguished Bro. Albert P1ke said of him:
"The Mark Master and Most Excellent Master were made by him, out and out. So was
what there is of the Past Master."
It is not the intention in this work to open up a controversy, but simply to state facts and
give standard authorities when quoted. The following biographical sketch and Masonic history is
taken from " Mackey's Encyclopedia":
"Thomas Sm1th Webb. — No name in Masonry is more familiar to the American Mason than
that of Webb, who really was the inventor and founder of the system of work, which, under the
appropriate name of the American Rite (although often improperly called the York Rite), is univer
sally practiced in the United States. The most exhaustive biography of him that has been written
is that of Bro. Cornel1us Moore in his 'Leaflets of Masonic Biography,' and from that with a few
additions from other sources, the present sketch is derived. Thomas Sm1th Webb, the son of parents
who a few years previous to his birth had emigrated from England and settled in Boston, Mass., was
born in that city October 13, 1771. He was educated in one of the public schools, where he acquired
such knowledge as was at that time imparted in them and became proficient in the French and Latin
languages. He selected as a profession either that of a printer or bookbinder — his biographer is
uncertain which, but inclines to think it was the former. After completing his apprenticeship he
removed to Keene, N. H., where he worked at his trade, and about the year 1792 (the precise date
is unknown) was initiated into Freemasonry in Rising Sun Lodge in that town."
[The Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island shows that Thomas Sm1th
Webb was born in Boston October 30, 1 7 7 1 . The records of Rising Sun Lodge, formerly in Keene,
N. H., show that he was initiated December 24, 1790, passed and raised December 27, 1790. He
withdrew from membership, was again admitted December 27, 1791, and finally withdrew March 7,
1792. The evidence in Keene is that he was a bookbinder. On May 18, 1796, he received the
Royal Arch degree in Harmony Chapter, No. 52, in Philadelphia, and was entered in the records as
a sojourner.]
"While residing at Keene Webb married Miss Martha Hopk1ns, and shortly afterward removed
to Albany, N. Y., where he opened a bookstore.
"Comp. Alfred F. Chapman, P. G. G. H. P., says:
"'We have never seen authority for saying when or where he received the other Chapter
degrees. He came into notice at the organization of Temple Lodge in Albany, N. Y., by authority
of Grand Lodge, November 11, 1796. Of this Lodge John Hanmer was Master, and Webb was
DEDICATING the temple.
Senior Warden. A special convention of Royal Arch Masons in Albany, including Hanmer and
Webb, was held. The former "proposed that the subject of opening a Royal Arch Chapter should
be taken into consideration by all the Companions present, * * * as there is no Chapter in this
part of the country."
"'Webb was elected High Priest on February 14, 1797, when with "Benjam1n Beecher and
James Pame1.ly," the "Lodge was opened in the degree of Most Excellent Master." This was the
first time his name appeared in connection with that degree, nor does it appear in the records 0f
Temple Chapter later than June, 1799.
" 'It was at this early period of his life that Webb appears to have commenced his work as a
Masonic teacher, an office which he continued to fill with great influence until the close of his life.
In 1797 he published at Albany the first edition of his "Freemasons' Monitor; or Illustrations of
Masonry." It purports to be by a Royal Arch Mason, K. T., K. M., etc He did not claim the
authorship until the subsequent edition, but his name and that of his partner, Spencer, appear in the
imprint as publishers. He acknowledges in the preface his indebtedness to Preston for the observa
tions on the first three degrees. But he states that he has differently arranged Preston's distribu
tions of the sections, because they were "not agreeable to the mode of working in America." This
proves that the Prestonian system was not then followed in the United States, and ought to be a
sufficient answer to those who at a later period attempted to claim an identity between the lectures
of Preston and Webb.
" 'About the year 1801 he removed to Providence, R. I., where he engaged in the manufacture
of wall-paper on an extensive scale. By this time his reputation as a Masonic teacher had been
well established, for a committee was appointed by St. Johns Lodge of Providence to wait upon and
inform him that "this Lodge (for his great exertions in the cause of Masonry) wish him to become a
member of the same." He accepted the invitation, and passing through the various gradations of
office was elected, in 18 13, Grand Master of the Masons of Rhode Island.
"'But it is necessary now to recur to preceding events. In 1797, on October 24th, a conven
tion of committees from several Chapters in the Northern States was held in Boston for the purpose
of deliberating on the propriety and expediency of establishing a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons for the Northern States. Of this convention Webb was chosen as the chairman. Previ
ously to this time the Royal Arch degrees had been conferred in Masters' Lodges under a Lodge
warrant. It is undoubtedly to the influence of Webb that we are to attribute the disseverance of the
degree from that jurisdiction and the establishment of independent Chapters. It was one of the first
steps that he took in the organization of the American Rite. The circular addressed by the conven
tion to the Chapters of the country was most probably from the pen of Webb.
"'The Grand Chapter having been organized in January, 1798, Webb was elected Grand Scribe
and re-elected in 1799, at which time the body assumed the title of the General Grand Chapter. In
1806 he was promoted to the office of General Grand King, and in 1816 to that of Deputy General
Grand High Priest, which he held until his death. During all this time, Webb, although actively
engaged in the labors of Masonic instruction, continued his interest in the manufacture of wall-paper,
and in 18 17 removed his machinery to the West, Moore thinks with the intention of making his
residence there.
" 'In 1 8 1 6 he visited the Western States and remained there two years, during which time he
appears to have been actively engaged in the organization of Chapters, Grand Chapters, and Encamp
ments. It was during this visit that he established the Grand Chapters of Ohio and Kentucky, by
virtue of his powers as a General Grand officer. In August, 18 18, he left Ohio and returned to
Boston. In the spring of 18 19 he again began a visit to the West, but he reached no farther than
Cleveland, O., where he died very suddenly, it is supposed in a fit of apoplexy, on July 6, 1 8 19,
and was buried the next day with Masonic honors. The body was subsequently disinterred and
conveyed to Providence, where, on the 8th of November, it was reinterred by the Grand Lodge of
Rhode Island.'
"Webb's influence over the Masons of the United States, as the founder of a rite, was alto
gether personal. In Masonic literature he has made no mark, for his labors as an author are con
fined to a single work, his 'Monitor,' and this is little more than a syllabus of his lectures, although,
if we may judge by the introductory remarks to the various sections of the degrees and especially to
the second one of the third degree, Webb was but little acquainted with the true philosophical sym
bolism of Freemasonry, such as it was taught by Hutch1nson in England and by his contemporaries
in this country, Harr1s and Towne. He was what Carson properly calls him, 'the ablest Masonic
ritualist of his day — the very prince of Masonic workmen,' and this was the instrument with which
he worked for the extension of the new rite which he established. The American Rite would have
been more perfect as a system had its founder entertained profounder views of the philosophy and
symbolism of Masonry as a science ; but as it is, with imperfections which time, it is hoped, will
remove, and deficiencies which future researches of the Masonic scholar will supply, it still must ever
be a monument of the ritualistic skill, the devotion, and the persevering labor of Thomas Sm1th
Webb. The few odes and anthems composed by Webb for his rituals possess a high degree of
poetic merit, and evince the possession of much genius in their author."
Such is the opinion of
the greatest Masonic lexi
cographer, philosopher,
historian, and writer that
America— in fact, the entire
Masonic world — has yet
produced, the late most dis
tinguished Brother and
Companion Albert Galla
t1n Mackey.
But Past General Grand
High Priest Alfred F.
Chapman has formed a dif
ferent opinion of Webb and
his ability as a ritualist, and
placed his crowbar under
Webb's monument which
would overthrow it in his
treatment of the Most Ex
cellent Master and Webb's
connection with it. These
divergent opinions are his
torically of much interest.
MIRACULOUS FIRE DESCENDING FROM HEAVEN.
He says:
"Most Excellent Master. — Necessarily something more than an outline sketch of this degree
must be given, and largely from the fact that so much has been said in allusion to it that is incorrect
and misleading. In his oration at the centennial celebration of St. Andrew's Chapter, in Boston,
1869, the late Hon. W1ll1am S. Gardner, Grand Master of Massachusetts and Grand Master of
Knights Templar of the United States, treated it lightly, as indeed he did the system, and evidently
without much prior investigation as the occasion was entitled to. In his history of 'Royal Arch
Masonry in the United States,' appended to Gould's American edition, M.\ E.\ Jos1ah H. Drum-
mond quotes Comp. Gardner in such a way as to leave the impression that his treatment of the
subject is to be relied upon. M.\ E.1. Theodore S. Pary1n, in his addition on 'Templar Masonry
in the United States,' does worse and repeats the glaring error, saying: 'The first mention of the
562 FIFTY YEx4RS OF My SONRY IN CALIFORNI;4.
Most Excellent Master degree, and without doubt the first time it was ever conferred in any Chapter
outside of Temple Chapter, Albany, where it originated, was in the old St. Andrew's Chapter, Boston,
during the visit made to it by THOMAS SMITH WEBB, in February, 1795.'
“In his address to the General Grand Chapter in 1783, the acting General Grand High Priest
said enough about WEBB to have prevented the repetition of errors concerning him; but error reas
serts itself, and necessitates the reiteration of facts here. It is of itself sufficient to show that WEBB
could not have worked the Most Excellent degree in Temple Chapter two years before the body
existed, and fifteen months before he was made a Royal Arch Mason. Neither could he have worked
it in St. Andrew's Chapter at the time specified, and when he and HANMER did work the Most
Excellent degree, after their manner, in this Chapter, on Octo
ber 24, 1797, the degree had been known for years, outside of
Temple Chapter, and familiarly so in Connecticut and Rhode
Island. In the latter case, witness the charter of Washington
Chapter.
“JoHN HANMER was an English Mason, and, as deduced
from his own writing, came to the United States in 1793 or
1794. He exhibited a document from the Grand Master of
Masons in England to the effect that he was 'skilled in the
Ancient lectures and mode of work, as approved and practiced
in England. Writing from Charleston, S. C., under date August
23, 1809, HANMER said that he had been engaged in ‘Masonic
proceedings in America for more than fifteen years. This shows
that he did not originate the degree, although it is probable that
WEBB and he added a large portion of Scripture to the ritual.
Clearly HANMER was the ritualist at the outset, as see proceedings
of the Grand Chapter of New York. At the convention of March
14, 1798, to organize a Grand Chapter, HANMER was High Priest
of Temple Chapter, and was chosen Deputy Grand Secretary.
He was chairman of a committee of five to draft a code of by-laws, chairman of a committee
to draw up a form of warrant, to print the same, and procure a seal; also of a committee to receive
applications of Chapters and Mark Lodges for warrants and to grant them; and on January 30, 1799,
he was appointed to superintend the different Chapters and Mark Lodges in this State, to establish a
uniform mode of working and lecturing, according to the directions of the Grand officers.
“At the convention WEBB represented Hibernian Chapter, New York, and on January 29,
1799, was elected Deputy Grand High Priest. Whatever else this may indicate, it strongly suggests
that WEBB was then better known for executive ability. The publication of the Freemasons' Monitor
in 1797, in Albany, in view of all the facts, in no way weakens this suggestion.
“As to the origin of the Most Excellent degree that is obscure. The Irish system embraces
the Chair, the Excellent, the Superexcellent, the Royal Arch, the Knight Templar, and the Prince
Rose Croix; and the Scotch system, the Mark Master, Past Master, Excellent, and Royal Arch.
Excepting the Chair, St. Andrew's Chapter (Lodge) in Boston worked the degrees named in the
Irish system in 1769 and as late as 1797. The first to give way to a change of name was the
Superexcellent. On December 14, 1797, OLIVER PRESCOTT received the Excellent and Most Excel
lent degrees, and the Royal Arch in August, 1799. The Mark and Past degrees had been received
by him November 13, 1797. This indicates transition, and suggests that the Superexcellent degree
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN Cy1LIFORNIy!. 563
of 120 years (now 127 years) ago contained the marrow and something of the bone of the Most
Excellent degree.
“Be this as it may, we do not have space to discuss probabilities, and so return to dates.
The charters granted in Connecticut by Washington Chapter of New York, heretofore spoken of,
show that Hiram Chapter, chartered April 29, 1791, had the degree, as noticed in speaking of the
Past degree. The charter of Washington Chapter, Providence, R. I., date of September 3, 1793,
gives the names of the degrees as Mark, Past, Most Excellent, and Royal Arch, and its records
show that all of them were conferred October 5, 1793. Four other Chapters chartered in Connecticut
by Washington Chapter bear unimpeachable testimony to the fact that the degree of Most Excellent
Master was familiar to Washington Chapter in the earliest months of 1791. Where this Chapter
found it is not known; the accident by fire obliterated a history that otherwise would have been
instructive. In Pennsylvania, where the supremacy of the General Grand Chapter was never acknowl
edged, and where the work of WEBB was never encouraged, the Most Excellent degree was conferred
in /erusalem Chapter, No. 3, on November 5, 1796, more than three months before Zemple Chapter
existed."
We have thus fully given all the information that can be gathered concerning the Most Excel
lent Master degree and of its reputed origin. Whether THOMAS SMITH WEBB, JOHN HANMER, or any
other Mason was the author of it matters not. It was a logical necessity that gave it birth, and in
some form or other its birth would have been spontaneous, upon reflection, that, according to the
legend and tradition, the Temple of Solomon was incomplete at the time of the death of its master
builder, and that before there could have been a dedication it must have been completed by his suc
cessor, who took up the work where HIRAM ABIFF left off. The Temple was finished and dedicated,
according to Holy Writ, the Jewish historian JoséPHUs, and other authorities; while the foundation
stones still remain intact beneath the holy hill
of Mt. Moriah to attest the truth of history;
and from the base of a thousand legends and
tales of tradition that are interwoven into
story and song to form the charm of the beau
tiful degree of Most Excellent Master.
There was a most egregious blunder com
mitted by WEBB, or whoever invented the
degree, by leaving out the Masonic portion

of King SoLOMON's prayer in the dedicatory
ceremonies of the Temple, which should have
been inserted as follows:
“Moreover concerning a stranger, that
is not of Thy people Israel, but cometh out of a
far country for Thy name's sake (for they shall
hear of Thy great name, and of Thy strong
hand, and of Thy stretched out arm): when he shall come and pray toward this house, Hear Thou in
Heaven, Thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to Thee for—that all
people of the earth may know Thy name to fear Thee, as do Thy people Israel; and that they
may know that this house which I have builded is called by Thy name; that all the people of the
earth may know that the LORD is GOD, and that there is none else." [Kings i, 8, 41, 42, 43, 60:
Chronicles ii. 6, 32, 33.
Josephus gives this portion of Solomon's prayer as follows: "Nay, moreover, this help is what
I implore of Thee, not for the Hebrews only when they are in distress, but when any shall come
hither from any ends of the world, and shall return from their sins and implore Thy pardon, do
Thou then pardon them and hear their prayer. For hereby all shall learn that Thou wast pleased
with the building of this house, and that we are not ourselves of an unsociable nature nor behave
ourselves like enemies to such as are not of our own people, but are willing that Thy assistance
should be communicated to all men in common, and that they may have the enjoyment of Thy ben
efits bestowed upon them."
REBUILDING THE TEMPLE AFTER THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY.
In homely phrase it may be said that this was the first union meeting house ever built in this
world. It was the spirit of Freemasonry, of religious liberty, and perfect toleration for everybody.
H1ram, King of Tyre, worshiped God in a different manner from the Hebrews, as did the foreign
Masons from all countries who worked upon the Temple, and each of the three divisions had a name
for God, which was also known and recognized by the other two who had been brought together.
"Then Dav1d said, This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering
for Israel. And Dav1d commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel,
and he set Masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God." [I Chronicles, xxii, 1, 2.]
"And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay
the foundation of the house. And Solomon's builders and H1ram's builders did hew them, and the
stone squares; so they prepared timber and stones to build the house." [I Kings, v, 17, 18.]
And so it will be seen that these different nationalities of Masons who worshiped God each in
his own way, who built and finished the Temple, were duly recognized by Solomon in his dedicatory
prayer, and they could worship in that Temple as well as the Israelites, though the ceremonies and
form of the Jewish religion was conducted by the Levites as ordained by Moses. This portion of
the dedicatory prayer should be restored to its place in the ritual of the Most Excellent Master
degree.
The Royal Arch Degree. —We have already given a full history of this degree in relation to
its origin, the inventor in England, and its translation to America. Thomas Sm1th Webb worked it
over, making almost an entire new ritual of it to adapt it to his system, which now forms, as Comp.
Mackey says, the American Rite. In the English organization of the Chapter the presiding officer
is the Prince and heir to the Jewish throne, Zerubbabel (being descended in the direct line from
King Solomon), and as such represents the King, though nominally
a tributary Prince, first under the Persian King Cyrus and afterward
Dar1us. The too recent severing of political relations with the mother
country, by reason of the war of the Revolution for American inde
pendence, caused the word Royal to be looked upon with disfavor by
patriotic American Masons; and, as Ol1ver, the English Masonic
historian, truly says in his " Historical Landmarks " :
"Our transatlantic Brethren, impelled probably by a dislike to
royalty, have deposed Zerubbabel from the first chair and placed the
High Priest in his place, giving the King only the second throne,
which is evidently erroneous; and they have also greatly injured the
force of the illustration of the triple office of the Mess1ah, by substi
tuting a scribe for a prophet in the third chair."
In regard to the latter in the American Royal Arch degree
there is no illustration in regard to the Mess1ah, which in England is
made to represent the alliance of Freemasonry and the established
religion with the throne, which in America bears no such interpretation or significance. On this
subject Comp. Albert P1ke says:
"When Freemasonry appeared in Europe in the Middle Age it had a mission that exposed it
to persecution, and that accounts for the obligations of its lesser mysteries. If it had then been
only what Blue Masonry now is, in England and America, its obligations, being out of all proportion
to its objects and unnecessary, would have been inexcusable or absurd. The objects to which the
Order owed its existence were abandoned in England about the time when it crossed the Atlantic,
and continuing to be a charitable and mutual beneficial association, it became the ally of the English
Government and Church. It carefully avoids giving offense to power and is dumb to all political
truth, confining itself in its teachings within the domain of morality alone."
The symbolic Masonry of . the present day in the United States is comparatively lethargic,
passive, and selfish, and has not the living, active force and spirit and unity of purpose which ani
mated our Masonic fathers of the American Revolution in their struggles for liberty and independ
ence. The pall of apathy and indifference until lately seems to have obscured the starry canopy of
heaven, but the American flag, the gift of Wash1ngton and the other Masonic founders of our con
stitutional liberty and American nationality, now occupies the place of honor in the East of many
Masonic bodies, especially on the Pacific Coast. There are several incongruities and anachronisms
in the ritual of the Royal Arch degree of Zerubbabel that prove that Webb was not a well posted
biblical scholar; and introducing the Ark of the Covenant into the degree as one of the recovered
treasures in the discoveries made among the ruins of the Temple is so contrary to the truth of history
as to render a portion of the ritual absurd. The only contents of the Ark of the Covenant, when
placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum or Holy of Holies in King Solomon's Temple, were the two tables
of stone :
Kings i, 8, 9 — "There was nothing in the ark, save the two tables of stone, which Moses put
there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel when they came out
of Egypt."
Chronicles ii, 5, 10— "There was nothing in the ark, save the two tables, which Moses put
therein at Horeb, when the Loud made a covenant with the children of Israel when they came out
of Egypt."
And when the Temple was rebuilt on the return of the Jews from their captivity at Babylon,
there was no Ark of the Covenant at all recovered or placed in it. In Josephus we find the fol
lowing commentary upon this subject: "Some are of opinion that among the sacred things which
Cyrus ordered to be restored the Ark of the Covenant was one, but it nowhere appears that this
ark was carried from Jerusalem to Babylon. They tell us, indeed, that in the second temple sacrifices
were offered as in the first, and all solemn days observed, especially the great day of expiation,
when the law ordained that the blood should be sprinkled upon the mercy seat, and mercy seat, say
they, was part of the ark ; but, besides that, the ark, without the Shekinah or divine glory (which
was then withdrawn), would have been of no great significance: the Jews universally acknowledged
that the ark was one of the five things that were wanting in the second temple."
So much upon the history of the origin and nature of the capitular degrees.
THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE
UNITED STATES.
We now come to the establishment of the regularly organized government of Royal Arch
Masonry in the United States. Says Bro. Mac key :
"Until the year 1797 the Royal Arch Degree and the degrees subsidiary to it were conferred
in this country either in irresponsible bodies calling themselves Chapters but obedient to no superior
authority or in Lodges working under a Grand Lodge warrant."
The first steps taken to organize a Grand governing body were by a convention of committees
from St. Andrews Chapter of Boston, Mass., Temple Chapter of Albany, N. Y., and Newburyport
Chapter of Newburyport, Mass. This convention assembled in Mason's Hall, Boston, October 24,
1797, and was attended by Benjam1n Hurd, Jr., High Priest, John Soley, King, and W1ll1am
Woart, Secretary, of St. Andreros; Thomas Sm1th Webb, High Priest, and John Hanmer, Scribe,
of Temple ; Jonathan Gage, Past King, and Joshua Greenleaf, Jr., King, of Neivburyport Chapter.
Two States were represented. These seven delegates from three Chapters and two States were
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 56/
Masons well known and of marked ability. Thomas Sm1th Webb was chosen Chairman, and
W1ll1am Woart, Scribe or Secretary. The convention unanimously adopted the following circular
letter :
"Companions : From time immemorial we find that Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted
Masons have been established wherever Masonry has flourished, for the purpose of granting warrants
for the erection of private Lodges, as well as for the establishment of certain general rules and regu
lations for the government of the same. It is an opinion generally received, and we think well
authenticated, that no Grand Lodge of Master Masons can claim or exercise authority over any
convention or Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, nor can any Chapter, although of standing immemo
rial, exercise the authority of a Grand Chapter. We therefore think it highly expedient for the reg
ular government of all Chapters within the said States who exercise the rights and privileges of Royal
Arch Masons, and to prevent irregularities in the propagation of those rights and privileges, that there
should be a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons established within those States. And whereas this
convention has received official information from our Companions at Philadelphia that the several Chapters
within their vicinity have recently assembled and established a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
for their government. In conformity to their example we think it our duty to recommend to the sev
eral Chapters within the said States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
Vermont, and New York to unite and form a Grand Chapter for the said States. The local situation
of the States before mentioned, the easy and frequent intercourse between their several principal
towns and cities, as well as the similarity of habits, manners, and customs, as citizens and as Masons,
which prevail throughout the said States, induce us to believe that a union of all the Chapters therein
in one Grand Chapter will have the most useful, lasting, and happy effect in the uniform distribution
and propagation of the sublime degrees of Masonry. They therefore take the liberty of recommend
ing to the consideration of your Most Excellent Chapter the propriety of appointing one or more
delegate or delegates to represent your Chapter at a meeting of the several Chapters before mentioned,
to be holden at the city of Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, on the fourth Wednesday of Jan
uary next ensuing, investing them with full power and authority, in conjunction with the other
delegates, to form and open a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and to establish a constitution
for the government and regulation of all the Chapters that now are or may be hereafter erected
within the said States."
It will be noted that what is now the State of Maine then formed a part of the State of
Massachusetts, so that the territory then embraced all of New England and the State of New York,
which was to form the preliminary jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter to be created.
This circular letter was signed by the seven Companions present in the order named and as a
committee from each of the three Chapters represented. It was duly attested, also, by W1ll1am
Woart, Scribe, under date of October 24, 1797, as "a true record of the doings of this Convention
of Committees." In accordance with the request made in this letter, nine Royal Arch Chapters
responded and sent delegates to a convention which assembled in Hartford on January 24, 1798:
St. Andreids— Benjam1n Hurd, Jr., H. P.; Henry Fowle, S.; W1ll1am Woart, Sec This Chapter
held under warrant of St. Andrews Lodge, No. 82, registry of Scotland, and has its records from
August 12, 1769. King Cyrus Chapter, instituted in 1790. This Chapter was called Newburyport
in the first convention records — Jonathan Gage, P. K., and Joshua Greenleaf, K. Washington
Chapter, No. 2, Providence, R. I., instituted September 3, 1793 — Rev. Abraham L. Clarke, H. P.,
and W1ll1am W1lk1nson, Scribe. Solomon Chapter, Derby, Conn. The record of proceedings says
this Chapter was instituted in 1794. As a matter of fact its first record bears date of December 29,
1795, and its charter the date of March 15, 1796 — Dan1el Holbrook. Franklin Chapter, No. 4,
Norwich, Conn., chartered March 15, 1796—Gurdon Lathrop. Franklin Chapter, No. 6, New Haven,
Conn., chartered May 20, 1795 — Peter Johnson. Hudson Chapter, Hudson, N. Y., instituted 1796—
Samuel Edmonds, Jr., H. P., and John C. Ten Broeck. Temple Chapter, Albany, N. Y., established
February 14, 1797 — Th0mas Sm1th Webb, H. P. Horeb Chapter, Whitestown, N. Y. — Jeded1ah
Sanger. Of the three last-named Chapters Temple is No. 5, Hudson is No. 6, on the roll of the
Grand Chapter of New York, and Horeb is extinct. From these nine Chapters there were eleven
representatives present. This convention established a Grand Chapter, to have jurisdiction over the
States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, and New York,
under the name and title of "The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of America."
It adopted a constitution and provided for a Deputy Grand Chapter in each of the States: —
"To have the government and superintendence of the several Chapters, and of the Lodges of
Most Excellent Masters, Past Masters, and Mark Master Masons, within their respective jurisdictions;
and shall have power, by patent, under their seal and the sign manual of the Deputy Grand High
Priest for the time being, attested by their Secretary, to constitute new Royal Arch Chapters and
Lodges of Most Excellent Masters, Past Masters, and Mark Master Masons' degrees, to establish a
uniform mode of working, to assign the limits of Royal Arch Chapters respectively, and to superin
tend and regulate the general police of Royal Arch Masonry within their respective jurisdictions,
according to the ancient usages and customs of Royal Arch Masonry."
On January 9th and 10, 1799, an adjourned meeting was held in Providence, R. I., at which
time by the adoption of amendments to the constitution the title of this Grand Chapter was changed
to "General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the six Northern States of America." At
the septennial convocation held on January 9, 1806, the title was finally changed to "The General
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the United States of America," which title it still continues
to bear.
Pennsylvania refused to acknowledge allegiance to the General Grand Chapter, and to the
present day maintains its independence. The Grand Body of the Keystone State is designated as
the "Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania." Virginia followed the same course, as did
West Virginia, while Texas seceded.
In 1826 the septennial meetings were abolished and the general body has ever since met trien-
nially. The General Grand Chapter consists of the present and past Grand High Priests, Deputy
Grand High Priests, Grand Kings, and Grand Scribes of the State Grand Chapters of its own juris
diction and the past General Grand officers. The officers are a General Grand High Priest, Deputy
General Grand High Priest, General Grand King, General Grand Scribe, General Grand Treasurer,
General Grand Secretary, General Grand Chaplain, General Grand Captain of the Host, and General
Grand Royal Arch Captain. It originally possessed large prerogatives, extending even to the suspen
sion of Grand Chapters ; but the spirit of the doctrine of independent State rights asserted itself, in
a measure successfully, and by the present constitution it has "no power of discipline, admonition,
censure, or instruction over the Grand Chapters, nor any legislative powers whatever not specially
granted" by its constitution. "It may, indeed," says Mackey, "be considered as scarcely more than
a great Masonic Congress, meeting triennially for consultation. But even with these restricted pow
ers, it is capable of doing much good."
The General Grand Chapter experienced many vicissitudes before it became established in per
petuity. Its anomalous autonomy rendered it peculiarly sensitive to prevailing disturbances incident
to the development of the new Republic Interest lagged when the country became involved in the
second war with England. Membership was small, communication between the States was slow, and
the affairs of the nation dominated the people and overshadowed all other considerations. But the
plant which originated in the garden of the "Convention of Committees" was well rooted and grew
in strength and numbers. In 18 16, in New York, the General Grand Chapter experienced a revival
of interest, and from that year there was no doubt about its life and usefulness. When the anti-
Masonic crusade swept over the land, many Brethren withdrew and many Lodges surrendered their
charters. The Chapters were sympathetically depressed, but the General Grand Chapter pursued the
even tenor of its way. Comp. Edward L1v1ngston, Secretary of State, in President Jackson's
Cabinet, was the General Grand High Priest of the Order, and Andrew Jackson himself was Past
Grand Master of Masons of Tennessee. Eminent citizens espoused the cause of Freemasonry, and
their integrity, zeal, and patriotism preserved the Order when less sturdy institutions would have been
swept from remembrance. The war between the States seriously affected the General Grand Chapter.
Upon the restoration of peace the efforts to re-establish amity between the sections acknowledging
allegiance to the General Grand Chapter only partially succeeded at the triennial convocations of 1865
and 1868. In 1871 the triennial was held in Baltimore, and at that memorable convocation peace,
harmony, and unity prevailed. Thenceforth no sectional differences marred the proceedings of the
General Grand Chapter, and Companions from the several Grand jurisdictions could thereafter most
fraternally invoke the agreement which ever follows "where three such as we shall meet of one
accord."
From the small beginning in 1797 the General Grand Chapter increased to an allegiant mem
bership of 178,857 during its first century. In addition to this large membership, in 1897 there
were 16,439 Royal Arch Masons in Pennsylvania, 2505 in Virginia, and 6205 in Texas, making
204,005 Companions in the United States. In British North America there were 6758, divided as
follows: Canada, 5142; New Brunswick, 396; Nova Scotia, 706, and Quebec, 514.
The centennial of the existence of the General Grand Chapter in the United States was cele
brated in Baltimore during the week of October 11, 1897. The occasion was one of great rejoicing
and bountiful hospitality. The chivalry of the Monumental City was most pleasantly taxed to its
limit in providing entertainment and comfort for the numerous delegates who congregated under such
auspicious circumstances. In addition to the centennial convocation, the General Grand Council of
Royal and Select Masters also assembled in Baltimore the same week, as did the General Masonic
Relief Association of the United States and Canada, and the Masonic Veteran Association of the
United States. The Grand Chapter R. A. M., of Maryland, and the Grand Council R. and S. M.,
of that State, were also in session. These lesser meetings were fraternally auxiliary to the splendid
centennial which was ushered with thanksgiving and song, with speeches and good cheer. The whole
week was given over to the celebration, which, in conception of arrangement and detail of programme,
was appropriate, intellectual, and brilliant. Addresses of felicitation and congratulation were made by
distinguished Companions, including His Excellency, Governor Lowndes, of Maryland; the venerable
Nestor of Masonry, Jos1ah H. Drummond, of Maine, Past General Grand High Priest; Thomas J.
Shryock, Grand Master of Masons of Maryland; George L. McCahan, General Grand High Priest;
Judge Reuben C. Lemmon, of Ohio, the present General Grand High Priest, and Dav1d F. Day,
Past General Grand High Priest.
Thus, in the strength of vigorous age, the General Grand Chapter celebrated its natal day,
and began its second hundred years with constituent Grand jurisdictions in forty States and Territo
ries, and with thousands of subordinate Chapters, which in every section of the United States are
building and re -building the Temple of Manliness and Uprightness, and yearly are making Capitular
Masonry in this country one of the very strongest and one of the most inlluential branches of the
Masonic family of the world.
Citizens and Masons vied with each other in making the centennial impressive and of historic
interest. The occasion was referred to at each session of the various bodies, and Masonic lore was
stored in the archives as a memorial for future generations. One hundred years is a long span. In
our Republic of manifest destiny, and in this age of momentous undertakings, rapid strides and fre
quent changes, the present conditions of people, the boundary of possession, and the methods of gov
ernment bear small semblance to the customs and practices which prevailed at the close of the
eighteenth century. Freemasonry, however, stands immutable, unchanged, and unchangeable. Its
landmarks are imperishable, and substantially as Royal Arch Masonry existed when Thomas Sm1th
Webb was the moving spirit of organization in 1797, it remained in 1897.
Among the many happy features of the centennial celebration was the presentation to M.\ E.\
Comp. George L. McCahan, in retiring from the office of General Grand High Priest, after five
years of faithful service, a magnificent jewel composed of a wreath of oak and laurel typical of victory,
surrounding a circle containing one hundred diamonds, emblematical of a century. In the center of
the circle are three equilateral triangles, severally ornamented with the keystone, pot of incense, and
triple tau, with the High Priest's breastplate, set with precious stones, resting centrally thereon.
These emblems are superimposed on three equilateral triangles, interlaced, the points of which extend
to and join the circle. The wreath is joined below by a High Priest's miter and is united at the
top by a diamond. The jewel is pendant from an enameled coat of arms of the United States in
relief, and the whole is suspended from a heavy bar pin bearing the legend "The General Grand
Chapter U. S. A." The reverse is inscribed "The General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
of the United States to George L. McCahan, Past General Grand High Priest, October 15, A. I.
2427."
In further commemoration of the centennial anniversary the General Grand Chapter ordered a
bronze medal to be struck, on the obverse side of which should be the profiles of Comps. Ephra1m
K1rby and George L. McCahan, the first and last General Grand High Priests, with the figures
1797 and 1897 of the first century of the founding and the centennial anniversary of the General
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States of America, and on the reverse the coat
of arms of the same.
fas r onand h:ou priest
\
C H A PT E R XV II.
ROYAL ARCH 1ASONRY IN CALIFORNIA

FROM MOUNTAIN TO SEA, FROM OREGON TO MEXICO, CAPITULAR MASONRY Is BUILDING MANHOOD
AND DEDICATING CHARACTER TO THE GLORY OF THE CRAFT AND HONOR OF THE STATE,
Sierra Nevada Mountains, of whom we have authentic account, was

Comp. JAMES FRAZIER REED, of the ill-fated Donner party. In quest
of assistance for his family, who were with the main party near
£- - the Truckee River, he arrived at SUTTER's in October, 1846. The tragic
story of the journey, the sufferings, and the final reunion of Captain REED's family,
are related in the earlier chapters of this History. The second Companion Royal
Arch Mason to arrive on the Pacific shore, in California, was Col. JoNATHAN DRAKE STEv
Esson, the first Grand Master of Masons of this State. With his command, which came
around th& Horn from New York, he entered the Bay of San Francisco on March 6, 1847.
The hegira from the Eastern States following the acquisition of California and the discovery
of gold on the American River, brought to the Coast hundreds of well-informed Brethren of the
Mystic Tie. The record of their Masonic accomplishments, and of their personal achievements in the
development of natural resources; in the building of towns and cities; and in the making of the com
monwealth, is of present memory to the pioneers who remain with us, and is preserved in the archives
of Lodge and Chapter. Those argonauts of discovery and adventure brought the light of Masonry
to this far-off land and raised their altars on mountain summit and in valley plain. They formed the
nucleus of good citizenship, and established fraternalism in the hearts of advancing civilization. From
their honest, rough and ready beginning, in the cabin of the miner and the shop of the artisan, in
the camp of the hunter and the corral of the rancher, the landmark of Masonic charity—which
nowhere else among the nations of earth is practiced so sincerely and liberally—became a distinguish
ing characteristic of California Masonry.
Capitular Masonry assumed active form in California within two years after the first chartered
symbolic Lodge began work. Western Star Lodge at Shasta was chartered on May 10, 1848. San
Francisco Royal Arch Masons held their first convocation under dispensation on July 7, 1850, three
months subsequent to the organization of the Grand Lodge of California.
California was Masonically blessed with experienced and broad-minded Brethren and Compan
ions to inaugurate the work of organization. The most distinguished of the many able workers was
572 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIyá.
M.'. E.'. Comp. CHARLEs GILMAN, who was the president of the convention which formed the Grand
Lodge of this State. At the time of his visitation to these shores he was the General Grand Secre
tary of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States. He was, also,
Past Grand Master of Masons of New Hampshire and Past Grand Master of Masons of Maryland.
Well versed in Masonic knowledge and thoroughly conversant with the establishment of symbolic and
capitular Masonry in the Eastern jurisdictions, he brought to the fraternity in California a fund of
information and suggestion which facilitated their labors of organization and enabled them to proceed
in form and with correctness of detail. So greatly did the General Grand Chapter appreciate the
work of Comp. GILMAN that at its fourteenth Triennial Convocation, held in Boston, on September
IO, 1850, his eminent services were recognized by the adoption of the following resolution:
"Resolved. That the thanks of the General Grand
Chapter of the United States be transmitted to Comp.
CHARLES GILMAN, of California, for the able and satisfac
- tory manner in which he has heretofore discharged the
• •
duties of General Grand Secretary of this Grand Body,

as well as for the Masonic zeal he still manifests in the
cause of Masonry upon the shores of the Pacific, and

that a suitable jewel be presented to him by this Gen
eral Grand Body, to be procured by the General Grand
Treasurer."
San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., was

granted a dispensation on May 9, 1850, by M. E. .
Joseph K. STAPLETON, Deputy General Grand High Priest
of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. The
wording of the document is as follows:
“WHEREAs, A petition of sundry Royal Arch
CHARLES GILMAN. Masons in the city of San Francisco, Cal., praying that
a dispensation may be granted them to open and hold a
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and Lodges of the appendant Orders at the city of San Francisco
and State aforesaid, has been presented to me for consideration;
“AND WHEREAs, It appears to me that the prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted–
“Now, KNow YE, That I, Joseph K. STAPLETON, Deputy General Grand High Priest of the
General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested, do
by these presents grant this my dispensation to Companions JoHN H. GIHON, ABRAHAM WATERs,
W.M. P. BURDICK, A. BARTOL, MIRAL D. SCHWARTZ, GREGORY YALE, ALBERT A. NUNES, JAMEs
KNowLEs, JoHN W. GEARy, Joseph C. BARNARD, and A. C. LABATT, the petitioners aforesaid, and to
their successors and associates, and empower them to open and hold a Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons and Lodges of the appendant Orders, at the place aforesaid, to be called and distinguished
by the name of San Francisco Royal Arch Chapter, No. —, and in each of the several Orders to
confer the respective degrees thereof upon such person or persons, possessing the requisite qualifications,
as they may think proper. And I do by these presents appoint Companions JoHN W. GEARY as High
Priest, A. C. LABATT as King, and A. BARTOL as Scribe, with continuance of the said powers and
privileges, to them and their successors in office and members of the said Chapter, until the second
Tuesday of September, in the year of our LORD eighteen hundred and fifty, and no longer.
FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. 573
“Provided, Nevertheless, That the said officers and members of the said Chapter pay due
respect to our said General Grand Chapter and to the constitution and edicts thereof, and in no way
remove the ancient landmarks of our Order; otherwise this dispensation, and all things therein con
tained, to be void and of no effect.
“Given under my hand and seal, at the city of Baltimore, this ninth day of May, in the year
of our LoRD eighteen hundred and fifty. Joseph K. STAPLETON." [L. s.]
At the first convocation under this dispensation the following Companions temporarily filled the
several stations and places in the Chapter: ABRAM BARTOL, High Priest; CHARLEs GILMAN, King;
P. SMITH, Scribe; PETER A. BRINSWADE, Treasurer; JoHN H. GITION, Secretary: THOMAs L. PickFR
ING, Captain of the Host; A. A. SELovER, Principal Sojourner; JoEL NoAH, Royal Arch Captain;
JoHN H. DALI, Master of 3d Vail; JAMES MURPHY, Master of 2d Vail; O. J. PRESTON, Master of 1st
Vail; HIRAM BIRON, Guard. Other Companions present were J. J. PAPy, LUKE LINCOLN, J. JosepH,
and JAMEs RICE, JR.
In addition to the High Priest, King, and Scribe, named in the dispensation, the Chapter at
its first convocation elected Companions JAMEs KNOWLEs, Captain of the Host; ABRAHAM WATERs,
Principal Sojourner; W. P. BURDICK, Royal Arch Captain; M. D. SCHWARTZ, Master of 1st Vail;
GREGORY YALE, Master of 2d Vail; A. A. NUNES, Master of 3d Vail; Joseph C. BARNARD, Treasurer;
and JoHN H. GIHON, Secretary.
Applications for membership were received from Comps. O. J. PRESTON, THOMAs L. PickERING,
J. J. PAPy, J. P. HAVENS, JoHN H. DALL, P. A. BRINSMADE, P. SMITH, A. A. SELovER, JoEL NoAH,
J. JoséPH, LUTHER T. WILSON, L. LINCOLN, HEZEKIAH KELLEY, GEORGE SIMPTON, AMos S. RogFRs.
The first Brethren in the State of California to petition for degrees in a Royal Arch Chapter
were GEORGE A. HUDsoN and JoHN E. ADDISON, both of whom were members of California Lodge,
No. 1.
This meeting of San Francisco Chapter was held in the Masonic Hall on Kearny street.
A second convocation was held on July 9th, at which time several candidates for degrees and
several Companions upon petition by dimit were elected. M. E.'. Comp. CHARLEs GILMAN was
elected an honorary member.
The by-laws adopted at this convocation fixed the degree fees at $100, and affiliation fees $10.
The dispensation expired by limitation on the second Tuesday of September, 1850. Thirteen
meetings were held under dispensation; twenty-one degrees were conferred and five Companions were
exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason.
Comp. CHARLEs GILMAN had taken the precaution to prepare the proper application for a char
ter, and at the Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter, on September 13, 1850, a
charter was granted the Companions in San Francisco to pursue their labors as a regularly consti
tuted Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
The first convocation of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, under charter, was held on December
10, A. D. 1850, A. I. 2380. At this meeting petitions for degrees were received from Bros. WILLIs
JoHNSON and EBEN MAY DORR.
Thus did Royal Arch Masonry have its organized beginning in California. Capitular Masonry
has uniformly prospered in every section of the United States. Strong Lodges beget desire for
advancement, and the Holy Royal Arch, with its American accompanying degrees, the Mark, Past,
and Most Excellent, is extremely popular and greatly practised.
In the early summer of 1851 the Companions of Sonora, Tuolumne County, emulating the
example of their Companions in San Francisco, resolved to establish a Chapter in their busy mining
camp. A petition of consent was prepared to be presented to San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, and
likewise a proper application to the General Grand Chapter for a dispensation. At a regular convo
cation in San Francisco, held on August 27, 1851, the petition, signed by Comps. JoEL G. CANDEE,
C. M. RADCLIFF (the first Grand High Priest of California), G. A. FLOWER, J. A. Ziolky, W. W.
WILKINS, J. WALKER, JR., F. F. PECK, and WILLIAM MEsKELL, praying for consent, was presented
and granted by a unanimous vote of the Companions present.
The early records of Sonora Chapter were destroyed by fire and no data of further preliminary
work is available, but a dispensation was granted by the General Grand Chapter, and at the Trien
nial Convocation of that body, on September 17, 1853, the following report was made by the Com
mittee on Dispensations and New Chapters:
“Sonora Chapter, at Sonora, Cal., have sent up their work, but not their by-laws. In consid
eration of their distance the Committee recommend that a charter issue whenever they receive a
certificate from any one of the four principal Grand officers approving their by-laws."
The proceedings of the Grand Chapter of California at its first convocation show that a charter
was issued to Sonora Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M., by the General Grand Chapter of the United States,
September 17, 1853, the date when the above resolution was adopted.
Meanwhile San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, enjoyed a season of work and prosperity. The
accessions included many of the leading citizens who had become impressed with the solidity of the
Order and the beneficial character of its operation in the new commonwealth. On February 3, 1852,
the Governor of the State, Bro. JoHN BIGLER, was elected to receive the degrees in this Chapter.
At a prior convocation Bro. REUBEN CLARK was elected. Comp. CLARK was subsequently the archi
tect of the State Capitol in Sacramento. -
Past High Priest JoHN W. GEARY withdrew from the Chapter on February 3, 1852, and
returned to his native State, Pennsylvania. As a soldier of the Mexican War he had achieved honor
and glory; as a pioneer of California he was a notable and energetic citizen. During the War of
the Rebellion he served his country with distinction and afterward became Governor of Pennsylvania.
The liberal and fraternal spirit which prevailed at this time in California is illustrated by this
resolution which was adopted by San Francisco Chapter on March 6, 1852:
“WHEREAs, Comps. A. S. RogFRs, THOMAs MEHRGAN, JAMEs KNOWLEs, M. D. SCHWARTZ,
PETER SMITH, A. Y. EASTERLY, and J. D. NEVINs have removed from California, and at the time
were indebted to this Chapter,
“Aesolved, That their several amounts be balanced, and that no dues be charged against them
until their return to this State."
Apropos of this action of the Chapter an incident in the life of one of the exempts, Comp.
PETER SMITH, is worthy of historic perpetuation. Comp. SMITH was a rich speculator in land and
water lots in San Francisco. He was eccentric to a degree, withal a jovial, well-meaning person.
He departed from the Coast with a flush bank account and a desire to travel through the Eastern
States and abroad, in Europe. It was while in Rome, Italy, that he committed an act which shocked
the whole papal world and caused his friends at home to wonder what would become of PETER. He
traveled like a prince and scattered his money lavishly. He sought and obtained a private audience
with Pope Pius IX in the Vatican and was received with great distinction. His manner was so
lordly and royal that he did not kneel to kiss His Holiness toe, but Pope Pius arose and accepted
his proffered hand, which Comp. SMITH shook most heartily, and, turning the Pope around, he sat
down on the Pontiff's throne himself, praising the upholstery and observing how comfortable it was.
The Pope, dumbfounded at his effrontery, was in a quandary what to do at this usurpation. If he
had worn his triple crown undoubtedly Comp. Sm1th would have transferred it to his own head.
But he chaffed His Holiness a little, and then told the Pope that he himself was Peter and that the
other half of his name was Sm1th. The Pope's comerling, or Chamberlain, called for several of the
Pope's body guard, who came in. Comp. Peter Sm1th now arose, seized the Pope's hand and shook
it heartily, said "Good-by, old man," and thanked him for the interview and for the escort furnished
him. But he mistook the mission of the guard. He was taken to the Papal Court of Justice and
fined $1000 for contempt of the Pope by seating himself in the holy chair. Comp. Sm1th drew out
one of his thousand-dollar letters of credit and handed it over, but told the Justice that he could buy
CHAPTER HALL — MASONIC TEMPLE, SAN FRANCISCO.
better chairs and such as would suit his purpose better in San Francisco, Cal., for five per cent. of
what he had to pay for the use of that second-hand old bench used by the Pope. Veneration was
not in the composition of Comp. Peter Sm1th; but he boasted "that he was sure of one thing: that
he was the only American who had ever sat in the Pope's chair, and that having handled so much
of St. Franc1s' real estate in San Francisco, that he thought a thousand dollars was cheap for the
privilege."
The Royal Arch Masons of Sacramento, numbering twenty, held a meeting in the early autumn
of 1 8 5 1 , preparatory to applying for a dispensation to establish a Chapter in that city. Consent was
576 FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIA.
obtained from San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, and Sonora Chapter, No. 2, and a petition was for
warded to the General Grand Chapter, to which the names of the following Companions were attached:
ISAAC DAvis, J. H. BULLARD, JoEL NOAH, T. A. THOMAS, A. B. Hoy, G. HAINES, N. GREENE CURTIs,
F. M. THAYER, J. R. THOMPsoN, J. MoRRILL, WILLIAM REYNOLDs, A. HoLLUB, J. N. BRICELAND,
JoEL BALL, CYRUs Row E, CHARLEs DUNCOMBE, J. BEAM, J. WILCOxON, M. B. HARDING, and J. B.
GANCH. - -
Comp. ISAAC DAVIS was named as the first High Priest, Comp. JAMES BULLARD as King, and
JoEL NOAH as Scribe.
The General Grand High Priest, M. E. RoBERT P. DUNIAP, granted the petition and issued
a dispensation, which was dated December 26, 1851, and done at the City of Washington, D. C.
The first convocation of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., was held on February 17,
A. D. 1852, A. I. 2382. The degree fees were fixed at $75 and the affiliation fee at $15. The
first petitioners for degrees were Bros. J. A. WADsworTH and R. H. McDoNALD. They were advanced
to the honorary degree of Mark Master on March 22, 1852. During the first year the Chapter
received twenty-one petitioners for degrees, and two teams were exalted.
Among the first petitions for degrees was Bro. SAMUEL ANDERSON. Before he was elected
death suddenly overtook him, and the usual solemn ceremonies of the Lodge were performed at his
burial. His family resided in the “States," and no relatives being in Sacramento to claim his effects
the Public Administrator sold the same at public auction. Among his chattels was a fine gold watch,
which in the course of time his widow expressed a desire to obtain. Thereupon Sacramento Chapter
donated $15 and the Lodges subscribed various amounts, the entire fund thus raised being $90. The
watch was redeemed and forwarded to Mrs. ANDERSON. The report of the committee having charge
of this tribute of respect was spread upon the minutes of Sacramento Chapter, closing with these
words:
“The Secretary furthermore reported that he desired Mrs. WALLEY to disabuse the mind of
the said widow touching the manner of her husband's burial, and to assure her that the Freemasons
never bury their deceased Brothers in such a manner that they cannot be removed."
In June, 1853, the dispensation of Sacramento Chapter was ordered returned by the Compan
ions, in pursuance of the limitation clause therein, and a petition for a charter was prepared and for
warded to the General Grand Chapter. The prayer of this petition was granted, and at the Triennial
Convocation held in Washington on November 12, 1853, a charter was ordered issued.
The first convocation of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., under charter was held on
December 27, 1853, at which time officers were elected, none being named in the charter. Comp.
A. B. Hoy was chosen High Priest, Comp. TownsPND A. THOMAs King, and Comp. G. C. MONT
GOMERY Scribe. -
On January 10, 1854, the Chapter was duly constituted and consecrated by M.'. E.'. Comp.
CHARLEs GILMAN, General Grand King of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.
California now had three Royal Arch Chapters working under the immediate jurisdiction of the
General Grand Chapter. Each had become strong in membership and all were financially prosperous.
Companions in other localities were desirous of becoming qualified to pursue their labors in quarries
of their own and the time seemed propitious for the organization of the State into a Grand Jurisdic
tion. Agreeably to this prevailing sentiment, the following resolution was introduced at a regular
convocation of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, held on February 7, 1854:
“Aesolved, That the M. E.'. High Priest, King, and Scribe of this Chapter be and they are
hereby instructed to join Sonora Chapter, No. 2, and Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, in establishing a
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIX4. 57.7
Grand Chapter in the State of California, and that they take the necessary measures for so doing;
frovided, that said Chapters Nos. 2 and 3 concur therein."
This resolution was presented in due form to the Companions of Sonora Chapter, No. 2, and
Sacramento Chapter, No. 3. Its objects were heartily approved and preparations were made for the
assembling of a Royal Arch convention in the city of Sacramento on May 6th of the same year.
CONVENTION OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF CALIFORNIA.
Pursuant to previous agreement, the representatives of the three chartered Chapters of Royal
Arch Masons existing in California assembled at the Masonic Hall, in Sacramento, on Saturday, May
6, A. D. 1854, A. I. 2384, at 10 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of forming a Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons of the State of California. Comp. TownskND A. THOMAs of Sacramento Chapter, No.
3, stated the object of the meeting, and on his motion Comp. JoHN D. CREIGH, High Priest of San
A rancisco Chapter, No. 1, was called to preside, and Comp. A. B. Hoy, High Priest of Sacramento
Chapter, No. 3, was named as Secretary. On motion of Comp. T. A. THOMAS, it was Ordered,
That a committee of three be appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming seats in the
convention. The presiding officer named the following Companions as such committee: Townsk N1)
A. THOMAs, ADOLPHUs Hollub, and HUGH G. PLATT. After a short recess, that committee presented
the following report, which was received and concurred in, and the Companions therein named were
declared entitled to seats:
To the Convention of Aoyal Arch Masons now in Session :

The Committee appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming seats in this convention
respectfully report, That they have examined the charters of the several chartered Chapters in the
State, and find that they were severally granted by the General Grand Chapter for the United States
of America, as follows: To San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, September 13, 1850, and to Sonora Chap
ter, No. 2, and Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, September 17, 1853; that those Chapters are now in
successful operation, and are represented in this convention, as appears from the proper certificates,
by the following named Companions, to wit: San Francisco, No. 1–JoHN D. CREIGH, High Priest;
ADOLPHUs HolluB, King; LEWIS PECK, Scribe. Sonora, No. 2–CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF, High Priest;
HUGH G. PLATT, Scribe. Sacramento, No. 3–A. B. Hoy, High Priest; TownsPND A. THOMAS, King;
GEORGE E. MONTGOMERy, Scribe. All which is respectfully submitted.
T. A. THOMAS, ADOLPHUS HOLLUB, HUGH G. PLATT, Committee.
The presiding officer stated to the convention that early in the present year, in accordance
with a resolution adopted by the several Chapters herein represented, a petition was presented to the
M. E. . CHARLEs GILMAN, General Grand King of the General Grand Chapter, praying him to grant
permission to said Chapters to organize a Grand Chapter for the State of California, in response to
which the following warrant, granting the permission asked for, was received:
To all whom it may concern–Greeting:
Whereas, There are now three Chapters of Royal Arch Masons regularly organized and con
stituted within the State of California, by the authority of and under the jurisdiction of the General
Grand Chapter of the United States of America, to wit: San Francisco, No. 1, Sonora, No. 2, and
Sacramento, No. 3; and whereas, the said Chapters have petitioned me in writing for leave to organize
a Grand Chapter for the said State: Now know ye that I, CHARLEs GILMAN, General Grand King
of the General Grand Chapter aforesaid, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby signify
to said Chapters my approbation to the formation of such Grand Chapter, and fully authorize them,
by their proper officers or other duly authorized representatives, to assemble in convention for that
purpose, at such time and place as they may agree upon, said Grand Chapter, when formed, to be
under the jurisdiction of our said General Grand Chapter and subject to the constitution and laws
thereof. Given under my hand and seal at the city of Baltimore, this first day of April, A. D. 1854.
Charles G1lman, General Grand King.
On motion of Comp. Char1.es M. Radcl1ff, it was Ordered, That a committee of three (the
presiding officer of this meeting to be one thereof) be appointed to draft and present for the consid
eration of this convention a constitution for the Grand Chapter about to be formed. The presiding
officer named as such committee Comps. Charles M. Radcl1ff and A. B. Hoy. The convention
then adjourned until Monday morning, the 8th inst., at 9 o'clock.
In Convention — Morning Session; Monday, May 8, A. I. 2384. —The convention assembled at
9 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment, Comp. John D. Cre1gh presiding. The Committee on Consti
tution reported that they had concluded their labors and presented a draft thereof, together with
sundry resolutions, for the consideration of the convention, which were received and the committee
was discharged. The proposed constitution was then taken up, and, after some time spent in its
consideration, the convention adjourned until this evening at 8 o'clock.
In Convention— Evening Session; Monday, May 8, A. I. 2384. —The convention assembled at
8 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment, Comp. John D. Cre1gh presiding. Comp. T. A. Thomas, from
the Committee on Credentials, reported che following additional representatives of Chapters as being
present and entitled to seats: San Francisco, No. 1, R1chard F. Knott, proxy for the Scribe;
Sonora, No. 2, Thomas J. Oxley, proxy for the King— which report was received and concurred in,
and the committee was discharged. The consideration of the proposed constitution was resumed, and,
having been approved section by section, it was unanimously adopted.
The following resolutions, presented by the Committee on Constitution, were unanimously
adopted :
Resolved, That notice be given by the Grand Secretary to all Chapters of Royal Arch Masons
working under dispensations from the General Grand Chapter of the United States of America, under
this jurisdiction, of the organization of this Grand Chapter, and that it assume jurisdiction of such
Chapters working within the State of California.
Resolved, That any Chapter working under dispensation from the General Grand Chapter
under this jurisdiction, upon applying to the Grand High Priest or Deputy Grand High Priest for a
dispensation to work under this Grand Chapter, that it be granted, if otherwise in form, upon the
payment of the Grand Secretary's fee of fifteen dollars, and without the payment of the said sum of
ninety dollars, as in other cases required on granting dispensations.
Resolved, That each Chapter shall have a seal with such device or design as may be deemed
proper, and with the name of the Chapter, an impression of which shall be affixed to all certificates,
returns, and other documents. An impression of such seal shall be recorded on the records of the
Chapter, and an impression thereof shall also be sent to the Grand Secretary.
Comp. Hugh G. Platt offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That this convention do now adjourn, subject to the call of the presiding officer, to
meet again at such place as may be designated, for the purpose of electing Grand Officers and open
ing the Grand Chapter of California.
Which resolution was unanimously adopted, and in accordance therewith the convention then
adjourned, the presiding officer notifying those present that it would be called together again at the
city of San Francisco, on July 28th ensuing. John D. Cre1gh, Pres't ; A. B. Hoy, Sec'y.
In Convention.—Pursuant to notice given, the convention for the purpose of forming a Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the State of California assembled at the Masonic Hall, at the
corner of Washington and Kearny streets, in the city of San Francisco, on Friday, July 28, A. D.
1854, A. I. 2384, at 10 o'clock A. M., Comp. JoHN D. CREIGH presiding. Upon calling the roll the
following representatives were found present: San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, JoHN D. CREIGH, High
Priest; ADoLPH.Us Hollub, King; Sonora Chapter, No. 2, CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF, High Priest; Sac
ramento Chapter, No. 3, CHARLEs R. SAUNDERs, proxy for the High Priest; LEVI STOWELL, proxy.
for the King and Scribe. Comp. A. B. Hoy being absent, Comp. LEVI STOWELL was named as
Secretary of the convention. The minutes of proceedings at the meeting in Sacramento on the sixth
and eighth days of May last were read and approved. Comp. CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF offered the
following resolution:
A'esolved. That this convention do now adjourn and that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons of the State of California be opened in Ample Form.
Which resolution was unanimously adopted, and the convention having completed the business
for which it had assembled, was adjourned sine die. JoHN D. CREIGH, Prest; L. STOwFLL, Sec'y.
GRAND CHAPTER OF Roy AL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA—FIRST ANNUAL CONVOCATION.
The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the State of California was opened in Ample
Form in the city of San Francisco, on Friday, July 28, A. I. 2384, at 12 o'clock M., the following
named Companions filling the respective stations pro tem. CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF, Grand High Priest;
ADOLPHUs HolluB, Grand King; JAMEs E. WAINRIGHT, Grand Scribe; LEvi STOWELL, Grand Captain
of the Host; CHARLEs MCC. DELANEy, Grand Principal Sojourner; CHARLEs R. SAUNDERs, Grand
Royal Arch Captain; CHARLEs E. BLAKE, Grand Master 3d Vail; JoHN D. CREIGH, Grand Master
2d Vail; WILLIAM B. OLDs, Grand Master 1st Vail; PHINEAS GARDNER, Grand Sentinel. It was then
unanimously Aesolved, That the Grand Chapter now proceed to elect its officers in accordance with
the requirements of the constitution; whereupon Comps. CHARLEs R. SAUNDERS and WILLIAM B. OLDs
were appointed tellers, and the Grand Chapter proceeded to ballot.
The M. E. . CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF of Sonora Chapter, No. 2, was elected Grand High
Priest; the R. E. JoHN D. CREIGH of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, was elected Deputy Grand
High Priest; the R. E. A. B. Hoy of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, was elected Grand King; the
R. E.'. HUGH G. PLATT of Sonora Chapter, No. 2, was elected Grand Scribe; the R. E.'. ADOL
PH.Us HolluB of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, was elected Grand Treasurer; the R. E.'. Town
sEND A. THOMAs of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, was elected Grand Secretary; Rev. and E. JAMEs
H. BRISTow of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, was elected Grand Chaplain; E. . CHARLEs R. SAUN
DERs of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, was elected Grand Captain of the Host.
The M. E. . JoHN D. CREIGH, High Priest of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, then installed
the M. E. CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF as Grand High Priest, after which the Grand High Priest
installed the Deputy Grand High Priest and the other officers of the Grand Chapter.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the M. E.'. Grand High Priest be requested to appoint the remaining officers
of this Grand Chapter.
Whereupon the Grand High Priest announced the following appointments, who were also
installed in their respective stations by the Grand High Priest: Comp. GEORGE E. MoNTGoMERy of
Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, Principal Sojourner; Comp. WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR of Sonoma Chapter,
No. 2, Grand Royal Arch Captain ; Comp. J. A. Wadsworth of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, Grand
Master 3d Vail; Comp. Thomas J. Oxley of Sonora Chapter, No. 2, Grand Master 2d Vail; Comp.
Ph1l1p W. Shepheard of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, Grand Master 1st Vail; Comp. Ph1neas
Gardner of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, Grand Sentinel.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That new charters be issued to San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, Sonora Chapter, No.
2, and Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, or that their present charters be indorsed, authorizing them to
CHAPTER HALL, MASONIC TEMPLE, ALAMEDA.
assemble as legal Chapters under the jurisdiction of this Grand Chapter, upon payment of the Grand
Secretary's fees.
The following resolutions were also unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be authorized to procure the necessary blanks for the use
of this Grand Chapter, and draw upon the treasury for the payment thereof.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare the proceedings of the conven
tion, and that the same be printed, together with the constitution and proceedings of this Grand
Chapter.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
The Grand High Priest named as such committee Comps. Townsend A. Thomas, Auolphus
Hollub, and Charles R. Saunders.
The business being all completed, after prayer by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Chapter of
California was closed in Ample Form.
John D. Cre1gh, Grand Secretary pro tem. Charles M. Radcl1ff, Grand High Priest.
It is proper at this point to give a biographical sketch with the Masonic record of the late
esteemed M.\ E.\ Comp. Charles Morton Radcl1ff, the fourth M.\ W.\ Grand Master of Masons
of California, and the first M.\ E.\ Grand High Priest of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons of the State of California. M.\ W.\ Bro.
and M.\ E.\ Comp. Charles M. Radcl1ff was born
February 5, 18 18, in the town of Inverness, Scotland, and
was the grandnephew of Charles Radcl1ff, the titular Earl
of Derwentwater, whose title and estates were forfeited
in 1 7 16. Charles Radcl1ff organized the first Masonic
Lodge in Paris, France, in 1725, and for a period of ten
years, until 1735, in the absence of a Grand Lodge, was
recognized as the Grand Master of Masons of France. The
forfeiture of title and estates, the impoverishing of the
immediate blood relations, reduced the Radcl1ff fam
ilies almost to a state of destitution. Seeing that there
was no encouragement to rise at home in his native
land, Comp. Charles Morton Radcl1ff — really Earl
of Derwentwater by title in his own right, proud and
spirited when but a boy — left his own country, came
to the United States, and at Boston learned the trade of
machinist and marine engineering, which he followed for CHARLES M. RADCLIFF,
Fiast Graad High I'riesl.
several years at Buffalo, N. Y., and Cleveland, O., and
rose to the position of master workman in his occupation. Returning to the city of New York, his
advance as a marine engineer was rapid, and finally he was appointed Chief Engineer of the steam
ship California, and was the superintendent of the motive power of the first steamship which
entered the Golden Gate and anchored in the harbor of San Francisco, on February 28, 1849, which
vessel brought the charter of California Lodge, with its Master and Wardens, and W.\ Bro. Henry
F. W1ll1ams, the first petitioner for the degrees of Masonry in California.
After a few trips to Panama, Bro. Radcl1ff left the sea to seek his fortune in the southern
mines at Sonora, Tuolumne County, where in those early days among his fellows he became a pop
ular leader, and was frequently chosen by election to the office of Justice of the Peace. He was
noble and generous to a fault, so much so that in caring for others he failed to provide for himself.
In after years he removed to San Francisco, and finally settled in Alameda, where he served the
public as Justice of the Peace, and which office he filled to the day of his death, which occurred
December 31, 1889. His Masonic record is as follows:
Bro. Charles Morton Radcl1ff was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason in 1842, in Cleveland Lodge, at Cleveland, O. He soon afterward dimitted therefrom
and became a charter member of Hiram Lodge, No. 105, at Buffalo, N. Y., and elected Senior
Warden and also a Life Member. He dimitted therefrom and became a charter member of Tuolumne
582 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
Lodge, No. 8, at Sonora, Tuolumne County, Cal., November 28, 1850, and was elected Worshipful
Master in 1850–1–2–3. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Occidental Lodge, No. 22, at San
Francisco, of which he remained a member until the day of his death. He was elected R.'. W. .
Deputy Grand Master in 1852, and M. W. Grand Master of Masons of California in 1853.
He received the degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and exalted
to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Webb Chapter, at Cleveland, O., in 1843. He
dimitted therefrom and became a charter member of Buffalo Chapter, at Buffalo, N. Y., of which he
was elected King and also a Life Member. He dimitted therefrom and became a charter member of
Sonora Chapter, No. 2, at Sonora, Tuolumne County, Cal., September 17, 1853, under the General
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States and under charter of the Grand Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons of California at its organization, July 28, 1854. He dimitted therefrom and
affiliated with California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco, March 4, 1873, of which he remained a
member until death. He organized the M. E. Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State
of California, July 28, 1854, and was elected and served as the first Grand High Priest.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in 1843, in Cleveland Council, at Cleve
land, O., from which he soon after dimitted.
He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast
February 5, 1879, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
He died December 31, 1889, aged 71 years, 10 months, and 28 days, full of years and honors.
His funeral was held by the Grand Lodge of California on Sunday, January 5, 1890, R.'. W. .
WILLIAM JOHNSTON acting as Grand Master, and a large attendance of the members of all of these
organizations of the Craft honored his memory by their presence.
The apportionment of the offices at the first election for Grand officers gave due prominence
to the three subordinate Chapters. Sonora was accorded the Most Excellent Grand High Priest,
San Francisco the Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest, and Sacramento the Right Excellent
Grand King.
California had become a thrifty State, though young in the sisterhood of the Union. The
tide of yellow metal from the mines was at flood, and the activities of life furnished occupation for
hundreds and thousands of people who had come across the plains or by Panama to the El Dorado
of the West. Fraternalism grew with the multitude, and Masonry builded upon sure foundations.
There were sixty subordinate Lodges of symbolic or Blue Lodge Masonry working under dispensa
tion and charter when the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons completed its organization. These
gave impetus to the Order and stimulated the desire of the Companions in many localities to petition
for empowerment to work the Royal Arch degrees.
The three Chapters which organized the Grand Chapter in 1854 have maintained the excellent
reputations which they early established, and in their long and honorable existence have contributed
to the Order many wise and learned Craftsmen who have left a good impress upon Masonry, and
who in private and public life have been forceful in the building of the great golden commonwealth.
San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, which pioneered Royal Craftship in the city and State, multi
plied rapidly in membership. First and last more than I IOO Companions have signed its by-laws as
members. The present number on the roll is 434. The Chapter has furnished four Grand High
Priests—Joli N IDUN BAR CREIGH in 1855, ADOLPH.Us Hol.I.UB in 1862, MICHAEL JONES KEATING in 1867,
and MILTON HILL's My Rick in 1891. Within the coming two years it will celebrate its golden anni
versary. The Companions are justly proud of their old Chapter, withal bearing with becoming mod
esty the distinguished honor of being No. 1 on the roll of Chapters west of the Rocky Mountains.
Sonora Chapter, No. 2, bears upon its books of record the names of the first and the fourth
Grand High Priests of California, CHARLEs MoRTON RADCLIFF and WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR. Each of
these Most Excellent Companions also served the Craft as Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge.
There are now 57 members of Sonora Chapter.
Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, grew with the years into a strong and compact body. In the
capital city alone five Lodges have contributed to its work and membership. From its exalted
membership hundreds have gone into the still higher bodies of Masonry, and many of its Companions
have attained eminence in the various Grand bodies of the State. Five of its Past High Priests
became Grand High Priests – HENRY HARE HARTLEy, IsAAC DAvis, JAMEs L. ENGLISH, WILLIAM M.
PETRIE, and WILLIAM B. DAvis. Its rolls have borne the names of statesmen, jurists, soldiers; like
wise men distinguished in professional life and hundreds with them whose purity of character and
accomplishments of person have adorned the good citizenship of the capital city and the State of
California.
In 1855, the year succeeding the organization of the Grand Chapter, seven subordinate Chap
ters were chartered, as follows: Æ/ /Dorado, No. 4, at Diamond Springs, El Dorado County; Ca/
ifornia, No. 5, at San Francisco; Mevada, No. 6, at Nevada City; Benicia, No. 7, at Benicia;
Columbia, No. 8, at Columbia, Tuolumne County; Shasta, No. 9, at Shasta; and Porest, No. 10, at
Forest City, Sierra County. Of these seven the first two received dispensations from the General
Grand Chapter of the United States. -
// Dorado Chapter, No. 4, had a feeble existence fifteen years, and on April 6, 1870, was
declared extinct, its paraphernalia, by order of the Grand Chapter, becoming the property of St.
/ames Chapter, No. 16, at Placerville.
California Chapter, No. 5, at the present time the strongest Royal Arch body in California,
and one of the largest in the United States, dates its existence from March 18, 1854, when a dis
pensation was issued to Companions in San Francisco desirous of establishing a second Chapter in
that city. This manifest earnestness of the Companions of San Francisco illustrates the favorable
impression Capitular Masonry had made upon the Brethren, and the rapid growth of Craftship in
that locality. The dispensation was granted by M. E. CHARLEs GILMAN, General Grand King of
the General Grand Chapter. The following Companions were named in the dispensation: PETER
ALLEN BRINSMADE, High Priest; G. W. RyCKMAN, King; W. D. FAIR, Scribe; JAMEs URIE, JAMEs
KING of WILLIAM, ELISHA W. BOURNE, H. M. GRAY, E. H. M. Gow ER, HENRY F. WILLIAMS,
REUBEN CLARK, JAMEs GEORGE, R. B. HAMPTON, T. H. Bow EN, LEVI STOWELL, P. GARDNER, J. C.
L. WADsworTH, and E. O. CROSBy. Of these only two are now alive, HENRY F. WILLIAMs and J.
C. L. WADSWORTH.
The Chapter organized on July 15, 1854. The first petitioner for degrees and the first candi
date was Bro. C. HoMER. California Chapter entered upon its work with enthusiasm characteristic
of a new body, and the generous rivalry between the two Chapters in San Francisco stimulated and
brightened the work of each.
It will be observed that this Chapter received its dispensation on March 18, 1854, and organ
ized on July 15th following. In the interim the Grand Chapter of California had been duly organized.
California Chapter was independent of the State jurisdiction and owed allegiance solely to the General
Grand Chapter of the United States. In strict compliance with Masonic law it might obtain a char
ter from no other source, and then only at the succeeding Triennial Convocation, which would not
be held until September, 1856. For many reasons the Companions were desirous of affiliating with
584 FIFTY YEARS OF My1SONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
the Grand Chapter of California, and at a called meeting of the Chapter on April 24, 1855, they
memorialized the Grand Chapter, setting forth the status of their Chapter as a subordinate body, and
expressing a desire to become subservient and yield allegiance to the Grand Body of the State.
They requested permission to surrender their dispensation to the State authority, though issued from
the General Body, and petitioned for a charter. The situation was unique and the conditions peculiar,
and evoked research and discussion. The Grand Chapter admitted that its authority in the premises
was debatable, but with supporting opinions from the General Grand High Priest, General Grand
King, and General Grand Secretary, and with due deference to and respect for the parent body it
assumed jurisdiction and ordered a charter to issue to California Chapter, No. 5, which was done on
April 30, 1855. The Chapter was duly instituted and made returns to the Grand Chapter the fol
lowing year. However, the General Grand Chapter ignored the action of the Grand Jurisdiction of
California, and at the Triennial Convocation on September 15, 1856, received Grand dues from the
subordinate Chapter and also granted a charter to California Chapter, No. 5. Thus was the new
Chapter placed in a still more unique position, and the action of the General Body complicated the
situation in a serious manner. However, after having violated an article of its own constitution, the
General Grand Chapter adopted a general resolution covering this particular case and similar contra
rieties, should any occur in the future, and surrendered jurisdiction over California Chapter, No. 5.
It is doubtful if any other Masonic body was ever thus doubly chartered, or yielded double allegiance
at the same time.
It is of record in San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, that a number of Companions in Grass
Valley, Nevada County, requested consent on July 19, 1853, to organize a Royal Arch Chapter at
that place. Although the desired consent was given no further action was taken to organize the
Companions of Nevada County until after the Grand Chapter had become a working body. Then,
on October 17, 1854, the Deputy Grand High Priest, JoHN D. CREIGH, issued a dispensation to
Companions at Nevada City, the petitioners residing at that place, and also in Grass Valley and
other tributary towns. The first three principal officers were ORANGE. H. DIBBLE, High Priest; Isa AC
WILLIAMSON, King; and CHARLEs H. SEYMoUR, Scribe. The charter, which was granted on April 30,
1855, contained the names of twenty Companions. Two of the charter members are still in the flesh,
SAMUEL WATSON BORING, now a member of Howard Chapter, No. 14, at San Jose, and THOMAS H.
CAswÉLL, the most eminent Mason in the State, Past Grand High Priest, Past Grand Commander
of Knights Templar, and Grand Commander of the Supreme Council 33° of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. Nevada County in 1855 as in 1898
was the center of most profitable gold mining. With the trend of business upward and commercial
interests healthy, Masonry has always prospered in Nevada City. From this branch of the Royal
Craft have gone to higher honors three Grand High Priests—ORANGE. H. DIBBLE, in 1856, THOMAs
H. CASWELL, in 1858, and CHARLEs MARSH, in 1866. Judge THOMAs R. HAWLEy, of the United
States District Court of the State of Nevada, was a member of the Nevada City Masonic bodies.
EDWARD MYERS PRESTON was Grand Master of Masons of California, AARON A. SARGENT was Con
gressman and United States Senator, and NILEs SEARLEs was a Supreme Judge of the State and
later a member of the Supreme Court Commission. The gold-bearing quartz of good citizenship in
that vicinity has assayed well.
Benicia followed Nevada City one month in asking for a dispensation and received its Royal
Arch charter among the seven granted on April 30, 1855. In this flourishing town Masonry had
taken early root. It will be recalled from a perusal of the earlier chapters of this History that the
original dispensation empowering the Brethren of Benicia to assemble in due form was dated June
|Q. -
| £ Royal ARC * ca."
GRAN9.
CHAPLAIN
-
.
*
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GRAND OFFICERS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS, 1898 and 1899.
I. Ewis C. Witt ENMYER CHAS. L. PA rToN
FRANKLIN H. DAY FloriN I. JoNES CHAs. E. STONE
SAM'L H. WAGENER FLI. T. BLACKMER EDWARD R. HEDGES
SAM'L D. MAYER THOMAS H. CASWELL CHAs. E. GILLETT

586 FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNI;4.
12, 1847. Thus was the Craft ready and waiting an auspicious opportunity to espouse Royal Arch
Masonry. Henicia Chapter, No. 7, approaches its semi-centennial, and its past glory is reflected in
its present honor and usefulness.
On December 14, 1854, a dispensation was issued to the Companions at Columbia, Tuolumne
County. A charter was granted on April 30, 1855, the charter being No. 8 in the order of succes
sion. It had a most prosperous existence seventeen years, when on August 14, 1872, a consolidation
was effected with Sonora Chapter, No. 2. During the years of its separate life it gave to the Grand
Chapter a Grand Scribe in the person of Comp. JAMEs A. JACKSON, in 1856; a Grand High Priest,
M. E. . Comp. WILLIAM A. DAVIES, in 1873; and a Grand King, Comp. STEPHEN WING, in 1871.
Comp. DAVIES was also Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, and for years past he has
been Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence in the Grand Lodge and also in the Grand
Chapter. This department of Masonry, for such it may aptly be styled, is the living library of the
Craft. The most learned and accomplished writers and historians are selected in the different States
to perform this duty, and their reports comprise a fund of information of incalculable benefit to the
fraternity. Among the very best of these faithful laborers is Comp. DAVIES.
One may accurately trace the history of California during the present half century by studying
the location, progress, and present status of the various Masonic bodies. Notice, as the record of
the Chapters is given, how population followed the camp of the miner; and how, when attention was
directed to the richness of the valleys, and agriculture and horticulture engrossed the people and new
towns and cities decked the plain and transplanted deserts into gardens, the altars of Masonry were
raised and the work of fraternalism was taken up from Mexico to Siskiyou. When PETER LAssEN
opened Western Star Lodge, No. 2, in Benton City it was a flourishing mining camp. Now it has
disappeared from the map. The Lodge was removed to Shasta, and there it is now, a memory of
hallowed associations of the Mystic Art. The mines were worked out, the population moved to other
camps, but Masonry remained, and Shasta Chapter, No. 9, largely supported by the Companions of
Redding, the county seat of Shasta County, is a flourishing Masonic body. Its dispensation dates
from February 22, 1855, its charter from April 30th, the same year. Shasta Chapter furnished two
Grand High Priests of California, Comp. WHITING WEST in 1859, and MILTON HILLs MYRICK in 1891.
In the heart of the Sierras in a beautiful opening between mountain crags is Forest City, in
Sierra County. Over the divide, a few miles distant and down the other slope, is Alleghany. Great
were the mining propositions of these two camps. An old tunnel still pierces the mountain and con
nects the villages. Here, too, Masonry prospered, a Lodge in each, a Chapter in Forest City. The
Lodges consolidated and the Brethren now meet in Alleghany. Forest Chapter, No. 10, was chartered
on April 30, 1855. Ten years afterward the Grand Chapter elected its Grand High Priest from
this Chapter, M. E.'. Comp. Jolix KIRKPATRICK. M. E. Comp. EzRA H. WAN DECAR, who was
Grand High Priest in 1863, was also a former member of Forest Chapter, as was Comp. RobFRT H.
TAYLOR, who became Grand Secretary. Comp. GEORGE W. HoPKINs went to Nevada from Forest
City and became Grand Master of Masons of that State. Beautiful are the recollections of those
old days of general prosperity. The half-open memory book permits a glimpse of the pages, and,
lovely still, Forest City yet mines and prospers. But when other mining camps attracted the people
by hundreds, the Masonic Chapter became non-supporting, and in 1866 was declared extinct.
Volcano, Murphy's Camp, Marysville, San Jose, and Yreka were inspired with the spirit of
Royal Arch Masonry in 1855 and 1856, each receiving a charter at the session of the Grand Chapter
on May 3, 1856. On the present rolls Volcano Chapter appears as Sutter, No. 11, removed from
Volcano to Sutter Creek, having been authorized by the Grand Chapter, on May 4, 1860; the name
likewise changed. The Chapter is one of the most prosperous in California. The Mother Lode is
still prodigal in dispensing its riches, and the Craft maintain large membership and exceeding much
interest. Sutter Chapter, No. 11, has been the Masonic home of many distinguished citizens, among
whom were Past High Priest ALVINZA HAywARD, former United States Senator JAMEs F. FARLEy,
Congressman SAMUEL B. AxTELL, State Senator EDWARD C. Voor.HEIs, District Judge JAMES H. HARDY,
and JAMES BAUNTY STEVENs, Grand Master of California in 1894. Comp. HAywARD is the senior
living Past High Priest. The magnificent golden altar, the pride of the Companions and the admi
ration of visitors, was a gift to the Chapter from this beloved Companion.
Merced Chapter, No. 12, at Merced, Merced County, was originally chartered as Calaveras
Chapter, No. 12, located at or near Murphy's Camp. Comp. ALEXANDER. H. PUTNEY was the first
High Priest, IRA TAYLOR, King, and MILTON MoUPIN, Scribe. In 1867 this Chapter was moved to
Copperopolis, and on December 17th of that year it again moved, this time from Calaveras to Merced
County, locating in the town of Snelling. Seven years' sojourn in that abiding place sufficed, and in
January, 1874, it was located in Merced. Here it is prosperous, and in the bright county seat of
Merced County it will undoubtedly remain. It has had twenty High Priests, one of whom, Comp.
HIRAM NEWTON RUCKER, always active in the Masonic bodies, became M.'. W. Grand Master of
Masons of California in 1887. The late Comp. PETER D. WIGGINGTON, Representative in Congress,
was a Past High Priest of Merced Chapter.
When the first Grand High Priest of California was the Grand Master of Masons of the State
he issued a dispensation to the Brethren in Marysville to open a symbolic Lodge. Three years
later, on January 3, 1856, a dispensation for Capitular work was granted by Comp. ISAAC DAVIS,
R. E. . Deputy Grand High Priest. The petition for a dispensation was signed by fourteen Com
panions, hailing from ten different jurisdictions in the Eastern States, who had come to the Golden
State in quest of home and fortune. Marysville was a great distributing point, as it still is, for the
mountain mining districts, and the town and its people “flourished like the green bay tree." Masonry
imbibed the spirit and became noted for much work and for good work. This reputation has con
tinued. Washington Chapter is strong in numbers and sterling in character. Its first High Priest
was Comp. PETER WILKINS RUNDLE, who in early life shared the same tent with ABRAHAM LINCOLN
in the Blackhawk War. A long line of eminent citizens, statesmen, jurists, and fraternal lights learned
the Mystic way in Marysville. The old days recall labor and sacrifice, the present bespeak merit,
progress, and success.
The Companions in San Jose named their Chapter //oward, and it was numbered 14 in regular
succession. The increase from eleven members in 1856 to 145 in 1898 is evidence of growth of
Chapter and locality. Among all the beautiful and productive valleys of the United States, east and
west, Santa Clara is pre-eminent. Among the lovely cities of the Pacific Coast no other is more
famed than San Jose; and among the Masons of California no other bodies are more honored or
honorable than the fraternity in that city. Comp. HENRY C. MELONE was named in the charter as
the first High Priest, SAMUEL J. HENSLEY as King, and Henry J. BRADLEY as Scribe. There have
been twenty-two High Priests of //oward Chapter. The succession is eminent in character, and the
high standard of excellence is steadily maintained. It is of pleasant record that the first Treasurer
was JAMES FRAZIER REED, the first Royal Arch Mason who ever came to California, by land or by
sea. Howard Chapter has furnished one Grand High Priest, M. . E.'. Comp. WILLIAM ALEXANDER
JANUARY, in 1874. He is the senior Past High Priest of the Chapter, was a pioneer miner in 1849,
and publisher of a mountain newspaper in Placerville in those early days. His long public service
as State Treasurer and as Tax Collector of Santa Clara County is known by all men. As an exem
plar in Masonry he is typical of the Brethren, Companions, and fraters of San Jose, perfect and
worthy of emulation.
In the history of Royal Arch Masonry up to 1856 only two Chapters had been instituted
north of Sacramento–Marysville and Shasta. Siskiyou County was as famous for its gold fields as
was El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Butte, Sierra, Amador, or Tuolumne. It was on the steep mountain
sides, close in to Yreka, where grass roots were heavy with nuggets; and it may be mentioned, to
remember of the present period, that there is no other county seat in California in 1898 where more
persons come in from the surrounding country with gold to sell than in Yreka. Prosperity abounds,
and amidst such conditions Freemasonry has flourished. There are two Lodges, a Chapter, a Coun
cil, and a Commandery in Yreka. Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, received its dispensation on March 16,
1855, two days after Howard Chapter of San Jose, and the two were chartered the same day, May
3, 1856. There were fifteen charter members in Yreka; there are now ninety-eight members. The
first High Priest was Comp. GEORGE B. WATERIOUSE; the present High Priest is Comp. GEORGE
DEXTER BUTLER, a most excellent ritualist and praiseworthy presiding officer. Cyrus Chapter fur
nished a subsequent Grand Master of Masons of Oregon, M.'. W.'. WILLIAM M. FowlFR. In Yreka,
at present, is a Mason who was a charter member of the first Masonic Lodge in California, at
Benton City, Bro. AustiN HAwKINs. Cyrus Chapter also had a member who in after years became
Grand Master of Idaho, M. W. . JAMEs W. BROWN. Comp. DANIEL REAM is the senior Past High
Priest of Cyrus Chapter.
Only two subordinate Chapters were chartered by the Grand Chapter in 1857, St. James, No.
16, at Placerville, El Dorado County, and Libanus, No. 17, at Iowa Hill, Placer County. The
former is most prosperous, the latter extinct. Deputy Grand High Priest ISAAC DAVIS granted the
dispensation to the Companions at Placerville and Grand High Priest ORANGE. H. DIBBLE issued the
dispensation to the Companions at Iowa Hill. St. /ames Chapter worked under dispensation from
April, 1856, to July 3, the same year, when the Masonic Hall at Placerville, and all of its parapher
nalia and records were destroyed by the great fire which swept through the canyon and laid waste
the town. A new dispensation was issued and the Companions were quickly in the quarries. The
charter was granted May 8, 1857. Comp. THOMAS M. REED was the first High Priest under charter.
He is the present Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Washington, and has been Grand Master
of Masons of that State. Only one charter member remains on the long roll of the Chapter, M. E.'.
Past High Priest FREDERICK FERDINAND BARss. He was High Priest thirty-eight years ago, and as
a ritualist, in any station, at the present time he is as perfect as the best and as young as the
youngest. A most fraternal family is the Masonic Brotherhood of Placerville. The finest building
in the city is the Masonic Temple and famous are the meetings for work and entertainment. St.
/ames Chapter has furnished one Grand High Priest, the late M. E. . Comp. ISAAC S. TITUs, who
also was Grand Master of Masons of California. In public life it has furnished statesmen and jurists,
and in the life of home citizenship it numbers scores who are royal in all the finer meanings of the
word.
Zibanus Chapter, No. 17, at Iowa Hill, had an existence of twenty-eight years. It flourished
in early life, had eleven High Priests, and was useful to the Craft. Population drifted away and the
inevitable came in 1896, when the Chapter was declared extinct.
The summer of 1857 and the spring of 1858 marked the beginning of Royal Craft Masonry
in six different localities, five in the mining regions and one in the ranching portion of Sonoma
County. A dispensation was issued to Grass Valley Chapter, No. 18, on June 3, 1857; to 7 rinity,
No. 19, Weaverville, on July 7, 1857; to Franklin, No. 20, in Oroville, on September 28, 1857; to
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNI;4. 589
Sierra, No. 21, in Downieville, on October 12, 1857; to Petaluma, No. 22, on May 6, 1858; and
to Oliver, No. 23, at Todd's Ford, Placer County, on May 6, 1858. Charters were granted to
these Chapters on May 7, 1858, and each began work with bright prospects. Uniform success has
attended five of them. The sixth, at Todd's Ford, became extinct after a worthy life of thirty-four
years.
The dispensation for the Chapter at Grass Valley was granted by Comp. THOMAS H. CASWELL,
Deputy Grand High Priest. Comp. A. B. DIBBLE was the first High Priest, Comp. WILLIAM
McCoRMICK, King, and Comp. DANIEL C. HARPER, Scribe. The twin cities of Nevada County have
been exceedingly active and fraternal in their Masonic relations. In Lodges, Chapters, and Com
mandery the fellowship has been close and of mutual advantage to the two cities. Nevada is one
of the three counties in California each of which has four Royal Arch Chapters. The other two are
Solano and Los Angeles. No other county in the State has more than three. Of the twenty-three
charter members of Grass Valley Chapter, No. 18, only one remains on the roll, Comp. WILLIAM
COOMBEs. There are eighty-two present members of the Chapter. Two Grand High Priests have
been elected from Grass Valley, M. E.'. Comp. ORANGE H. DIBBLE in 1856, and M. E. Comp.
EDWARD COLEMAN in 1885.
Royal Arch Masonry in Trinity County commenced with twenty-two charter members living
in and near Weaverville. The first High Priest of Trinity Chapter, No. 19, was Comp. WILEy
JAMES TINNIN, one of the brightest in the galaxy of California's distinguished Masons. He was
High Priest of 7 rinity Chapter twenty years; was M. E. . Grand High Priest in 1880, and M. W. .
Grand Master of Masons of California in 1885. The late Congressman JoHN C. BURCH was a High
Priest of Trinity Chapter. The present High Priest, Comp. WILLIAM SPENCER Low DEN, was a pio
neer of '49. There have been six presiding officers of this Chapter; the present membership is
twenty-two, the same number as the charter membership.
The Companions of Oroville called their Chapter Franklin, and twelve signed the petition for
a dispensation. Comp. HENRY A. GASTON was the first High Priest, Comp. J. J. KLEINE, the first
King, and Comp. A. G. BROWN the first Scribe. . Petitions for degrees were received at the first
convocation, and the record of work then begun is characteristic of the subsequent activity of Frank
/in Chapter, No. 20. It has been an exceedingly prosperous Masonic body, and its reputation for
first-class work is the pride of the Companions. Its present membership is seventy-eight. A sur
viving charter member is Gen. JoHN BIDWELL, of national repute. A distinguished Past High Priest
of Franklin Chapter is M. E.'. Comp. CHARLEs FAYETTE LOTT, who became R. E.'. Grand Com
mander of the Grand Commandery of California. United States Senator GEORGE C. PERKINs was
exalted in Franklin Chapter, became High Priest, Grand Master of California, and Grand Commander
of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, and Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Encamp
ment of the United States. The membership of Franklin Chapter is a roll of honor. There is
excellent citizenship and most excellent Craftship in Oroville.
A more picturesque town than Downieville, Sierra County, is not to be found in the mountain
ranges from Mexico to British Columbia. In the very heart of the Sierras, its appearance betokens
thrift and intelligence. There were great mining camps along the Yuba about the time the Compan
ions of the Royal Craft sought organization in 1857, and there are many good mining propositions
there at the present day. Twenty-eight Companions were charter members of Sierra Chapter, No.
21. The membership of the Chapter now is twenty-two. The first High Priest was Comp. LEWIs
REYNOLDs, a Mason of character and reputation. The present High Priest is Comp, and Judge
STANLEY ANDREW SMITH, one of the brightest Masons and one of the ablest jurists of this State.
He is splendidly supported by Comps. FRANK WEiE and ADEN DENMIRE, as King and Scribe, both
“wise and accomplished Freemasons." Past Grand High Priest WILLIAM T. LUTHER was High
Priest of Sierra Chapter twenty-five years, the longest service in one office in the Royal Arch
history of California. And that eminent Mason, the late beloved LEONIDAs E. PRATT, Past Grand
Master of California, was also a member of Sierra Chapter. In the safe trail of the fathers the
present officers and Companions follow, and well do they sustain the high character of Capitular
Masonry in Downieville.
There are now fifty-five members of Petaluma Chapter, No. 22. The charter membership
was nineteen. There have been twenty-three High Priests, and the forty-one years of the history
of the Chapter is a record of honorable endeavor and practical Masonic accomplishment. The per
sonnel of membership is most excellent. One Past High Priest of Petaluma Chapter became Grand
High Priest of California, M. E.'. Comp. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TUTTLE, in 1886. The first native
Spanish-Californian exalted in this State was JULIo CARRILLO, who received his degrees in Petaluma
Chapter while under dispensation, and became a charter member of the Chapter. Comp. SAMUEL
H. WAGENER, formerly a member of Petaluma Chapter, became Grand Commander of the Grand
Commandery of the State. Comp. EDWARD SPAULDING LIPPITT, Past Grand Commander of Califor
nia, is a member of Petaluma Chapter. The record of good membership and faithful service is long
and honorable in Petaluma.
In the Lodge room in Forest Hill, Placer County, is some of the paraphernalia and much of
the furniture that was formerly the property of Oliver Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M., originally
located in Todd's Valley, the same county. When mining practically ceased in the valley the
Chapter became a burden, and was removed, with permission of the Grand Chapter, to Forest Hill.
Here for a season it prospered, but in time became non-supporting, and on April 19, 1892, surren
dered its charter. Of late, under the excellent mastership of W. Bro. MARDIs, the Lodge in Forest
Hill has experienced much prosperity, and an earnest endeavor may be made to revive the Chapter.
The first High Priest of Oliver Chapter was Comp. JoHN W. HARVILLE, who became Grand High
Priest of California in 1868.
The Chapter at Camptonville, Yuba County, which was chartered on May 6, 1859, having
received its dispensation in January of that year, was the only Royal Arch body constituted in Cal
ifornia in 1859. It was chartered as La Fayette Chapter, No. 24. The location was in one of the
best hydraulic mining sections of the State, and the Chapter flourished while such mining prospered.
Its initial membership was twenty-two. Comp. P. McNULTY was the first High Priest. The last
High Priest, Comp. WILLIAM BULL MEEK, deserves special mention. Several years regular returns were
made to the Grand Chapter, though no meetings were held, the Companions having left for other
parts. Comp. MEEK paid the Grand dues himself, hoping against hope for a return to more favor
able conditions. Finally he was obliged to yield to the inevitable, and on April 21, 1897, La Fayette
Chapter was declared extinct.
The number 25 appears to be talismanic in Georgetown, El Dorado County. Georgetown
Lodge is No. 25, Georgetown Chapter is No. 25, and there are 25 members of the Chapter. The
dispensation for the Chapter was granted on February 21, 1860; the charter was issued on May 4,
the same year. Comp. D. C. McKENNY was the first High Priest. It has had a long, active, and
notable existence, and has furnished many bright Masonic lights. This was the home of M. E. .
Comp. ELLISON LAssELL CRAwFORD, who was High Priest 17 years, and in 1894 was Grand High
Priest of California, one of the very best in the long line of succession. That learned and graceful
Mason, Comp. JoHN DoDD SKINNER, Treasurer of El Dorado County, is a Past High Priest of
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 59 I
Georgetown Chapter; and a most excellent Companion, indeed, is the present High Priest, Dr. W.M.
SIMPsoN HICKMAN. Comp. JoHN PAUL JoNEs DAVIDSON, the oldest Mason in the world at the time
of his demise, was a member of this Chapter. Georgetown is a thrifty mining center, and the
Craft enjoys a liberal share of the prevailing prosperity.
On September 26, 1859, a dispensation was granted to Io Companions in Oakland to meet
as a Royal Arch Chapter. On May 4, 1860, a charter was issued to them for Alameda Chapter,
No. 26. On October 19, 1868, the Grand Chapter issued a charter direct to 1 1 Companions in
Oakland to open a new Chapter, to be known as Oakland Chapter, No. 36. On April 27, 1887,
the Grand Chapter authorized the consolidation of the two Chapters, the name of one and the num
ber of the other to be retained. Since then it has been Oakland Chapter, No. 36 – numerically,
financially, and Masonically very strong. There are few places where Masonry is so accurate, precise,
dignified, and altogether so fraternal and hospitable as in Oakland. This is the reputation it sustains
among visitors who have been charmed with the work and thankful for gracious entertainment. The
first High Priest of the older Chapter was Comp. JEREMIAH E. WHITCHER; the first High Priest of
the second Chapter was Comp. Joseph B. SCOTCHLER; and the first High Priest of the consolidated
Chapter was Comp. WEBR. N. PIERCE. Oakland Royal Arch Masonry has had 35 elected High
Priests. The list includes distinguished membership and a high order of citizenship. One Past
High Priest has been a Supreme Judge of the State, Comp. CHARLEs N. Fox; two were State
School Superintendents, Comps. JoHN W. McCLYMONDs and SAMUEL. T. BLACK. Two became M.'.
E. . Grand High Priests, Comps. NATHAN W. SPAULDING and WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE. A high
order of ability has marked the High Priesthood of Oakland Chapter and the commendable record is
well maintained by the present High Priest, Comp. RoBERT EDGAR. Two hundred and twenty-six
Royal Arch Masons were on the roll of Oakland Chapter, No. 36, when the last report was made
to the Grand Chapter.
The first High Priest of Delta Chapter, No. 27, at Auburn, was Comp. EzRA H. VAN DECAR.
Three years later he became the Grand High Priest of California. A dispensation for Royal Arch
work was granted to the Companions in Auburn on May 4, 1860; a charter was issued on May 10,
1861. On this latter day Royal Arch Masonry also began organized existence in North San Juan,
Stockton, and Napa. Auburn has been fortunate in its Masonic citizenship. Such Comps as CHARLEs
J. HELLWIG, JoHN G. BISBEE, ROBERT F. Roon Ey, MICHAEL D. LININGER, DAVID W. LUBECK, JoHN
M. FULWEILER, Joseph V. BELL, JONATHAN FULTON, WILLIAM B. LARDNER, JoHN CHISHOLM, and
THOMAS M. ToDD are worthy representatives of excellent Craftship, which in Auburn numbers several
score. In Lodge, Chapter, and Council they are earnest, devoted, and fraternal. Exceedingly bright
in the ritual, they are daily exemplars of the dignity and character of royal Masonry.
As Stockton is one of the most important cities in California, in population and commercial
enterprise, so its Masonry has been upon progressive and prosperous lines. S/ock/on Chapter, No.
28, was organized under dispensation on January 3, 1861, and was chartered May 10, 1861, one
month after the commencement of hostilities in the Civil War. Comp. PoRTERFIELD was the first
High Priest, Comp. ANDREW C. FLETCHER the first King, and Comp. RoyAL B. PARKER the first
Scribe. During the four years of war there were only ten exaltations, but with the return of peace
and attendant prosperity the Chapter assumed a degree of activity that has since been continuous.
There are now 96 members of Stockton Chapter. Among its Past High Priests one, Comp. GILBERT
BURNETT CLAIBORNE, became Grand Master of Masons of the State; and another, Comp. EDWARD R.
H EDGES, became Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of California. Two Past Grand
High Priests, M. E. Comps. Is AAC S. Trrus and WILLIAM A. DAVIES, have, by affiliation, been
members of this Chapter.
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FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyåLIFORNIy1. 593
The third Royal Arch Chapter in Nevada County was J/anzanita, No. 29, located in North
San Juan. Its dispensation was granted on February 26, 1861, and the charter on May 1oth follow
ing. It is a flourishing body at the present time, having 48 members. Its charter membership was
17, the first High Priest being Comp. WILLIAM WILMOT. The present High Priest, Comp. JoHN
STORER McBRIDE, has filled that office continuously 27 years. The Major is a royal man and an
able Mason, and Manzanita Chapter is his pride and joy. Comp. LovELL WHITE, of San Francisco,
was a former member of this Chapter, and in Manzanita Past Grand Master EDWARD M. PRESTON
was exalted.
Alapa Chapter, No. 30, was chartered May 9, 1862. There were 13 charter members, Comp.
HENRY A. GASTON being the first High Priest. The Chapter now has 39 members. Alapa has
produced many distinguished Masons, among whom were Comps. HENRY HAY KNAPP, who was elected
Grand High Priest in 1893, CHARLEs RAY GRITMAN, Grand Master of Masons in 1892, and JAMES
BAUNTY STEVENS, Grand Master of Masons in 1894. Comp. FREDERICK N. GILEs, the present High
Priest, has occupied that office five consecutive years. He is an model presiding officer, and has an
excellent and earnest Chapter to support his work.
The first High Priest of Martinez Chapter, No. 31, had been the faithful first High Priest
of Manzanita Chapter at North San Juan, Comp. WILLIAM WILMOT. The present most efficient
High Priest is WILLIAM SEWELL WELLs, a Mason of reputation, also, in other Masonic bodies. As
Master of Martinez Lodge, No. 41, he earned a praiseworthy reputation, and as the present Junior
Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge he is in direct line of promotion. Past High Priest LEwis C.
WITTENMYER is Grand Captain of the Host of the Grand Chapter, also in line of promotion in that
body. Martinez Chapter was chartered on May 9, 1862. It had 49 members when the last returns
were made. The character of its work is excellent.
Without doubt Plumas County has fallen upon harder lines than any other section of Califor
nia in the endeavor to sustain Royal Arch Masonry. On May 9, 1862, a charter was issued to
Quincy Chapter, No. 32, at Quincy, the county seat. In 1873 it was declared extinct. On August
20th, Alturas Chapter, No. 34, at Laporte, Sierra County (which was originally chartered on August
7, 1864, and had become non-supporting), was removed to Quincy, by order of Grand High Priest
HENRY S. ORME. But the Chapter failed to receive support in its new habitation, and became extinct
on September 26, 1896. Two of the Past High Priests of Alturas Chapter, while it existed in
Quincy—Joshu A HUTCHINS VARIEL and his son ROBERT F. VARIEL–removed to Los Angeles. The
father, over 80 years of age at the time of the Conclave of the Grand Commandery in Los Angeles
in 1897, took up the line of march with the fraters as valiant and sprightly as the younger genera
tion. The third Chapter to make praiseworthy effort in Plumas County was Plumas, No. 58, at
Greeneville, which was chartered on August 12, 1882. After a struggle of five years the Grand
Chapter on April 27, 1887, revoked its charter. There are now no Chapters in Plumas County.
During the first twelve years of the organization of Royal Arch Masonry in California no
Chapter had been formed south of Merced. The activities of the State were largely directed along
the gold belt of the Sierra Nevada and upper mountain ranges and in the contiguous fertile valleys.
While symbolic Masonry was established in San Diego in 1851 and in Los Angeles in 1853, no
effort was made to organize a Royal Arch Chapter until 1862, when a dispensation was granted to
25 Companions in Los Angeles; and on October 7, 1864, a charter was issued to Zos Angeles
Chapter, No. 33. Comp. RussFLL T. HAYES was the first High Priest, Comp. WILLIAM H. PETER
soN the first King, and Comp. SAMUEL PRAGER the first Scribe. The Chapter grew with the city
and became a strong Masonic factor. It now numbers 76 members and is in excellent financial con
594 FIFTY YEx4 RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
dition. There have been 15 High Priests, among whom was Comp. HENRY SAVRE ORME, who was
elected M. E. Grand High Priest of California in 1881. The first Grand Master of Arizona, Bro.
and Comp. ANSEL MELEN BRAGG, is also a member and Past High Priest of Los Angeles Chapter,
No. 33. The present High Priest, Comp. EDwARD ANTIONY PREUss, has most acceptably filled the
exalted office five successive terms.
When the trend of population toward Southern California became great and Los Angeles
assumed the proportions of a large city, Masonry was in the van, and the time appeared favorable
for the establishment of a second Chapter. On May 17, 1880, a dispensation was granted and Signe/
Chapter, U. D., with 34 members, began work. A charter was issued on April 13, 1881, at the
convocation of the Grand Chapter which elected Dr. ORME of Los Angeles Grand High Priest.
The history of Signet Chapter is in large degree the history of the new Los Angeles. It grew with
the city; enterprising, wide-awake business men became its members and supporters, and at the pres
ent time it is the third largest Chapter in California, being outnumbered only by the two Chapters
in San Francisco. Its membership is 361. Comp. RoBERT RUFUs BROWN was the first High Priest;
the first King was Comp. Robert GILMORE CUNNINGHAM, and the first Scribe was Comp. JoHN DUSTIN
BICKNELL. Among the Past High Priests of this Chapter are Comps. TRow BRIDGE HyER WARI),
NILEs PEASE, JoHN A. KINGSLEy, AUGUST WACKERBARTH, WILLIAM DowNIE, and GEORGE WEBB Ayls
worT.H. Comp. ARTHUR BROOKMAN, one of the most accomplished workers in the various Masonic
bodies, is the present High Priest. During the eighteen years of its existence Signet Chapter, No.
57, has had 244 exaltations, an average of four teams a year. The Chapter is an accurate working
body, and a bright, particular star in Royal Craftship of California.
No charters were granted in California from October 7, 1864, to October 19, 1868. On the
latter date Vallejo Chapter, U. D., which had been working a few months under dispensation, was
established by the Grand Chapter as Naval Chapter, No. 35. The name is most appropriate. Mare
Island Navy Yard has furnished many Companions of this Chapter whose names are linked with the
glory of the American Navy. JoHN MILLs BROWNE, Grand Master of California, Grand High Priest
of California, Active 33° of the A. & A. S. Rite, Surgeon of the Aearsange in the famous fight
with and destruction of the Alabama, and Surgeon-General of the United States Navy at the time
of his death, was the first King and second High Priest of Naval Chapter. The first Master of 1st
Vail of Naval Chapter, Comp. PHILIP HICHBORN, is now Commodore HICHBORN, Chief Naval Con
structor of the United States Navy. Another Past High Priest of Naval Chapter is Capt. Joseph
B. CoGHLAN, who commanded the cruiser A'aleigh under Admiral DEWEY in the great naval battle in
Manila harbor. These are heroes indeed, and their glorious records contribute to the honor of Maza/
Chapter. In civil life the better element, past and present, in Vallejo have been identified with
Royal Arch Masonry. There were 26 charter members, two of whom, Comps. HENRY BRUCE and
JAMES TOPLEy, are still members. The present membership is 71. Comp. JoHN W. WINTON is
High . Priest, and all the officers are active and efficient in the discharge of their respective
duties.
Siloam Chapter, No. 37, at Colfax, Placer County, is favorably located and has a membership
of 57, representing the energetic citizenship of Colfax, Dutch Flat, Towles, and other near-by towns.
Hon. JACOB HART N EFF, Lieutenant-Governor of California, President of the Miners' Association of
the State, Past Grand High Priest, and Past Grand Commander of California, was the first High
Priest of Siloam Chapter. He served his Chapter in that office 16 years. In commercial and fra
ternal circles no man in California is closer to the hearts of the people than Comp, N EFF. Comp.
ALEXANDER GIBSON OLIVER, who was the second High Priest of Siloam Chapter, afterward became
Grand Master, Grand High Priest, and Grand Commander of Arizona. The present High Priest is
Comp. MoRRIs LoRNER. The Chapter has sufficient work to keep officers and Companions bright,
and the finances are in good condition.
Santa Cruz Chapter, No. 38, was chartered April 6, 1870. Comp. Jon N N. BEssE was the
first High Priest and he was re-elected three successive terms. In its long and useful existence the
Chapter has had only seven High Priests. Comp. Louis SCIIwARTz served the Chapter seven years
in that office, and the present presiding officer, Comp. THOMPsoN WILSON DRULLARD, who is serving
his eighth term, is most excellent as a worker as well as Most Excellent by title. The Chapter has
47 members and is prosperous.
The fourth Chapter established in Nevada County, and one of the best in the State, was
Ponner, No. 39, located in Truckee. The Chapter was chartered on April 12, 1871, with a mem
bership of 33. Comp. AARON DAVID PARK was the first High Priest. Among the Past High Priests
is Comp. CHARLEs F. McGLASHAN, author of the “History of the Donner Party," a valuable contri
bution to the contemporaneous history of California. Comp. Joseph MARZEN, JR., was an excellent
High Priest, as was Comp. DAVID SHOEMAKER. The present High Priest is Comp. FRANK M.
RUTHERFORD, Principal of the Public Schools. There is good fellowship and close fraternalism in
Truckee. /Ponner Chapter now has a membership of 64.
A'ed B/u/ Chapter, No. 40, of Red Bluff, Tehama County, claims a distinction rarely equaled
in the records of official service. The most important officer in the work of conferring the Royal
Arch degree is Principal Sojourner. Upon him devolves the burden of the floor work. Comp.
ROBERT HURD BLossOM has filled this office twenty-seven consecutive years in Red Bluff Chapter.
He has conducted all the blind of that Chapter “by the way they knew not" and “in paths that
they have not known." The Chapter was chartered on April 12, 1871. Its first High Priest, Comp.
ADONIRAM JUDSON LOOMIs, served ten years. The present High Priest is ELIAS DELEVAN GARDNER,
who is serving his sixth term. There are 54 members of the Chapter.
Temple Chapter, No. 41, in Watsonville, was chartered on April 12, 1871, with a membership
of 12. The first High Priest, and also the succeeding High Priest for eleven years, was JAMEs
MARTIN RologERs, still a member of the Chapter. Comp. JAMES WATERs likewise most faithfully
served 7 emple Chapter ten years as High Priest. Past Grand Master of Masons of California, Bro.
and Comp. THOMAS FLINT, J.R., was High Priest of this Chapter in 1894–5, and Past Grand High
Priest THOMAS FLINT, SR., was also a former member. The present membership of Temple Chapter
is 41.
With fifteen names on the charter when Chico Chapter, No. 42, was established on April 12,
1871, the Chapter has grown to be a strong representative body of 64, with plenty of work to keep
officers and Companions bright in the ritual. There have been 16 High Priests, the first of whom
was Comp. CHARLEs LEWIs PoND. The present High Priest is Comp. JoHN CARDIFF DALY. The
late Comp. CARNOT COURTLAND MASON was High Priest of this Chapter eight successive terms, and
at the time of his death was Deputy Grand High Priest of the State, and also the Grand Com
mander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar.
Royal Arch Masons were numerous in Suisun before they petitioned for a dispensation, and
when they organized Solano Chapter, No. 43, there were 23 members. From this number excellent
officers were selected. Comp. WILLIAM SEWELL WELLs was the first High Priest. When he died,
in 1876, he was Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Masons. His son, Comp. WILLIAM
SEWELL WELLs, is the present High Priest of Martinez Chapter, No. 31, and is Junior Grand War
den of the Grand Lodge. A charter was issued to Solano Chapter on April 10, 1872. The Chapter
has been active in work and thrifty in finance. There are now 64 members. There have been 1 2
High Priests, all worthy and eminently qualified. Comp. Jerome Bonaparte R1chardson is the
present High Priest, serving his sixth term.
Visalia Chapter, No. 44, received its dispensation on July 19, 187 1, but was not chartered
until April 9, 1873. Comp. Charles Carroll Strong was the first High Priest. The names of 25
Companions appear on the charter; the present membership is just double that number. There have
been 11 High Priests. The longest term of service was that of Comp. Andrew Henderson Broder,
who was the first Captain of the Host, and was High Priest from 1874 to 1883, inclusive. Comp.
Ben Movers Maddox is the present presiding officer.
Santa Rosa is one of the strongest Masonic centers in California, and it is one of the loveliest
cities in the United States. All is good there, with no room for the bad. Symbolic Masonry was
flourishing in Santa Rosa in 1873, when 16 Companions petitioned for a dispensation to confer the
Capitular degrees. A dispensation was granted on March 13, 1873, and on the 9th of the following
month the Grand Chapter ordered a charter to be issued to Santa Rosa Chapter, No. 45. There
are now 116 members — active, enthusiastic Companions. The first High Priest, Adolph Le1gh
F1tzgerald, afterward became Grand Master and Grand High Priest of Nevada, and an Active 33°
member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, representing Nevada in the Supreme Council of
the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. As High Priest of Santa Rosa Chapter he served
four terms. Twenty High Priests have followed him in office in Santa Rosa, the rotation producing
very many able and accomplished officers. Rev. and Comp. Thomas H. B. Anderson, now residing
in Missouri, was a member of this Chapter, and as Grand Chaplain and Grand Orator of the Grand
Lodge of California was superior, and as Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence had no
superior, East or West.
Woodland Chapter, No. 46, was chartered with 16 members on April 9, 1873. Comp. Thomas
Cross Pockman was the first High Priest, serving the Chapter six years. The present High Priest,
Comp. Frankl1n Sylyester Freeman, is upon his fourth term. There have been 11 presiding
officers of the Chapter. The membership, though not large, is excellent and representative of good
citizenship. The late Comp. Franc1s Ellsworth Baker, who was a most eloquent Grand Orator in
the Grand Lodge, was High Priest of Woodland Chapter in 1886-7 and 1892. Comp. John D1xon
Stephens, who died the past year, was Treasurer of this Chapter, and was active in all the
Masonic bodies of Woodland.
There were 28 charter members of Lassen Chapter, No. 47, in Susanville, county seat of
Lassen County. The Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery in that city have been very prompt and
energetic Though their fine Temple was destroyed by fire in 1897 (a second visitation), they are
at work again, faithful and hopeful. There are now 35 members of Lassen Chapter. The first High
Priest was Comp. Allen Wood, and in all there have been only eight High Priests of the Chapter.
Comp. Trowbr1dge Hyer Ward, a Past High Priest of Signet Chapter, No. 57, Los Angeles, and Past
Grand Commander of California, was a former member of Lassen Chapter. The present High Priest,
Comp. James Branham, also filled the exalted office in the years 1883-8-9.
Although only eighteen miles distant from Suisun, where the Royal Arch Chapter has 64
members, Dixon, also in Solano County, has a thrifty, bright, and alert Chapter with 53 members.
The generous emulation existing between these two Chapters results in numerous accessions and
excellent work. Dixon Chapter, No. 48, was chartered April 14, 1875. Twenty -eight Companions
are recorded as charter members. There have been seven High Priests, each a superior worker.
Comp. James A. Ell1s served in 1875; John Sweeny, 1876 and 1885; Herman Epp1nger, 1877-8:
George C. McK1nley, 1879 and 1880-1 ; Jonathan M. Dudley, 1882-3-4; W1ll1am H. Wells,
FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 597
1886–7–8; and Comp. JoHN WILLIAM McFADVEN since 1889, ten years. He is an accomplished pre
siding officer, and under his long service as High Priest Dixon Chapter has enjoyed many seasons
of prosperity.
Modesto Chapter, No. 49, Modesto, Stanislaus County, was chartered April 12, 1876. There
are 54 members of the Chapter at present, constituting an energetic and prosperous body, with con
siderable work. There have been 11 High Priests; Comp. WILLIAM JoHN HousTON was the first,
and THOMAS KENNAN BEARD is filling the office this year. M. E.'. Comp. ADOLPHUS HEWEI, Grand
High Priest of California in 1895, was High Priest of Modesto Chapter six years, from 1879 to 1884,
inclusive—an able, courteous, and conscientious officer in the subordinate and in the Grand Chapter.
The second organization of Royal Arch Masons in Southern California was in Ventura, Ven
tura County. In this beautiful county seat by the sea Companions to the number of 25 were granted
a dispensation on May 17, 1875, and obtained a charter on April 12, 1876. The first High Priest,
M. E. . Comp. JoNATHAN DOAN HINEs, was re-elected six consecutive years. To his splendid efforts
as “a wise and accomplished Freemason," Ventura Chapter, No. 50, owes much of its success and
advancement, and in him the Craft in California had one of the best of the long succession of bril
liant Grand Masters and Grand High Priests. He was Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge
and Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter the same year, and was Grand Master and
Grand High Priest in 1884, a distinction that has seldom been accorded a Mason in any jurisdiction
in the United States or elsewhere. Comp. FREDERICK WILLIAM BAKER is now serving his fourth
term as High Priest of Ventura Chapter. Comp. NEHEMIAH BLACKSTOCK, a charter member of this
Chapter, was elected a member of the Board of Railroad Commissioners of California in 1898.
Royal Arch Masonry in Santa Barbara assumed organization one month after the formation of
a Chapter in Ventura. A dispensation was granted on June 24, 1875, and on April 12, 1876, Corin
thian Chapter, No. 51, was granted a charter. The first High Priest was Comp. JoHN PECK STEARNs,
the first King was GEORGE EDWARD CHILDs, and Comp. JACOB PARSONs was the first Scribe. There
have been 13 High Priests. At present there are 62 members of the Chapter, which is in a most
flourishing condition, as are all of the Masonic bodies in Santa Barbara. In appointments, furnish
ings, and paraphernalia, in arrangement of rooms for work and pleasure, there is no other city in the
State that excels Santa Barbara. The surroundings are conducive of the excellent and steady degree
work which is characteristic of Corinthian Chapter, No. 51. Comp. CLARENCE CROSRY KNIGHT is
the present High Priest. Only five of the original charter members are on the roll. The first
Royal Arch Captain, Comp. STEPHEN H. OLMSTED, is Past Master of Silver Gate Lodge in San
Diego, and is now an officer in the other Masonic bodies of that city.
Masonry in Humboldt County, isolated as the county is from the other sections of the State,
except by stage or water communication, is sturdy, fraternal, and energetic. No other county, accord
ing to population, has more members or more Lodges, while its two Chapters and its Commandery
are flourishing and have enviable records of much and good work. Humboldt Chapter, No. 52, was
chartered on April 11, 1878, though its dispensation was granted in 1876. The Grand Chapter did
not grant a dispensation or issue a charter in 1877. There were 26 charter members of Humbold/
Chapter. Now the membership is 116, an average annual accession of over four, without reference
to withdrawals. There have been only five High Priests, and four of them are still members of the
Chapter. Comp. JoHN ANDREW WATsoN, the first High Priest, was re-elected seven successive years.
Comp. Joseph DIBBLE Hoyt CHAMBERLAIN served three terms; Comp. THOMAS BARNEs CUTTER, seven
terms; Comp. EMERY JONATHAN CHAPMAN, two terms; and Comp. Louis PERSONs, the present High
Priest, two terms.
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The great numerical strength of the Lodges in Humboldt County, nearly 500 in Eureka,
Arcata, Ferndale, and Rohnerville, induced the establishment of a second Royal Arch Chapter. On
April 27, 1896, a dispensation was granted to 24 Companions in Ferndale. A charter was issued by
the Grand Chapter at its convocation on April 21, 1897, the name of the new Chapter being Fern
dale, No. 78. There are now 31 members. The first High Priest under dispensation and first
under charter was Comp. WILLIAM DINSMORE. He exalted 12 Companions during his term of office.
Comp. SIDNEY BourNE SwiFT is the present presiding officer.
On June 14, 1878, a dispensation was granted to 23 Companions to organize a Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons in Ukiah, Mendocino County. A charter was issued on April 9, 1879, to Ukiah
Chapter, No. 53. The growth in membership has been steady, the character of material excellent,
and there are now 82 Companions on the roll. There have been 12 High Priests, the first under
dispensation and Charter being Comp. JoHN WESLEY JENKINs, who is still a member of the Chapter.
The present High Priest is Comp. LYMAN WILBURN BABcock.
Lakeport Chapter, No. 54, was chartered April 14, 1880. The charter was revoked by the
Grand Chapter the following year, for reasons satisfactory to the Companions, and no effort has since
been made to revive organized Royal Arch Masonry in Lake County.
The rise and fall of some of the mining districts of California is aptly illustrated by the expe
rience of Bodie Chapter, No. 55, at Bodie, Mono County. When its charter was issued on April 14,
1880, that locality was a flourishing mining camp. The Chapter shared in the general prosperity,
which continued ten years. In 1888 the Chapter had 34 members. That year mining failed and
Bodie Chapter had only three members left. Those “three did agree" to surrender the charter, and
with it and the paraphernalia of the Chapter was transmitted to the Grand Secretary $193.69, the
amount in the treasury, when the Companions packed their traps and moved to other mining camps.
Aeystone Chapter, No. 56, at San Bernardino, was the fourth Royal Arch Chapter organized
south of Tehachapi range. The dispensation was granted on August 9, 1880, and the charter was
issued on April 13, 1881, with a membership of 26. The first High Priest was HENRY C. RolFE,
of that distinguished Masonic family of Rol.FEs, the members of which have been the strength and
support of the institution in several localities. That good father in Israel, Comp. IANTHUs J. Rolf E,
of Nevada City, is one, and another became Grand Master of Nevada. The present membership of
Keystone Chapter is 50. There have been eight High Priests, all good workers and representative
citizens. The present High Priest is Comp. DANIEL TAYLOR BRUMMETT. Under his administration
the Chapter greatly prospers.
Four splendid Chapters were chartered on April 11, 1883 : Salinas, No. 59, at Salinas, Mon
terey County; Colusa, No. 60, Colusa; San Diego, No. 61, San Diego; and San Luis, No. 62, San
Luis Obispo. Salinas Chapter commenced work with 41 charter members, one of the largest in
the history of new Chapters in California. The work of the Chapter has been superior. M. E. .
Comp. WILLIAM VANDERHURST was the first High Priest. The first year he exalted 29 Companions,
and during his four terms of office he added 40 members by exaltation. His excellent executive
ability as well as his perfect ritualism was recognized by the Grand Chapter; in 1889 he was elected
Grand High Priest of the State. He was a model officer and a perfect gentleman in every respect.
There have been seven High Priests of Salinas Chapter and 94 exaltations. The present member
ship is 77.
Colusa Chapter, No. 60, had a charter membership of 37. There have been 51 exaltations.
The present membership is 38. There have been only four High Priests, Comps. FRED FURTH, who
served two years; JosepH BAILEY COOKE, ten years; WILLIAM DAY DEANE, four years; and JoHN
6OO FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
BURRIS DE JARNATT, one year. The work of Colusa Chapter has been good and the character of
the membership excellent.
The Freemasons in San Diego meet in their own Temple, handsomely furnished and conven
iently arranged. All the bodies of Masonry have an organization in San Diego—two Lodges, a
Chapter, Council, Commandery, and a Lodge of Perfection, A. & A. S. R., of the Southern Jurisdic
tion of the United States. There is generous rivalry between the Lodges and united force of excel
lent workers in the upper bodies. San Diego Chapter, No. 61, is numerically and financially large
and vigorous. There are 94 members, representative citizens of the beautiful city. The first High
Priest, Comp. WILLIAM A. BEGOLE, is still a zealous worker and faithful attendant upon the convoca
tions. The High Priests in succession after Comp. BEGOLE were Comps. SIMON LEvi, JoHN W.
THOMPSON, GEORGE M. DANNALS, ELI TUCKER BLACKMER, JAMEs G. DECATUR, ADDISON MORGAN,
John W. MossHOLDER, NORMAN H. CONKLIN, and GILBERT C. ARNOLD. There have been 97 exalta
tions in this Chapter. The first High Priest exalted 49. In 1898 the Grand Chapter elected M. .
E. Comp. ELI TUCKER BLACKMER, of San Diego, Grand High Priest. He is a philosophical Mason,
correct in detail and full of the dignity and majesty of our stately Craftship. His work, his conver
sation, and his addresses mark the good man and the good Mason.
San Luis Chapter, No. 62, has a present membership of 78. There have been 86 exaltations
in 16 years. The first High Priest, Comp. LEvi RACKLIFFE, served seven continuous terms. He
was alert in the affairs of the Craft and of the State. At the time of his death he was State Treas
urer, a man and Mason greatly beloved for his many excellent qualities. Masonry has always been
largely practised in San Luis Obispo, and the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery are in prosperous
condition. The Chapter has had seven High Priests, the present presiding officer being Comp. JoHN
WHICHER, a graceful officer and a most competent ritualist.
St. Helena Chapter, No. 63, at St. Helena, Napa County, was chartered on April 9, 1884,
with 12 members. The field is limited and the Chapter has not been able to make much numerical
progress, but the material has been good and the membership excellent. There have been only two
High Priests, Comps. WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE STONEY and WILLIAM WHITTINGHAM LyMAN. There are
25 members of the Chapter at present.
In the extreme northeast county of the State, near the old lava beds on the table land of the
Sierra Nevadas, are 18 Companion Royal Arch Masons who deserve praise individually and collect
ively for maintaining Acacia Chapter, No. 64, in Adin, Modoc County. Those most excellent Com
panions regularly meet and keep the altar fires burning, though they have but little work. There
have been five High Priests of Acacia Chapter: Comps. GEORGE H. KNIGHT, CHARLEs J. McCoy,
JAMES C. LEWIS, Joseph F. LAPOINT, and WARREN D. PACKwooD.
Antioch Chapter, No. 65, at Antioch, Contra Costa County, is limited in jurisdiction, but
maintains a good working organization. The charter was issued on April 29, 1885. The member
ship then was 18; now it is 24. There have been four High Priests: Comps. CLARENCE H. FRINK,
JAMES CARTER, CHARLEs M. BELSHAw, and GEORGE Hollan Ay.
/Doric Chapter, No. 66, at San Leandro, Alameda County, was originally located in Livermore.
The charter was issued April 29, 1885. There were 24 members, zealous and ambitious. Comp.
BENSON CLARKE BELLAMY was the first High Priest, an able worker and a courtly man. There was
considerable work the first few years, but the Chapter decreased in membership and as a means of
saving grace the Companions voted to change its location to San Leandro. The consent of the
Grand High Priest was obtained, the change was made, and the Chapter has greatly prospered.
There are at present 48 members. The Chapter has had five High Priests.
FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 6O I
Aliverside Chapter, No. 67, at Riverside, was granted a dispensation on August 27, 1885, and
was chartered April 28, 1886. In the order of succession in Southern California it followed Signe/
Chapter, No. 57, at Los Angeles. From an original membership of 25 the Chapter has grown to a
compact Royal Arch body of 67 Companions. The city, the country, and all the surroundings con
duce to good Craftship in Riverside. All of the Masonic bodies in that city are thrifty. The Chap
ter has had eight High Priests, the first being Comp, MENNo S Bow MAN. In succession the others
were Comps. CHRISTOPHER C. MILLER, JoHN S. CASTLEMAN, WILSON B. RussELL, SAMUEL B. HINCK
LEy, GEORGE D. CUNNINGHAM, CHARLEs W. FILKINs, and JoHN T. JARVIS. There have been 64
exaltations in 13 years.
Hollister Chapter, No. 68, at Hollister, San Benito County, was chartered April 28, 1886, two
months after the dispensation for its organization was granted. Comp. THOMAS FLINT, JR., of San
Juan, was the first High Priest, and his father, Comp. THOMAS FLINT, SR., was the first Scribe. He
became the second High Priest, serving five years; and in 1896 Comp. THOMAS FLINT, SR., was
elected M. E. Grand High Priest of California, while in 1897 the son was elected M. W. Grand
Master of the State, family distinctions rarely recorded in Masonic Craftship. There were 11 charter
members of //ollister Chapter. The Companions were a zealous band, and the Chapter in the few
years of its existence has become large and influential. The present membership is 41. There have
been seven High Priests and 41 exaltations. -
Trigo Chapter, No. 69, located at Fresno, was granted a dispensation on August 9, 1886, its
charter being issued April 27, 1887. Royal Arch Masonry has been energetic in the chief city of
the central San Joaquin Valley. The activity of the Lodge gave impetus to the new Chapter. The
first year there were 26 exaltations, and the first four years 54. There have been 84 exaltations in
12 years, sufficient work to keep the Chapter bright and ambitious. There have been good workers
in all of the offices, and the Chapter has been ably administered by eight High Priests. The first
was Comp. ANGUs MARION CLARK; the last, Comp, DUNCAN CAMPBELL McDougALI. The present
membership is 62. M. E. . Comp. WILEY JAMEs TINNIN, Past Grand High Priest, is a member of
Trigo Chapter by affiliation.
While the two Chapters in Oakland were engaged in the commendable work of consolidation
the Companions in Alameda were planning to organize a new Chapter. On January 13, 1887, a
dispensation was granted to Encinal Chapter, U. D., at Alameda, with the understanding that the
name should be changed to Alameda, if the Oakland Companions perfected a consolidation. That
having been accomplished, the Grand Chapter on April 27, 1887, issued a charter to Alameda Chap
ter, No. 70, with a membership of 28, among this number being 13 who had only received the
degrees of Mark and Past Master. The Chapter has been very successful. Its Chapter hall is one
of the most beautiful in the State. The Companions are animated with a desire to excel; their work
is superior and their candidates numerous. The present membership is 69. There have been seven
High Priests—the first, Comp. JoHN HENRY EICKHOFF; and the last, PHINEAs WESLEY BARTON.
Tulare Chapter, No. 71, was chartered April 17, 1889, with a membership of 27. The first
High Priest was Comp. JoHN LILLARD How ELL, who served two terms and exalted three teams.
Eight High Priests have succeeded him, the present presiding officer being Comp. CALVIN LEwis
RUssBLL. There have been 35 exaltations in 7 ulare Chapter. The present membership is 32.
The third Royal Arch Chapter in Los Angeles County was Crown, No. 72, at Pasadena.
The charter was issued on April 17, 1889, eight years after Signet Chapter in Los Angeles obtained
a charter. Pasadena had grown to be a large city, and the field for Masonic work was promising.
At the present time there are two Lodges, the Chapter, a Commandery, and the bodies of the
6O2 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIM.
Scottish Rite in that city. There were 30 charter members of the Chapter; now the membership is
105. There have been nine High Priests. The first was Comp. RoMAYNE WILLIAMs; the last, EUGENE
Cook GRIFFITH. The second High Priest of Crown Chapter, Comp. FLORIN LESLIE JONES-one of
the most distinguished Masons in California—is the present Deputy Grand High Priest of the State.
Ex-Governor HENRY H. MARKHAM is a member of this Chapter, as is Comp LEANDER WARREN
FRARY, Past Grand Master of Montana. Crown Chapter is one of the brightest and one of the most
diligent in the jurisdiction of the State.
Orange Chapter, No. 73, in Santa Ana, was chartered April 22, 1891. In eight years it has
increased its membership from 27 to 74, over 300 per cent. No other Chapter in California can
show a greater proportionate increase. There is abundant and most excellent material in Orange
County. “By their fruits shall ye know them,” as well in the Masonry of the county as in the rich
orange groves and heavy-laden vineyards. Six High Priests have assisted in the undertaking in
Orange Chapter: Comps. CARLos F. MANsuk, JAMEs W. Town ER, CHARLEs A. MEAD, ALLEN J.
WooD, JAMES HEDGES HALL, and JAMES D. WILDER.
Hanford Chapter, No. 74, at Hanford, Kings County, commenced work under dispensation on
July 26, 1892, and obtained a charter on April 19, 1893. There were 25 members under charter;
there are 32 members at the present time. The four High Priests in succession were Comps.
CHARLEs C. VAN VALKINBURGH, LUCIU's ELY FELTON, LEWIS C. DUNHAM, and WILLIAM H. CAMP.
The city of Hanford is growing and the Chapter has an assured bright future.
Kern Valley Chapter, No. 75, obtained a charter in April, 1893. That distinguished Mason,
the late Judge ALVAH RUssELL CoNKLIN, Past Grand Master of California, was the prime mover in
the organization of the Chapter and was the first and only High Priest until his death. Comp.
CLARENCE EDMUND ARNOLD is the present High Priest. Kern Valley Chapter had a charter mem
bership of 11; there are now 20 members. -
One of the brightest Royal Arch Chapters in California is located in Pomona, Los Angeles
County. It is the fourth Chapter organized in that county. The enthusiasm of good fraternity is
manifest at every meeting of Pomona Chapter, No. 76, and a hearty welcome is accorded to visitors.
The Chapter has been fortunate in its High Priests, Companions who have brought to the exalted
office ability and Masonic wisdom. The Chapter had 26 charter members; in four years the number
has increased to 60. This increase bespeaks the merit of the Chapter. The three High Priests in
succession were Comps. HENRY JAMEs NICHOLs, Joseph RELTON GARTHSIDE, and FRANK GARCELON.
A'edland's Chapter, No. 77, at Redlands, San Bernardino County, worked one year under dis
pensation, and obtained its charter on April 17, 1895, with 38 members. In three years it added
14, the present membership being 52. Comps. FRANK P. MESERVE, CHARLEs H. HoHART, JAMEs A.
STONE, and JAMES FREDERICK DRAKE have served as High Priests. The Companions at Redlands
commenced their labors well and they have every reason to believe that the Chapter will grow with
the years into strength and exalted influence.
Royal Arch Masonry in California will celebrate the semi-centennial of its existence in 1904.
It commenced at a period when the young State was in an ambitious formative condition. It has
become the chief Royal Arch body west of the Rocky Mountains. It is the pride of mountain
mining camps, the joy of valley hamlets, and the glory of Craftship in the cities of the State. It is
a branch of Masonry "where no creed divides and where charity presides," and in these characteris
tics California Masonry is a distinguished example. There are 73 working Chapters in the State
and 5405 affiliated Royal Arch Masons. There have been 44 Grand High Priests, of whom 22 are
living. The names of those who have served in this exalted capacity are as follows. Those desig
nated by a star have "joined the innumerable caravan" on the other shore: *Charles Morton
Radcl1ff (1854), *John D. Cre1gh (1855), *Orance H. D1bble (1856), *W1ll1am W. Traylor
(1857), Thomas H. Caswell (1858), *Wh1t1ng G. West (1859), * Henry H. Hartley (1860-1),
*Adol1,hus Hollub (1862), *Ezra H. Van Decar (1863), *Isaac Dav1s (1864), John K1rkpatr1ck
(1865), *Charles Marsh (1866), * Isaac S. T1tus (1867), *John W. Hary1lle (1868), *George T.
Gr1mes (1869, 1870), * James L. Engl1sh (1871), Jacob H. Neff (1872), W1ll1am A. Davtes ( 1873),
W1ll1am A. January (1874), W1ll1am T. Reynolds (1875), * Alexander G. Abell (1876), Henry
Hay Knapp (1877), * John M1lls Browne (1878), Nathan W. Spauld1ng (1879), W1ley James
T1nn1n (1880), Henry Sayre Orme (1881), Wm. Monroe Petr1e (1882), *Leon1das E. Pratt
(1883), * Jonathan Doane H1nes (1884), Edward Coleman (1885), Benjam1n F. Tuttle ( 1 886),
* M1chael James Keat1ng (1887), W1ll1am Thompson Luther ( 1 888), W1ll1am Vanderhurst (1889),
Frankl1n Henry Day (1890), M1lton H1lls Myr1ck (1891), Wm. Buckley Dav1s ( 1892), *Charles
Ray Gr1tman (1893), * Ell1son Lassell Crawford (1894), Adolphus Hewel (1895), Thomas Fl1nt,
Sr. (1896), W1ll1am Frank P1erce (1897), and El1 Tucker Blackmer (1898).
THE ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
Intimately associated with as a factor, but not as a constituent part of the Grand Chapters of
the United States, is the Order of High Priesthood. It has become the practice to confer the
Order at the annual convocations of the Grand Chapters, and no Mason is eligible to its privileges
who has not been elected a High Priest of a subordinate Chapter. The following description of the
Order is taken from Mackey's "Book of the Chapter":
"Symbolical Design. — The design of this degree, so far as it relates to its symbolic ceremonies,
appears to be to present to the candidate the bond of brotherly love which should unite those who,
having been elevated to the highest station by their Companions, are thus engaged in one common
task of preserving the landmarks of the Order unimpaired, and in protecting, by their high authority,
the integrity and honor of the institution. Thus, separated from the general mass of laborers in the
field of Masonry and consecrated to a sacred mission as teachers of its glorious truths, those who sit
in the tabernacle as the representatives of the ancient High Priesthood are, by the impressive ceremo
nies of the degree, reminded of the intimate friendship and fellowship which should exist between
all those who have been honored with this distinguished privilege."
"Historical Summary. — It is impossible, from the want of authentic documents, to throw much
light upon the historical origin of this degree. No allusion to it can be found in any ritual works
out of America, nor even here anterior to about the end of the last and beginning of this century.
Webb is the first who mentions it, and gives it in the series of Capitular degrees. It is probable
that it was established by Webb at the same time that he gave that form to the Prestonian lectures
and ceremonies of the inferior degrees which have since so universally obtained in this country. If
so, we may make a guess, and a guess only, at the source whence he derived his general idea of the
degree. In 1780 a Masonic rite was founded at Berlin, Prussia, called the 'Initiated Brothers of
Asia.' It was a philosophical rite, intended to give what was supposed to be a true explanation of
6O4 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
all Masonic symbolism. The fifth degree of this rite was entitled ‘Melchizedek, or the Royal Priest.'
It is possible that this degree may have suggested to WEBB his idea of the Order of High Priest
hood."
The first convention of the Order of High Priests in the State of California was held in Sac
ramento on May 9, 1854, M. E.'. Comp. IsAAC DAVIS presiding. The first candidates were Comps.
CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF, of Sonora, and A. B. Hoy, of Sacramento. The Order held regular meet
ings for several succeeding years, but did not adopt a constitution until 1857. Its sessions are of
exceeding interest and are regularly largely attended.
JAcob H. NE FF, WILLIAM A. DAv1Es, THOMAs KYLE,

WILEY J. T.INNIN, ELl T. BLACK MER, EDw ARD R. H EDGES, FRANKLIN H. DAY, WILLiAM M. Pet Rile, John G. Bish EE,
BEN.J. F. TUTTLE, Theo. E. S.Mith.
Officers for 1898 - 99 ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
The following Comp. High Priests have filled the office of President of the Order in this
State:
WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR, 1857; ISAAC DAVIS, 1858–9, 1860–1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9, or 12 consecu

tive years; SAMUEL GRAVES, 1870–1; WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR, 1872; SAMUEL GRAVES, 1873; WILLIAM
W. TRAYLOR, 1874; JAMEs L. ENGLISH, 1875–6; WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR, 1877–8–9, 1880–1–2; WILEY
JAMES TINNIN, 1883; WILLIAM ABRALIAM DAVIES, from 1884 to date, or 14 consecutive years.
*/~ & > < * *:

£).
C H A PT E R XVI I I.
THE
CRYDTIC RTE OF ROYAL AND SELECT *|ASTERS

WITH THE APPENDANT DEGREE OF SUPER ExCELLENT MASTER ;
RITUALISM APPROPRIATED FROM THE SCOTTISH RITE.
- \
N\\\\".
\ R Y PT IC MASON R Y possesses absolute independence of all other rites
and branches of Masonry. It owes its existence to the Ancient and
* Accepted Scottish Rite, though it is disclaimed by that venerable
l(Q)hody. It is beautifully and intimately associated with the drama of
Symbolic and Capitular Masonry, yet the Chapter refuses to officially
l'. of it a “tie that binds." Located by usage between Royal
| Arch Masonry and the Commandery, yet Templarism declines to
| fellowship with it. Still, in the Masonry of America it is a regular body
which is much respected and which has a wealth of years and a strength
£of membership. It is recognized, yet its irregularity of origin and its
* / 'singularity of relative position is admitted. Withal it has a ritual of
deep philosophy and earnest significance. It is a diamond setting in the
* R --> / /
ecious stones of the Temple.
N.)Referring to *
* origin of Cryptic Masonry, MACKEY says:
| '% There is no doubt
~ // --~~ that these degrees belonged originally to the Ancient and Accepted Rite
#£
d were conferre S honorary degrees by the inspectors of that rite. This authority and jurisdic
uncil for the Southern Jurisdiction of the rite continued to claim until the year
1830) although # ough negligence the Councils of Royal and Select Masters in some of the States
been placed under the control of independent jurisdictions called Grand Councils. Like all
usurped authority, however, this claim of the State Grand Councils does not seem to have ever been
universally : ted or to have been very firmly established. Repeated attempts have been made to
take the degrees out of the hands of the Councils and to place them in the Chapters, there to be
conferred as preparatory to the Royal Arch. The General Grand Chapter, in the triennial session of
1847, adopted a resolution granting this permission to all Chapters in States where no Grand Coun
cils exist. But seeing the manifest injustice and inexpediency of such a measure, at the following
session of 1850 it refused to take any action on the subject of these degrees. In 1853 it disclaimed
all control over them and forbade the Chapters under its jurisdiction to confer them. As far as regards
the interference of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite that question was set at rest in 1870 by
the Mother Council, which at its session at Baltimore formally relinquished all further control over
them."
6o6 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Said the late Ill.\ Comp. Albert P1ke, 33 , then Grand Commander of the Southern Supreme
Council :
"We do not know by what authority these degrees were introduced into Missouri, but we
know that in Mississippi the bodies were established by the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem;
in Arkansas by the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction, by whose authority also the
Grand Council of the State was created; and that nearly every Grand Council in the United States
owes its being either to the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction or to Jeremy L. Cross,
who pretended to hold a commission from it."
Of these degrees the Grand Master of the Grand Council of Vermont said, at a late meeting
of that body :
"It is a well established fact that the Supreme Council of the 33 of the Southern Jurisdiction
at Charleston, S. C, were the original possessors of these degrees in this country.
"In 1 8 1 7 they were conferred in Baltimore on the members of the Grand Royal Arch Chap
ter of the United States, of which Thomas Sm1th Webb of Boston, Mass., then Deputy General
Grand High Priest, was one. He came to Windsor, Yt., and on the 24th day of December, 18 17,
conferred the degrees upon the following Companions: L. W. Hubbard, Lew1s F. Gallup, Ga1us
Perk1ns, Jonathan Nye, S1las Bowen, John H. Cotton, and Benjam1n N1les. In May, 1818,'
Comp. Cotton issued a charter to certain Companions at Bennington, Vt., dated May 23d, which is
now in possession of Hymen Tuttle of that place. About this time they were introduced into
Rutland and Addison counties by Jeremy L. Cross; by John Barney into Franklin County, where
he remained three weeks at the house of Comp. Ira H1ll and gave him the work and lectures.
This work is believed to be the oldest in Vermont, and nearly corresponds with our present work.
"Naphtal1 Shaw, of Bradford, disseminated these degrees in Orange, Caledonia, and Essex
counties in the autumn of 18 18, and in the northeastern part of New York."
Authority for organizing Councils of Royal and Select Masters in the several States was
derived as follows :
From the Southern Supreme Council direct: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska,
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. By its authority to John Barker, 33 , Inspector-
General : Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Ohio. Mediately through the Scottish line above
mentioned: California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and
Wisconsin. By Jeremy L. Cross, 33°, in the Southern Jurisdiction, Virginia; in the Northern Juris
diction, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Total by Southern
Supreme Council direct, eight ; by Barker, as Deputy, four ; by Cross, seven—making nineteen who
had their direct origin from the Southern Supreme Council. The number indirect from their original
progenitor, nine — making in all twenty -eight Grand Councils from their Scottish Rite mother and
grandmother. And this is also confirmed by Ill.\ Comp. Eugene Gr1ssom, 33°, of the Southern
Supreme Council, in his history of the Cryptic Rite. It is not now a question of jurisdiction, for
all are independent of themselves or now owe allegiance to the General Grand Council constituted at
Detroit, Mich., on August 23, 1880.
The strongest efforts have frequently been made to induce the Grand Encampment of Knights
Templar of the United States to make the degrees of Royal and Select Masters prerequisite to
receiving the Orders of knighthood, but without avail. They must stand alone in their beauty and
strength, and teach their beautiful lessons without aid from any friends, either above or below.
The Mississippi plan to incorporate them into the Royal Arch Chapters has only been followed
in three or four States— Iowa, Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas. This has been generally opposed.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNI,4. 607
Said Ill. . Comp. Josiah DRUMMOND in 1879:

“Mississippi and Illinois have taken measures to transfer the Council degrees to their several
Royal Arch Chapters, provided the General Grand Chapter will allow them to do so. We cannot
See any advantage in so doing, as some are already complaining of too many degrees in the Chapter.
If the Council degrees are not worth the working as they are, give them up—disband. Do not try
to foist them where they never belonged. If you give them to anybody, return them to that body
from which we received them—the A. & A. S. Rite. We are not aware that the Royal Arch Chapter
ever had any control over them."
The degree of Royal Master and its complement, that of Select Master, furnish symbols of
profound meaning for deep reflection and contemplation upon the uncertainty of life and the possibil
ity of a sudden death, and the necessary preparation for all the contingencies of a fatal catastrophe.
Both degrees have reference to the Secret Vaults, an account of which we quote from MACKEY and
OLIVER, as follows:
“As a symbol the Secret Vault does not present itself in the primary degrees of Masonry.
It is found only in the high degrees, such as the Royal Arch of all the rites where it plays an
important part."
Dr. OLIVER in his “Historical Landmarks" (vol. ii, p. 434), gives, while referring to the build
ing of the second Temple, the following general detail of the Masonic legend of this vault:
“The foundations of the Temple were opened and cleared from the accumulation of rubbish,
that a level might be procured for the commencement of the building. While engaged in excavations
for this purpose, these fortunate sojourners are said to have discovered our ancient stone of founda
tion, which had been deposited in the secret crypt by Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty, to prevent the
communication of ineffable secrets to profane or unworthy persons. The discovery having been com
municated to the prince, prophet, and priest of the Jews, the stone was adopted as the chief corner
stone of the re-edified building, and thus became, in a new and more expressive sense, the type of a
more excellent dispensation. An avenue was also accidentally discovered, supported by seven pairs of
pillars, perfect and entire, which from their situation had escaped the fury of the flames that had
consumed the Temple and the desolation of war that had destroyed the city. The secret vault—
which had been built by SoLOMON as a secure depository for certain secrets that would inevitably
have been lost without some such expedient for their preservation—communicated by a subterranean
avenue with the King's palace; but at the destruction of Jerusalem, the entrance having been closed
by the rubbish of falling buildings, it had been discovered by the appearance of a keystone amongst
the foundations of the Sanctum Sanctorum. A careful inspection was then made and the invaluable
secrets were placed in safe custody."
Considered simply as a historical question, there can be no doubt of the existence of immense
vaults beneath the superstructure of the original Temple of Solomon. PRIME, ROBINSON, and other
writers, who in recent times have described the topography of Jerusalem, speak of the existence of
these structures, which they visited and in some instances carefully examined. After the destruction
of Jerusalem by TITUs, the Roman Emperor HADRIAN erected on the site of the “House of the
LoRD" a Temple of Venus, which in its turn was destroyed, and the place subsequently became a
depository of all manner of filth. But the Caliph OMAR, after his conquest of Jerusalem, sought out
the ancient site, and, having caused it to be cleansed of its impurities, he directed a mosque to be
erected on the rock which rises in the center of the mountain. Fifty years afterward the Sultan
ABD - EL-MELUK displaced the edifice of OMAR and erected that splendid building which remains to
this day, and is still incorrectly called by Christians the Mosque of Omar, but known to Mussulmans
6o8 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
as Elkubbet-es-Sukrah, or the Dome of the Rock. This is supposed to occupy the exact site of the
original Solomonic Temple, and is viewed with equal reverence by Jews and Mohammedans, "the
former of whom," says Mr. Pr1me ("Tent Life in the Holy Land," p. 183), "have a faith that the
ark is within its bosom now."
"The degree of Royal Master is the eighth of the American Rite," says Comp. Mackey, "as
that rite is now constituted. It is the first of the degrees conferred in|a Council of Royal and Select
Masters. Under the present order the officers are a Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, representing
King Solomon; Deputy Illustrious Master, representing H1ram, King of Tyre; Principal Conductor
DOME OF THE ROCK.
of the Works, representing H1ram Ab1f; Treasurer, Recorder, Captain of the Guards, Conductor of
the Council, Steward, and Sentinel. The place of meeting is called the Council Chamber, and rep
resents the private apartment of King Solomon, in which he is said to have met with his two col
leagues during the construction of the Temple. Candidates who receive this degree are said to be
'honored with the degree of Royal Master.' Its symbolic colors are black and red— the former sig
nificant of grief and the latter of martyrdom, and both referring to the chief builder of the Temple.
"The events recorded in this degree, looking at them in a legendary point of view, must have
occurred at the building of the first Temple and during that brief period of time after the death of
the builder, which is embraced between the discovery of his body and its 'Masonic interment.' In
all the initiations into the mysteries of the ancient world there was, as it is well known to scholars,
a legend of the violent death of some distinguished personage to whose memory the particular mys
tery was consecrated, of the concealment of the body, and its subsequent recovery. That part which
referred to the concealment of the body was called the aphanism, from a Greek verb which signifies
'to conceal,' and that part which referred to the subsequent finding was called the euresis, from
another Greek verb which signifies 'to discover.' It is impossible to avoid seeing the coincidences
between the system of initiation and that practised in the Masonry of the third degree. But the
ancient initiation was not terminated by the euresis or discovery. Up to that point the ceremonies
had been funereal and mournful in their character. But now they were changed from mourning to
rejoicing. Other ceremonies were performed by which the restoration of the personage to life, or
his apotheosis or change to immortality, was represented, and then came the autopsy or illumination
of the neophyte, when he was invested with a full knowledge of all the religious doctrines which it
was the object of the ancient mysteries to teach —when, in a word, he was instructed in divine truth.
Now a similar course is pursued in Masonry. Here also is there an illumination, a symbolic teach
ing, or, as we call it, an investiture with that which is the representative of divine truth. The com
munication in the Master's degree of that which is admitted to be merely a representation of or a
substitution for that symbol of divine truth (the search for which, under the name of the True Word,
makes so important a part of the degree), how imperfect it may be in comparison with that more
thorough knowledge which only future researches can enable the Master Mason to attain, constitutes
the autopsy of the third degree. Now, the principal event recorded in the legend of the Royal
Master, the interview between Adon1ram and his two Royal Masters, is to be placed precisely at
that juncture of time which is between the euresis or discovery in the Master Mason's degree and
the autopsy, or investiture with the great secret. It occurred between the discovery by means of the
sprig of acacia and the final interment. It was at the time when Solomon and his colleague, H1ram
of Tyre, were in profound consultation as to the mode of repairing the loss which they then supposed
had befallen them. We must come to this conclusion because there is abundant reference, both in
the organized form of the Council and in the ritual of the degree, to the death as an event that had
already occurred ; and, on the other hand, while it is evident that Solomon had been made acquainted
with the failure to recover on the person of the builder that which had been lost, there is no refer
ence whatever to the well-known substitution which was made at the time of the interment. If, there
fore, as is admitted by all Masonic ritualists, the substitution was precedent and preliminary to the
establishment of the Master Mason's degree, it is evident that at the time the degree of Royal Master
is said to have been founded in the ancient Temple by our 'first Most Excellent Grand Master' all
persons present, except the first and second officers, must have been .merely Fellow Craft Masons.
In compliance with this tradition, therefore, a Royal Master is at this day supposed to represent a
Fellow Craft in the search, and making his demand for that reward which was to elevate him to the
rank of a Master Mason.
"If from the legendary history we proceed to the symbolism of the degree we shall find that,
brief and simple as are the ceremonies, they present the great Masonic idea of the laborer seeking
for his reward. Throughout all the symbolism of Masonry, from the first to the last degree, the
search for the Word has been considered but as a symbolic expression for the search after Truth.
The attainment of this truth has always been acknowledged to be the great object and design of all
6 10 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Masonic labor. Divine truth

— the knowledge of God,
concealed in the old cabalis
tic doctrine under the sym
bol of His ineffable name,
and typified in the Masonic
system under the mystical
expression of the True Word
— is the reward proposed to
every Mason who has faith
fully wrought his task. It
is, in short, the ' Master's
wages.' Now, all this is
beautifully symbolized in the
degree of Royal Master.
The reward had been prom
ised, and the time had now
come, as Adon1ram thought,
THE GOLDEN VESSELS. when the promise was to

be redeemed, and the True
Word—divine truth— was to be imparted. Hence in the person of Adon1ram, or the Royal Master,
we see symbolized the Speculative Mason, who, having labored to complete his spiritual temple, comes
to the Divine Master that he may receive his reward and that his labor may be consummated by
the acquisition of truth. But the temple he had been building is the temple of this life, that first
temple which must be destroyed by death that the second temple of the future life may be built on
its foundations. And in this first temple the truth cannot be found. We must be content with its
substitute."
The following description and explanation of the degree of Select Master is also from the pen
of Mackev :
" The degree of Select Master is the ninth degree of the American Rite and the last of the
two conferred in a Council of Royal and Select Masters, and the officers are the same as in the
Royal Master's degree. The first three represent the three Grand Masters at the building of Sol
omon's Temple. The symbolic colors are black and red, the former significant of secrecy, silence,
and darkness ; the latter of fervency and zeal. A Council is supposed to consist (like that of the
Lodge of Perfection of the 14th degree of the A. & A. S. Rite, from which it is borrowed) of neither
more nor less than twenty - seven ; but a smaller number, if not less than nine, is competent to pro
ceed to work or business. The candidate when initiated is said to be 'chosen as a Select Master.'
The historical object of the degree is to commemorate the deposit of an important secret or treasure
which, after the preliminary preparations, is said to have been made by H1ram Ab1f. The place of
meeting represents a secret vault beneath the Temple.
"A controversy has sometimes arisen among ritualists as to whether the degree of Select
Master should precede or follow that of Royal Master in the order of conferring. But the arrange
ment now existing by which the Royal Master is made the first and the Select Master the second
degree of Cryptic Masonry has been very generally accepted, and this for the best of reasons. It
is true that the circumstances referred to in the degree of Royal Master occurred during a period of
time which lies between the death of the chief builder of the Temple and the completion of the
edifice, while those referred to in the degree of Select Master occurred anterior to the builder's death.
Hence in the order of time the events commemorated in the Select Master's degree took place ante
rior to those which are related in the degree of Royal Master, although in Masonic sequence the
latter degree is conferred before the former. This apparent anachronism is, however, reconciled by
the explanation that the secrets of the Select Master's degree were not brought to light until long
after the existence of the Royal Master's degree had been known and recognized."
[In fact, the Royal Master's degree was fabricated for the purpose of being used to aid the
cause of the First Pretender of the house of the Stuarts, who failed in his object ; and the degree
of Select Master was fabricated for the benefit of his son, Charles Edward, the Second Pretender,
who also failed in his object.]
"In other words, to speak only from the traditional point of view, Select Masters had been
designated, had performed the task for which they had been selected, and had closed their labors,
without ever being openly recognized as a class in the Temple of Solomon. The business in which
they were engaged was a secret one. Their occupation and their very existence, according to the
legend, were unknown to the great body of the Craft in the first Temple. The Royal Master's
degree, on the contrary, as there was no reason lor concealment, was publicly conferred and acknowl
edged during the latter part of the construction of the Temple of Solomon ; whereas the degree of
Select Master and the important incidents on which it was founded are not supposed to have been
revealed to the Craft until the building of the Temple of Zerubbabel. Hence the Royal Master's
degree should always be conferred anterior to that of the Select Master."
"The appendant degree of Super Excellent Master was originally an honorary degree conferred
by the Inspectors-General of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite at Charleston," says Mr. Mackey.
"It has since been introduced into some of the Royal and Select Councils of the United States and
there conferred as an additional degree. This innovation on the regular series of Cryptic degrees,
with which it actually has no historical connection, met with great opposition, so that the convention
of Royal and Select Masters which met at New York in June, 1873, resolved to place it in the cat
egory of an honorary degree, which might or might not be conferred at the option of a Council, but
not as an integral part of the rite. Although this body had no dogmatic authority, its decision doubt
less had some influence in settling the question. The degree is simply an enlargement of that part
of the ceremonies of the Royal Arch which refer to the destruction of the Temple. To that place
it belongs, if it belongs anywhere, but has no more to do with the ideas inculcated in Cryptic
Masonry than have any of the degrees lately invented for modern secret societies."
THE CRYPTIC RITE OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
The flourishing condition of the Grand Lodge of California and the activity of Royal Arch
Chapters in several localities of the new State early inspired the Companions of the Cryptic Rite
with a desire for organization. Sacramento was especially a promising field. In 1853, three years
after Royal Arch Masonry assumed organized form, a dispensation was obtained from Tennessee to
open a Council of Royal and Select Masters at the capital city. Comp. and Dr. Townsend A.
Thomas was largely instrumental in interesting the Companions in this new work on the coast.
The first assembly in Sacramento was held on August 9, 1853, in the Masonic Hall. Comp.
IsAAC DAvis presided as Th... Ill... Grand Master, and TownseND A. THOMAS was R.. Ill. Grand
Master pro tem. Other Companions present were BENJAMIN F. ALEXANDER, J. M. ByERs, A. B.
Hoy, J. McHACKET, J. L. THOMPsoN, and WALTER and WILCOxON.
The dispensation was received at this preliminary meeting; the Companions organized there
under and received petitions for degrees from Comps. JoHN A. WADSWORTH, EDWARD J. WILLIS,
DANIEL ST. CLAIR STEEVENS, OSGOOD C. WHEELER, and GEORGE E. MONTGOMERY.
Sacramento Council held only three assemblies under dispensation—on August 9th, August 11th,
and August 23, 1853. The dispensation was returned to the Grand Council of Tennessee, upon
expiration, and on June 28, 1854, the dispensation, instead of a charter, was returned to the Com
panions at Sacramento empowering them to continue their labors until a charter should be issued.
The Companions continued work at irregular periods until October 13, 1854, when the assemblies
ceased, without recorded explanation, and no further assemblies of the Cryptic Rite were held in
Sacramento until April 10, 1858. Then a charter was obtained and the Council was known as No.
20 under the jurisdiction of Tennessee.
Much difficulty and many trials and tribulations attended the effort to establish Cryptic Masonry
in California. Half-hearted interest was manifested in several localities and at times it appeared
almost impossible to preserve the rite intact. A similar condition of non-interest is recorded in other
jurisdictions, the primary as well as the principal cause being the refusal of Commanderies to require
candidates to be possessed of the Council degrees. The Council is a wayfarer without fellowship,
but its thoughtful ritual and charming philosophy embody lessons and precepts which every devotee
of higher Masonry might profitably study and practice. After an existence of 46 years Royal and
Select Masonry in California has only 14 subordinate Councils, and a total membership of less than
1200. The very life of the rite in this State for a number of years depended upon the zealous,
untiring, and determined efforts of the Grand Recorder, Ill. . Comp. THOMAS H. CASWELL. And to
those who have sought after Truth in the labyrinths and devious pathways of Masonry it is most
pleasant to know that this rite, which is an offspring of Scottish Rite Masonry, has such an earnest
supporter and champion in the person of the present Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of
the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
California Council, No. 2, originally No. 38 in the jurisdiction of Alabama, was organized
under dispensation in San Francisco on February 20, 1858. A charter was obtained on December
10, 1858. Comp. W. H. HowARD was the first Thrice Illustrious Master, the other members under
dispensation being J. MoRTON FREEMAN, A. L. TASHEIM, R. F. KNOTT, L. STEINHARDT, DAVID BUSH,
ELIAS NEWBERGER, B. REINHARDT, S. C. FIELD, and PHINEAS GARDNER.
At the first assembly petitions for degrees were received from Comps. E. W. BoukNE, R. E.
RAIMOND, ELI Cook, M. F. GARNE, W. H. Lyon, L. C. Owen, Louis CoIIN, JAMEs LAIDLEy, J.
NOAH, M. C. KIMBALL, J. C. ROBINSON, A. J. KELLOGG, D. KENDRICK, and ADOLPH.Us HollUB—
four more than the original membership of the Council. The last-named candidate, Comp. ADOLPHUs
HolluB, became M.'. Ill.'. Grand Master of the Grand Council of California within two years after
receiving the degrees of Royal and Select Master.
Marysville Council, No. 3, R. and S. M., commenced work under dispensation from the Grand
Council of Texas on February 17, 1859, and was chartered as No. 19 of that Grand Jurisdiction on
June 23, 1859. The members under dispensation were Comps. J. P. FULLER, E. TEEGARDEN, J.
WHITE HELI, A. G. BROWN, W. C. BELCHER, E. LANE (the first Illustrious Master), J. A. JoHNSON,
and C. E. WILCOxON.
S1erra Nevada Council, No. 4, at Placerville, was No. 40 under dispensation and charter from
the Grand Council of Alabama, but there are no records in California showing when the dispensation
and charter were issued. When the Grand Council of California was organized the returns from
Sierra Nevada Council showed a membership of 43.
Sacramento, San Francisco, Marysville, and Placerville Councils, working under the jurisdic
tions of Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama, organized the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters
of California. The initiatory steps therefore were taken by Sacramento Council on May 26, 1860.
The organization was effected and perfected as follows :
Convent1on of Royal and Select Masters.
Pursuant to previous agreement, the representatives of the following named Councils, to wit :
Sacramento Council, No. 21, held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Tennessee; Califor
nia Council, No. 38, held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Alabama; Marysville Coun
cil, No. 19, held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Texas; and Sierra Nevada Council,
No. 40, held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Council of Alabama, assembled at the Masonic
Hall, corner of Washington and Kearny streets, in the city of San Francisco, on Tuesday, the
twenty-sixth day of June, Anno Dep., at 10 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of taking into consideration
the propriety of establishing a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for the State of California.
Comp. Wm, C. Belcher, of Marysville Council, was called to preside over the deliberations of
the convention, and Comp. Adolphus Hollub, of California Council, was named as Secretary thereof.
On motion of Comp. Edward E. Eyre, of Sacramento Council, it was
Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming
seats in this convention.
The presiding officer named the following Companions as such committee : Edward E. Eyre,
Charles Ra1sh, and Lew1s W. Rumsey. After a brief recess, that committee presented the following
report :
To the Convention of Royal and Select Masters now in Session:

Your Committee appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming seats in this conven
tion respectfully report that they have examined the charters of the several Councils represented
herein and find that they were granted as follows: To Sacramento Council, No. 21, by the Grand
Council of Tennessee; to California Council, No. 38, by the Grand Council of Alabama; to Marys
ville Council, No. 19, by the Grand Council of Texas; and to Sierra Nevada Council, No. 40, by
the Grand Council of Alabama ; that those Councils are now in successful operation, that resolutions
were respectively adopted in each of them recommending and authorizing the formation of a Grand
Council of Royal and Select Masters for the State of California, and that they are represented in
this convention, as appears from the proper certificates, by the following named Companions: Sacra
mento Council, No. 21, by Henry H. Hartley, proxy for the Th.\ Ill.\ Master; Jesse Morr1ll,
proxy for the D.\ Ill.\ Master; Edward E. Eyre, proxy for the Principal Conductor of the Works.
California Council, No. 38, by Adolphus Hollub, Th.\ Ill.\ Master. Marysville Council, No. 19,
by Charles Ra1sh, Th.\ Ill.\ Master; W1ll1am C. Belcher, proxy for the D.\ Ill.\ Master; Ander
son Seavy, Principal Conductor of the Works. Sierra Nevada Council, No. 40, by Lew1s W.
Rumsey, Th.\ Ill.\ Master.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Edward E. Eyre, Charles Ra1sh, Lew1s W. Rumsey, Committee.
Which report was received, concurred in, and the Companions therein named were declared
entitled to seats in this convention.
On motion of Comp. Lew1s W. Rumsey, it was
Ordered, That all Past Thrice Illustrious Masters of Councils held in California be admitted
to seats and votes in this convention.
Whereupon the Committee on Credentials reported Comp. Adolphus Hollub, Past Th.\ Ill.\
Master of California Council, and Comp. Wm. C. Belcher, Past Th.\ Ill.\ Master of Marysville
Council, as present and entitled to seats and votes in the convention, which report was concurred in,
and the committee having no further business before it, was discharged.
Comp. Henry Hare Hartley offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters be formed for the State of
California and that a committee of three be appointed to draft a constitution for the government
thereof.
Which resolution was adopted, and the presiding officer named as such committee Comps.
Henry Hare Hartley, Charles Ra1sh, and Edward E. Eyre,
On motion of Comp. A. Hollub, the presiding officer, Comp. Wm. C. Belcher, was added
to the Committee on Constitution, and the convention then adjourned until 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
The committee reported a constitution at the afternoon session of June 26, 1860, the same
being unanimously adopted.
On motion of Comp. Edward E. Eyre, it was
Ordered, That this convention do now proceed to elect off1cers for the Grand Council.
The presiding officer named Comps. Edward E. Eyre and Charles Ra1sh as tellers, and the
following officers were elected: As Grand Master, Comp. Isaac Dav1s; as Deputy Grand Master,
Comp. Wm. C. Belcher; as Grand Illustrious Master, Comp. Adolphus Hollub; as Grand Principal
Conductor of the Works, Comp. James L. Engl1sh; as Grand Treasurer, Comp. Charles Ra1sh; as
Grand Recorder, Comp. Lawrence C. Owen.
The Grand Master elect not being present, the Deputy Grand Master was installed by the
R.\ P.\ Adolphus Hollub, Th.\ Ill.\ Master of California Council, and the other elected officers
were installed in person or by proxy by the Deputy Grand Master.
The minutes of the proceedings of the convention were then read and approved, and it was
Ordered, That this convention do now adjourn sine die, and that the members hereof assem
ble at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning for the purpose of opening the Grand Council of Royal and
Select Masters of California. Wm. C. Belcher, President.
Adolphus Hollub, Secretary.
F1rst Annual Assembly of the Grand Counc1l.
The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of California
commenced its first Annual Assembly at the Masonic Hall, corner of Kearny and Washington streets,
in the city of San Francisco, on Wednesday, the twenty -seventh day of June, A. D. 1860, Anno
Dep. 2860, at 10 o'clock a. m. There were present the R.\ P.\ Wm. C. Belcher, Deputy Grand
Master, the R.\ P.\ Adolphus Hollub, Grand Illustrious Master, the R.\ P.\ Charles Ra1sh, Grand
Treasurer, the R.\ P.\ Lawrence C. Owen, Grand Recorder, and the delegates of the four Councils
represented in the convention.
There being a sufficient representation present, the Grand Council of California was opened in
Due Form. The minutes of the proceedings of the convention were read, and it was ordered that
they be printed with the proceedings of this Assembly.
On motion of Comp. Edward E. Eyre, it was ordered that the Councils under this jurisdic
tion be numbered in accordance with the dates of their organization under charter, as follows : Sacra
mento Council to be designated as No. 1, California Council to be designated as No. 2, Marysville
Council to be designated as No. 3, and Sierra Nevada Council to be designated as No. 4.
The Deputy Grand Master announced that in accordance with the requirements of the consti
tution, he had made the following appointments of Grand Officers, viz.: As Grand Chaplain, Comp.
Wm. H. H1ll; as Grand Captain of the Guards, Comp. Edward E. Eyre ; as Grand Marshal,
Comp. Lew1s W. Rumsey; as Grand Sentinel, Comp. Jesse Morr1ll. Which officers were duly
installed in their respective stations by the Deputy Grand Master.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That no application for the degrees shall be received by any Council in this State,
unless the applicant shall have resided within its jurisdiction three months next preceding the date of
his application, except by permission of the Council nearest his place of residence.
Resolved, That the several Councils under this jurisdiction be directed to make a complete
return of the members now borne upon their respective rolls, and of the degrees conferred therein
since the dates of their last reports, to the Grand bodies from which they received their charters to
the date of the formation of this Grand Council, and forward the same without delay to the Grand
Recorder of this Grand Body, to be transmitted by him to the Grand Councils under whose authority
they have hitherto acted.
Resolved, That this Grand Council only recognizes the degrees of Royal and Select Masters
when conferred in regularly constituted Councils of such.
Resolved, That the Grand Recorder be directed to notify the Council held in the town of
Grass Valley of the formation of this Grand Council and request that it transmit its charter to him
for the necessary indorsement.
Resolved, That the several Councils be requested to transmit to the Grand Recorder the sum
of twenty dollars each, to meet the current expenses of the Grand Council, and that the amount thus
transmitted be placed to their credit on the books of the Grand Council, on account of their annual
dues.
Comp. Lawrence C. Owen offered the following, which was unanimously adopted :
Whereas, The Council heretofore held under dispensation at Yreka, in this State, transmitted
in the month of November last its dispensation to the Grand Council of Alabama, from which it was
received, together with its returns, dues, and a petition for a charter, and as no answer has as yet
been received by it, either on account of the miscarriage of the papers sent or for other reasons
at present unknown ; therefore,
Resolved, That the Grand Master be authorized to issue a dispensation to the Companions at
Yreka, free of charge, should they desire it and make proper application therefor.
There being no further business, the minutes of the Assembly were read and approved, and
the Grand Council of California was closed in Due Form.
Lawrence C. Owen, Wm. C. Belcher,
Grand Recorder. Deputy Grand Master.
Three of the original Councils of California have had a prosperous existence. The fourth,
Sierra Nevada, No. 4, at Placerville, was declared extinct by the Grand Council on April 16, 1874.
6 16 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIM.
But while it flourished it contributed two M. I. . Grand Masters, ISAAC SUTVENE TITUs and FRED
ERICK FERDINAND BARss.
Sacramento Council, No. 1, has 201 members. From its crypt have gone to honorable service
masterful exemplars in Masonry and eminent leaders in statecraft. Its years have been long and
honorable and useful. Similar words of praise are due San Francisco Council, No. 2, whose present
membership is —, and Marysville Council, No. 3, the membership of which is – When clouds of
doubt overshadowed the rite these three Councils were faithful and steadfast, and they derive present
satisfaction from the permanency of Cryptic Masonry in this State.
Sonora Council, No. 5, was chartered on May 8, 1861, having worked seven months under
dispensation. The charter, paraphernalia, and furniture of Sonora Council were destroyed by fire in
1871 and a new charter was issued at the following assembly of the Grand Council. This Council
has furnished four M. I. Grand Masters of the Grand Council, Comps. WILLIAM M. TRAYLOR,
FREDERICK FAxON, WILLIAM A. DAVIES, and ALVIN B. PRESTON. The Council has a membership of
41. The present Thrice Illustrious Master has continuously served in that office since 1892.
Shasta Council, No. 6, at Shasta, was chartered on May 8, 1862. Comp. CHARLEs L. DANIELSON
was the first presiding officer. The second Thrice Illustrious Master, Comp. Joseph IsAACs, became
Grand Master in 1868. Thrice Illustrious Comp. DANIEL PoTTER also became Grand Master of the
Grand Council. The present membership is 46. Many of the Companions of Shasta Council reside
in Redding. The Council is in a prosperous condition.
Virginia Council, No. 7, located in Virginia City, Nev., was chartered by the Grand Council
of California on October 18, 1865, and existed with varying periods of success until April 15, 1875,
when the Grand Council declared it extinct and took possession of its charter and effects.
Yreka Council, No. 8, at Yreka, Siskiyou County, was chartered on October 22, 1868, with a
membership of 47 Companions. For a time the Council flourished, but failed to make returns after
1873, and in 1877 ceased to exist.
On April 4, 1868, a dispensation was issued to 31 Companions in Helena, Mont., to confer
the Cryptic degrees. The following October a charter was granted, and the Council still works under
the jurisdiction of California. It has a present membership of 49, and its annual reports show that
in Helena the rite is in flourishing condition. The present Thrice Illustrious Master, Comp. WALTER
E. FREDERICK, has served in that capacity 13 years.
Stockton Council, No. 10, has a membership of 65 and is one of the best subordinate bodies
in the State. Its first Thrice Illustrious Master was Comp. WILLIAM A. DAVIES, who has honored
the Craft in the presiding offices of all the Grand bodies of Masonry in California. The dispensation
of Stockton Council was issued on February 8, 1869, and the charter was granted on April 7, 1870.
The second Thrice Illustrious Master was Comp. EDwARD RICHARD H EDGES. He has been elected
to that office twenty times and is the present presiding officer. In 1879 and 1880 Comp. HEDGEs
was elected Grand Master of the Grand Council. Comp. GEORGE ALEXANDER McKENZIE was also
Grand Master, in 1884.
Cryptic Masonry was not practised in Southern California until 1870. On September 28th of
that year Los Angeles Council, No. 11, received a dispensation, and a charter was issued on April
13, 1871. From an original membership of 18 the Council has grown to be a strong, compact,
earnest working body of 134. The organizer of the Council was Comp. HENRY S. ORME, who
became M. I. Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1875–6. The present Deputy Grand Master,
Comp. AUGUST WACKERBARTH, is a member of Los Angeles Council. The Council has not been
neglected in Los Angeles. The earnest workers in all the bodies have taken an interest in its
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIya. 617
welfare, and as a result it is in a healthy financial condition and enjoys an enviable reputation for
excellence of work.
A period of twelve years elapsed before another Council was organized in California. Oakland
next took up the work and received a dispensation on March 13, 1882. The charter was issued on
April 12, 1883. Oakland Council, No. 12, has been a very strong factor in furthering the cause of
Cryptic Masonry in this State. It is somewhat remarkable that the first three Illustrious Masters
of Oakland Council—CHARLEs EDw1N GILLETT, JAMES BESTOR MERRITT, and WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE—
became M.'. I. . Grand Masters of the Grand Council. These Companions have attained exalted
prominence from perfection of work, force and integrity of character, and zeal in the worthy cause.
The present Thrice Illustrious Master of Oakland Council is Comp. ALBERT HUMPHREY MERRITT.
Other presiding officers of the Council have been Comps. EDw1N HARRISON MORGAN, GEORGE Joshua
WOODRUFF, WEBB NICHOLSON PEARCE, EDWIN ALLEN SHERMAN, EUGENE CORMENY, WILLIAM CLAY
SMITH, RoBERT EDGAR, AMASA WRIGHT Bishop, AUGUST LEWIs OTT, and DAMIEN EDMONT FosTER.
In this list may be recognized many very bright and capable workers in the several Masonic bodies.
The present membership of Oakland Council is 96.
Fourteen more years elapsed before Cryptic Masonry advanced a number on its roll of
subordinate Councils. Auburn, Placer County, took up the work on March 2, 1896, and obtained a
charter on April 19, 1897. Comp. Jacob HART NEFF was the first Thrice Illustrious Master. The
present Master is Comp. JoHN GOULD BISBEE. This Council now has a membership of 28, including
earnest, enthusiastic devotees of Craftship, whose character and ability make good impress upon the
community. Gateway Council, No. 13, is the name of the Council in Auburn.
Santa Ana, the beautiful county seat of Orange County, petitioned for a dispensation in 1897.
A dispensation was issued to 33 Companions, and they obtained a charter as Santa Ana Council,
No. 14, on April 18, 1898. Comp. JAMES WILLIAM Town ER is the Thrice Illustrious Master. The
Council is doing excellent work.
The Grand Council of California has a constituent membership of Io 18. The Councils are in
good financial condition, and the members are an earnest body of Masonic workers. There have
been 33 Grand Masters of the Grand Council, 20 of whom are living and on the roll. The names
of the Grand Masters are here given, those marked with an * having passed the crypt to the Supreme
Grand Council above:
* IsAAC DAVIs, 32 (1860), * WILLIAM CALDWELL BELCIIER, 33 (1861), * ADOLPHUs HolluB

(1862), * Is AAC SUTVENE TITUs, 33° (1863), WILLIAM ABRAHAM DAVIES, 33 (1864), * ANDERSON SEAvy
(1855), * JAMEs LAWRENCE ENGLISH, 32° (1866), * ALVIN BACON PRESTON, 32° (1867), "Joseph IsAACs
(1868), FREDERICK FERDINAND BARss (1870), "STEPHEN WING, 32 (1871), THOMAs Kyle, 32° (1872),
WILLIAM THOMAS REYNOLDs, 33 (1873), Powell. SAMUEL LAWSON (1874), HENRY SAYRE ORME, 32°
and 33° elect (1875–6), * GEORGE TUTTLE GRIMEs (1877), WILLIAM MoNROE PETRIE, 33 (1878), EDWIN
ALDRICH RoDGERs, 32° (1879), EDWARD RICHARD HEDGES, 33° (1880–1), JOHN WILLIAM ROCK, 32°
(1882), DANIEL POTTER BYSTLE (1883), GEORGE ALEXANDER. McKENZIE (1884), FRANKLIN HENRY DAY,
32° (1885), CHARLEs LORD FIELD (1886–7), JAMES BESTOR MERRITT, 33 (1888), *WILLIAM EDWARD
OUGHTON (1889), WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE, 33° (1890–1–2), * DAVID PUGH MARSHAL (1893), GEORGE
PENLINGTON, 14 (1894), CHARLEs EDWIN GILLETT, 33° (1895), WILLIAM HEWSON DAVIS (1896), HENRY
AsCROFT (1897), RoRERT AsH (1898). -
At the present time the Cryptic Rite is flourishing in California. While there is no obligation
to petition for the degrees of Royal and Select Master before entering upon the pilgrimage of Templar
Masonry, and while it is not essential to penetrate to the ninth arch of this beautiful crypt before
seeking the Word of Life in the sublime degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, still
the number who would learn its profound mysteries is steadily increasing. Many of the brightest
Masons in the long line of intelligent patrons of our Craft have investigated this rite and have drunk
deep from its pool of philosophy. Note the names of those who have been its Grand Masters in
this State. Many of these Companions have earned distinction in every branch of our Order.
They have been the pillars of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty in symbolic Craftship, and have been
Zerubbabel's companions on the way to the rebuilding; they have assumed the holy vows of Christian
knighthood, have participated in our most sacred libations; and have made long, patient, and
intelligent search for Truth, reaching toward the throne of the Omnipotent Jehovah itself. These
have been the chosen leaders of the Cryptic Rite— Brethren who have given thoughtful study to the
lessons, the landmarks, the promise, and the substantiality of Masonry. Such Masons find treasures
in every degree and in every section of degree ; in symbols rather than in phraseology ; in the essence
as well as in the substance. The outward forms and ceremonies of our Order are most beautiful,
but the underlying principles, co- existent with Time and as continuous as Eternity, trend upon the
sacredness of the fellowship of God and the loyalty of the brotherhood of man. He who rests his
Masonry upon mere ceremonials is at the threshold of its philosophy. He who does not study its
significant teachings while tracing its interesting history, loses the better part of its sublimity, which
is hidden in allegory and surrounded by mysticism. The degrees of Royal and Select Master are
impressive and thoughtful. They reflect man's friendship and proclaim his integrity. The woof of
hope is woven in the fabric of faith, and he who worships at the shrine of this Rite is strengthened
in mind and uplifted in soul. It assists him in living the life of a manly man.
Thus is Cryptic Masonry accomplishing its purpose of being in California. It has a place in
the American Rite that could not be supplied by any other formulated degrees. Its proper relative
position is precedent to that of Royal Arch, but wherever it is assigned, it is the cap -sheaf of the
rite, a Corinthian cornice of a Composite column.
GRAND MASTER OF GRAND ENCAMPMENT OrKK!13HTSTEMPLAR OF U.S.A
CHAPTER XIX.
Ancient Knighthood and the Crusades.
The Schem1ng of the Church, the Avar1ce of Adventurers, and the P1ety of the Chr1st1an
Followers of the Cross. — R1se and Fall of the Crusad1ng Kn1ghts.
!FORE taking up the subject of Masonic Knight Templarism, a brief

sketch of the history of the Crusades and the Orders of religious knight
hood is necessary to be given to our readers, and the real causes which
led to those religious military expeditions which ended in disaster and
ruin to the hopes of misguided Christendom.
"In the early dawn of the eleventh century," says Draper in
his "Intellectual Development of Europe," "the evil union of Church
and State, their rivalries, intrigues, and their quarrels had produced
an inevitable result, doing the same in the west that they had done
in the east—disorganizing the political system and ending in a universal
demoralization. The absorption of small properties into large estates
steadily increased the number of slaves; where there had once been
many free families there was now found only a rich man. Even
of this class the number diminished by the same process of absorp
tion until there were sparsely scattered here and there abbots
and counts with enormous estates worked by herds of slaves whose numbers, since sometimes one man
possessed 20,000 of them, might deceive us if we did not consider the vast surface over which they
were spread. Examined in that way, the west of Europe proves to have been covered with forests, here
and there dotted with a convent or a town. From those countries, once full of the splendid evidences
of Roman civilization, mankind was fast disappearing. There was no political cause, until at a later
time, when the feudal system was developed, for calling men into existence. Whenever there was a
partial peace there was no occasion for the multiplication of men beyond the intention of extracting
from them the largest possible revenue, a condition implying their destruction. Soon even the
necessity for legislation ceased ; events were left to take their own course. Through the influence of
the monks the military spirit declined ; a vile fetichism of factitious relics, which were working miracles
in all directions, constituted the individual piety. Whoever died without bequeathing a part of his
property to the Church, died without confession and the sacraments and forfeited Christian burial.
Trials by battle and the ordeals of fire and water determined innocence or guilt in those accused of
crimes. Society was dissolving, the human race was disappearing, and with difficulty the melancholy
ruins of ancient civilization could be traced."
62O FIFTY - YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy!.
Northern and Central Europe was becoming an inviting field for invasion by the Saracens,
who, along the western shores of Asia impelled by the impending storm arising in the northeastern
portion of that continent, had been crowded into the southwestern, and occupying Persia, Arabia,
Western and Southern India, had already seized the Holy Land, taken possession of Jerusalem,
driven Christianity from Northern Africa, invaded and occupied Spain and Portugal, and threatened
Southern France; and the Crescent, approaching also from the eastward, threatened by the appearance
of clouds of horsemen and warriors of the Mohammedan faith to entirely obliterate Christianity from
the entire face of Europe. The hatred of the Latin or Roman Church against the Greek which
rent Christendom in twain was to be adroitly used in precipitating armies of hundreds of thousands
of men upon the territories of the Grecian Emperor in the disguise of friends while en route to the
Holy Land to rescue the Holy Sepulchre from the hands of the infidels.
Among the pilgrims about the year 1093 was a monk, a Frenchman by birth, who on a secret
mission of Pope URBAN II undertook the journey to the Holy Land. He was a native of the city
of Amiens in Picardy. This monk during his sojourn at Jerusalem paid several visits to the
Patriarch of that city, who gave him an exaggerated account of the evils under which the Christians
of Judea labored from the sway of the Mussulmen. PETER, ambitious like all other monks, seized
with avidity on the opportunity which offered itself to him of acquiring a certain kind of importance,
and promised the Patriarch to ask aid from the Pope against the infidels. On his return to Italy he
presented himself at the Court of Rome, which he found fully disposed to second his views.
The indications were that ere long there would be a great uprising and overflow of the Mongol
Tartar race that would force even the Turks from the continent of Asia into Europe and eventually
submerge both Moslem and Christian in the waters of the Atlantic, for America then was an undis
covered land excepting to the Norsemen, who long centuries before had anticipated ColuMBUs.
Christianity was extinguished in the East. The Mussulmen had already conquered the greater part
of Asia Minor. Greece and its capital Constantinople was threatened with invasion and capture by
the Turks. Its Emperor, ALExis CoMNENUs, in vain appealed to the powers of Western Europe for
assistance, which met with no response. In his extremity he was driven to appeal to Pope URBAN,
binding himself by an oath to recognize him as the universal bishop. The bargain was concluded,
and PETER the Hermit was directed to embark in the First Crusade. There were no grand military
organizations, no well-trained armies, no tactical discipline or skill, and strategical movements of large
forces were comparatively unknown. The populace were roused everywhere to the highest pitch of
enthusiasm by Pope URBAN and PETER the Hermit, and the people, carried away in their fervor of
excitement, spontaneously shouted, “GoD wills it! Let us march.”
The great military mob was at last gathered, and the Pope fixed the day of departure for
Jerusalem on the day of the Assumption in the same year, 1096. The armies of the Crusaders
began to move on all points. The first division was commanded by WALTER the Penniless. He
departed on March 8, 1096, with a multitude of persons clothed in rags and on foot, like himself.
They took the route through Germany and stopped at Mayence and Cologne. “There they committed
so many horrors and atrocities," says the monk GUIBERT, “that the citizens barricaded themselves in
their houses to escape from the barbarity of these monsters. Mothers became furious, murdered the
infants whom they nourished; husbands poniarded their wives, and young people put themselves to
death to avoid falling into the hands of those merciless fanatics who bore the cross on the shoulder.”
These first bands were followed by 40,000, led by PETER the Hermit, and recruited in France or on
the borders of Germany. A monk named GoNDESCALE went by way of Hungary, with an army of
15,000 pillagers. They committed so many atrocities by the way that the exasperated inhabitants
THE CRUSADES. — ST. LOUIS BEFORE DAMIETTA.
rose in mass and massacred them to the last man. But this gallant
nation was soon exterminated by 200,000 bandits.
In spite of the friendly hospitality extended by the Greek Emperor,
who provided every comfort and luxury even when BoHEMOND with his
division arrived at Constantinople, the Crusaders sacked the environs,
burned the dwellings, massacred the cultivators, forced the convents of the
nuns, and in their thirst for pillage tore even the leaden roofs from off
the churches to sell them to the Jews at forced sale upon them. ANNA
COMNENA, the daughter of the Emperor, relates that PETER the Hermit
was one of the most cruel and rapacious of the leaders of the Crusade.
Said she, “His soldiers committed such frightful atrocities in the environs
of Nice that the other Crusaders were indignant at them."
Another historian says:
“It was only now that the true Crusaders entered upon the scene.
Six armies embracing all the chivalry of Europe and led respectively by
GoDFREY of Bouillon, HUGH the Great (Count of Vermandoro), RoBERT
CUITHOSE, Count ROBERT of Flanders, Prince BOHEMUND of Tarentum
An Ancient Knight of Malta. (under whom was TANCRED), and Count RAY MOND of Toulouse, set forth
for Constantinople. Having united their forces and spent some time at
this place, they crossed into Asia Minor. Here their first step was the capture of Nice, June 24,
1097. They also defeated the Sultan SoLIMAN at Dorylacum and took the principality of Edessa.
They then marched into Syria and laid siege to Antioch. After seven months siege, during which
the Crusaders suffered terribly from famine and disease, the city surrendered, June 3, 1098. The
inhabitants were massacred by their captors, who were besieged in their turn by an army of 200,000
Musselmen. On June 28, 1098, the Mohammedans were put to rout and the way opened to Jeru
salem. In the summer of 1099, 40,000 Crusaders, the remnant of a vast host which had comprised
not less than 600,000 warriors, laid siege to Jerusalem. The city was taken on July 15, 1098, after
a siege of somewhat more than five weeks. Eight days later, on July 23, 1098, GoDFREY of Bouillon
was elected King of Jerusalem. The three Latin principalities of the East, Edessa, Antioch, and
Jerusalem, maintained themselves against the attacks of the Mohammedans till the year 1144,
when the Emir of Mosul conquered Edessa and massacred its Christian inhabitants. His son,
Noor-ED-DEEN, marched upon Syria and Palestine."
A Second Crusade was preached by ST BERNARD, Abbot of Clairvaux, and in 1147 two armies,
numbering together 1,200,000 men, set out for Jerusalem. They were commanded by Louis VII,
King of France, and CoNRAD III, Emperor of Germany. This expedition utterly failed through
the treachery (it is said) of the Greek Emperor, MANUEL COMNENUs, and neither army ever saw the
Holy Land. In 1187 SAIAH-ED-DEEN, or SALADIN, Sultan of Egypt, invaded Palestine, and in
October of that year took Jerusalem. This event gave rise to "a Third Crusade, under the leadership
of FREDERICK BARBARossA, Emperor of Germany, PHILLIF AUGUSTU's, King of France, and RICHARD
CCEUR DE LION, King of England. BARBARossA died of fever on the way. The Crusaders gained
some important victories, but they were not united among themselves and the Crusade was closed by
a treaty in which SALADIN agreed to impose no taxes on Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem. In 1195
HENRY VI of Germany undertook a Crusade (sometimes called the fourth), but the death of the
Emperor caused the project to be abandoned. A Fourth Crusade, instituted by Pope INNOCENT III
in 1203, turned from its course to take possession of the Byzantine Empire, and never reached
Palestine at all.
The Children's Crusade in 1212 (of which an excellent account has been written by the Rev.
George Zabr1sk1e Gray of New York in 1870) is one of the strangest episodes in history. An
army of unarmed French children, 30,000 strong, headed by a boy named Stephen, set out for the
Holy Land by the way of Marseilles. A similar army of German children, 20,000 strong, led by a
boy named N1cholas, crossed the Alps at Mont Cenis. A second army of German children,
numbering nearly 20,000, the name of whose leader is not known, crossed the Alps by a more
easterly route, touching the sea at Brindisi. Their idea was that the Mediterranean would open a
path for them to Palestine and that the Holy Land would be recovered and the Moslems converted
by miracles. Some of the children got discouraged and returned to their homes, many stopped by
the way, but most of them perished on the march, were lost at sea, or were sold into slavery. The
great Mongolian Tartar Chieftain in Northern Asia, with nearly a hundred million men in arms
under his command — Gengh1s Khan, or Ch1ngh1s Khan (literally, the greatest khan, or ruler),
originally Temudg1n — now with his immense hosts began to move westward and southward across
the great steppes and mountain ranges of Asia toward Europe and Northern Africa. It was the
secret dread of the popes that
this threatened human inunda
tion might be prevented by
driving the Turks back from
the Holy Land, of which the
Christians would regain pos
session, and that the Turks
would be forced to act as a
wall or barrier against the im
pending invasion of the Tartar
hordes, and that it was the
better policy to make Palestine
or the Holy Land the battle
ground rather than the eastern
shores of Europe.
Gengh1s Khan was born at
Deylun Yeldok on the Hwang-
Ho in 1 162, and was the son
of Chief of the Mongol tribe
Neyrun. He succeeded his
father when thirteen years old,
but a civil war followed and in
1 1 78 he was compelled to flee
to Toghrul Ungh, Khan of
the Keraite Tartars, whose
daughter he married and whose
armies he commanded with suc
cess. In 1203 he made himself
master of the Keraites, and in
1204 utterly overthrew the
Nayman tribes and made him- peter, the herm1t, preach1ng the crusades.
self Chief of Mongolia. In 1206 he was declared Gengh1s Khan, or chief of rulers, and the civilized
Uigurs submitted to him. He soon published his great code, attacked Cathay or Northern China, crossed
the Great Wall in 121 1, sacked and burned Peking in 1215, and exterminated some rebellious tribes.
He attacked Allah-ed-d1n Mohammed, Sultan of Chorasmia, in 12 18, and had conquered all Turkestan
in 1220; ravaged Balkh, Khorassan, and Persia; plundered all Asia as far south as the Sutlej, and
penetrated Europe as far as the Dnieper, carrying slaughter and destruction everywhere. Gengh1s
Khan was the founder of what became the Mogul Empire. His chief capital was Karakorum, in
Tartary. It is stated that more than 5,000,000 persons were slain in his wars, equal in number to
all the present standing armies in Europe, which were carried on with the most heartless cruelty ;
but that through his vast dominion he enforced the strictest order, established a postal system, and
tolerated all religions. Gengh1s died at Lupan in China, August 18, 1227. His four sons carried
on his work of terror.
In 1228 Freder1ck 'II of Germany commanded a Fifth Crusade, by which he became master
of Palestine and was crowned King of Jerusalem.
In 1239, the Turks having again seized upon Jerusalem, a Sixth Crusade was undertaken
under Th1baut, Count of Champagne. A normal surrender of the Holy Land was the result. In
1244 Jerusalem was burned and pillaged by a new race of Turks.
A Seventh Crusade was headed by Lou1s IX (St. Lou1s) of France, who set out in 1249.
It was badly defeated by the Sultan of Egypt, who also made a prisoner of the King.
The Eighth and last Crusade was also undertaken by St. Lou1s, in 1270. The King died at
Carthage of the plague, and Prince Edward, afterward Edward I of England, assumed command ot
the army. The expedition accomplished nothing of importance, and in July, 1272, Edward returned
to England with the last of the Crusaders.
The chief result of the Crusades was a better acquaintance of the people of Western Europe
with two civilizations more advanced than their own—the Greek and the Saracenic Thus a powerful
impulse was given both to the literature and the commerce of Europe.
Our greatest Masonic historian in America, Albert G. Mackey, draws these conclusions from
the long and sanguinary campaigns of the Crusaders to recover the Holy Land from the control ol
the infidels :
"There was between Freemasonry and the Crusades a much more intimate relation than has
generally been supposed. In the first place, the communications frequently established by the
Crusaders, and especially the Knights Templar, with the Saracens, led to the acquisition by the
former of many of the dogmas of the secret societies of the East, such as the Essenes, the Assassins,
and the Druses. These were brought by the knights to Europe, and subsequently, on the establish
ment by Ramsay and his contemporaries and immediate successors of Templar Masonry, were
incorporated into the high degrees, and still exhibit their influence. Indeed, it is scarcely to be
doubted that many of these degrees were invented with a special reference to the events which
occurred in Syria and Palestine. * * * But the influence of the Crusades on the Freemasons
and the architecture of the Middle Ages is of a more historical character. In 1836 Mr. Westmacott,
in a course of lectures on art before the Royal Academy, remarked that 'the two principal causes
which materially tended to assist the restoration of literature and the arts in Europe were Freema
sonry and the Crusades. The adventurers,' he said, 'who returned from the Holy Land brought
back some ideas of various improvements, particularly in architecture, and along with these a strong
desire to erect castellated, ecclesiastical, and palatial edifices, to display the taste they had acquired ;
and in less than a century from the first Crusade, above six hundred buildings of the above description
THE CRUSADES. — ENTRY INTO CONSTANTINOPLE.
had been erected in Southern and Western Europe. This taste was spread into almost all countries
by the establishment of the fraternity of Freemasons, who, it appears, had, under some peculiar form
of brotherhood, existed from an immemorial period in Syria and other parts of the East, from whence
some bands of them migrated to Europe, and after a time a great influx of these ingenious men —
Italian, German, French, Spanish, etc — had spread themselves in communities through all civilized
Europe; and in all countries where they settled we find the same style of architecture from that
period, but differing in some points of treatment, as suited the climate.'"
ORDERS OF RELIGIOUS KNIGHTHOOD CONNECTED WITH THE CRUSADES.
Prior to the commencement of the preaching of Peter the Hermit of the first Crusade in the
middle of the eleventh century, some merchants of Amalfi, a rich city of the kingdom of Naples,
while trading in Egypt obtained from the Caliph Monstaser B1llah permission to establish hospitals
in the city of Jerusalem for the use of poor
and sick Roman Catholic pilgrims. A site was
assigned to them close to the Holy Sepulchre,
on which they erected a chapel dedicated to the
Virgin, giving it the name of St. Mary ad
Latinos, to distinguish it from those churches
where the service was performed according to
the ritual of the Greek Church. The build
ing was completed in the year 1048, and at
the same time two hospitals for either sex
were erected in the vicinity of the chapel
for the reception of pilgrims. Subsequently
each of these hospitals had a separate chapel
annexed to it, that for the men being dedi
cated to St. John the Almoner and that for
the women to St. Mary Magdalen. Many
of the pilgrims who had experienced the kind
ness so liberally bestowed upon all wayfarers
abandoned all idea of returning to Europe, and
formed themselves into a band of charitable
assistants and without assuming any regular
religious profession devoted themselves to the
service of the hospital and the care of its sick
inmates. The chief cities of the south of
Europe subscribed liberally for the support
of this institution, and the merchants of Amalfi,
RHODES. — IN THE TIME OF THE CRUSADES.
who were its original founders, acted as the
stewards of their bounty, which was greatly augmented from the favorable reports of grateful pil
grims who had returned home, and the revenues of the hospital were thus increased. The associates
assumed the name of Hospitalers of Jerusalem.
When the Holy City was conquered by the Crusaders many of the latter laid aside their arms,
joined the society, and devoted themselves to the pious avocation of attending the sick. It was then
that Gerard, the rector of the hospital, induced the brethren to take upon themselves the vows of
poverty, obedience, and chastity, which they did at the hands of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who
clothed them in the habit selected for the Order, which was a plain black robe, bearing a white cross
of eight points on the left breast. This was in the year 11 13, when the society had taken up arms
and assumed the title of Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem, and Gerard by decree of
Pope Pascal II was made the first Grand Master of the Order. Pope Anastat1us IV in 1 1 5 3
published that remarkable bull which is most explicit concerning the Knights of the Hospital of St.
John of Jerusalem, confirming the Grand Master Raymond in his right of exemption from the
jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Jerusalem. He added: "As all your property is designed for the
support of the pilgrims and the poor, we prohibit laymen and ecclesiastics of any rank from exacting
tithes therefrom. We interdict all bishops from publishing suspensions or anathemas in the churches
placed under your authority, and even when an interdict is obliged to be fulminated in any country
in which you are located, divine service shall still be celebrated in your churches, only with closed
doors and without ringing the bells. That you may be able always to celebrate mass we permit you
to receive into your temples priests and clergy of all nations, after first having informed yourselves
of the correctness of their morals and the regularity of their ordination. If the prelates to whom
they are subjected refuse to grant them to you, I authorize you, by virtue of the power which has
been delegated to the Holy See, to take them by force, and from the moment they shall have entered
your temples they shall be subject to your Chapter and the Pope alone. We also permit you to
receive into your hospitals laymen to serve the poor. We prohibit the laymen—that is, the knights
who shall be received into your company — from returning to the world after having taken the habit
and the cross. We prohibit them also from going into another Order, under the pretense of leading
a more austere life. You will cause your altars and oratories to be dedicated by the diocesan bishop,
if he will do it gratuitously ; but if not, you will select another prelate. Finally, we confirm you in
all the domains and lordships which your Order possesses in Asia or in Europe, or which it may in
future acquire."1 Pope Anastat1us IV, after having reigned a little over fourteen months, died on
December 2, 1154, and was succeeded by Adr1an IV, the Pope who gave the crown of Ireland to
the King of England.
In 1 156 the Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem had become so arrogant of their
power and independence of the authority of Foucher, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and giving him
great annoyance that he sent letters to the Pope, complaining of the Knights Hospitalers and of the
abuses which they made of their privileges by receiving into their churches Christians who had been
excommunicated by the bishops and by causing the priests of their Order to administer the viaticum,
extreme unction, and ecclesiastical sepulcher. In his letter Foucher accused them of not observing
the interdicts launched against cities, of ringing the bells of their churches in contempt of the canons,
of celebrating service publicly and in a loud voice, and in receiving the offerings of the people to the
prejudice of the mother churches. He finally besought the Holy Father to prohibit them from
proceeding to the consecration or deposition of their priests without the participation of the prelates,
and to order them to pay him a tithe on their lands and revenues. He further accused them of
having made him undergo humiliation by erecting a magnificent hospital opposite the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher, which, from the richness of its architecture, eclipsed his metropolitan church. He
complained that they rung their bells with all their might whenever he rose to preach, and added,
that having dared to reproach them for their conduct, he had been assailed by the knights even in
628 FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
the patriarchal palace, and that darts had been hurled at him even at the very altar of the Holy
Sepulcher. The Hospitalers had, in fact, rendered themselves so redoubtable that no one dared to
resist them in the kingdom of Palestine, not even the bishops and Patriarch, because they were
entirely independent, by virtue of the bull granted them by ANASTATIUS IV.
FouCHER was a Frenchman, and, worn out by the continual harrassing and contumely of which
himself and his clergy were the objects, determined to go to Rome to fortify his demands, and,
accompanied by two bishops, he went to Rome; but Pope ADRIAN was already advised of his coming
by the Hospitalers, who had gained him to their side, and when the Patriarch and his prelates
presented themselves to His Holiness, they found an inflexible judge who refused to give them the
slightest satisfaction. They were then compelled to retrace their steps and return in sadness to
Jerusalem. The death of ADRIAN occurred on September 1, 1159. He drank a cup of water from
a fountain in which there was accidentally an insect, which fastened on his throat and ate the
oesophagus, notwithstanding all the aid of the most skillful physicians.
The Order of Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem in the beginning was composed
chiefly of Italian monks and men at arms, pilgrims and Crusaders; and as seen by the bull of PASCAL
II, who also was a native of Italy, and confirmed them as an Order of religious knighthood, they
had a monopoly of that profession, and in the short period of five years, by importunities and of
their friends everywhere, rapidly became wealthy, domineering, and arrogant, while they owned the
choicest spots in Jerusalem and other places in Palestine, and there did not seem to be anything left
for anybody else, so grasping had they become as an association in so short a time. They became
neglectful of the protection of pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem from the place of debarkation at
Jaffa, and the consequence was that those pilgrims who were unarmed, and there were great numbers
of them, after the Christians had captured Jerusalem, were insulted, robbed, maltreated, and murdered,
for the want of proper escort and protection against the assaults of the Arabs and Mohammedan
robbers of the deserts. -
It was at this juncture, to protect the pilgrims and see them safely through, that nine French
knights, the followers of BouilloN or BALDwyN, united in the year 1 118 in a military confraternity
or brotherhood in arms, and entered into a solemn compact to aid each other in clearing the roads
and in defending the pilgrims in their passage to the holy city. Two of these knights were HUGH
DE PAYENs DE GUENCE (or Hugh of the wild, marshy lands of Guenoe in France) and GoDFREY DE
ST. ALDEMAR (or Omar). RAYNOUARD (“Les Templiers") says that the names of the other seven
have not been preserved in history, but WILKE (“Geschichte des T. H. Ordens") gives them as
RORAL, GUNDEMAR, GoDFREY BISOL, PAYENS DE MONTIDIER, ARCHIBALD DE ST. AMAN, ANDRE DE
MoNTBAR, and the Count of Provence. This little squad of French noblemen took upon themselves
the arduous duty of protecting and escorting the pilgrims, which of itself was a silent rebuke and
reflection of neglect on the part of the Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem. But as these
French Knights were so insignificant in numbers they only excited derision and contempt. They
were comparatively without means, having exhausted their resources, but they had friends. They
were humble, modest, and unpretending, but with noble blood, lionlike courage in action, and capable
of making the greatest sacrifices in their devotion to the sacred cause in which they had engaged,
they resolved themselves into another organization of knighthood, uniting the monastic with the
military character, and they took, in the presence of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, the usual vows of
poverty, chastity, and obedience, and with great humility assumed the title of “Poor Fellow Soldiers
of CHRIST." BALDwyN, the King of Jerusalem, assigned for their residence a part of his palace,
which stood near the former site of the Temple; and the abbot and canons of the Temple gave
LOUIS VII RECEIVING THE CROSS FROM ST. BERNARD.
them, as a place in which to store their arms and magazines, the street between the palace and the
Temple, whence they derived the name of Templars, a title which they ever afterward retained.
Raynouard says that Baldwyn sent Hugh de Payens to solicit a new Crusade, and that while
there he presented his companions to Pope Honor1us II, from whom he craved permission to form
a religious military Order in imitation of that of the Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem.
The Pontiff referred them to
the ecclesiastical council, which
was then in session at Troyes,
in Champagne. Thither De
Payens repaired and repre
sented to the fathers the voca
tion of himself and companions
as defenders of the pilgrim.
The enterprise was approved,
and St. Bernard was directed
to prescribe a rule for the infant
Order. This rule, in which the
knights of the Order are called
"Pauperes Commilitis Christi et
Templi Solomonis," or "The
Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ
and of the Temple of Solomon,"
is still extant. It consists of
seventy -two Chapters, the de
tails of which are remarkable for their ascetic character. It enjoined severe devotional exercises, self-
mortification, and prayer. It prescribed for the professed knights white garments, as a symbol of a
pure life ; esquires and retainers were to be clothed in black. To the white dress Pope Eugen1us
II subsequently added a red cross, to be worn on the left breast as a symbol of martyrdom.
Thus was confirmed and established that diamond Order of Christian chivalry, the crown of
the Crusades, the magnanimous and chivalric Order of Knights Templar. Its origin was as humble
as the babe in the manger, but with a grand and glorious life when in full power of manhood, and
yet destined to perish in the flames and burnt from off the face of the earth — betrayed to its death
by the Order of Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem, who were jealous and haters of it
from the beginning, and who were the secret instruments in part of its destruction, and as a reward
for their vile treachery received a portion of the spoils with the islands of Rhodes and of Malta, and
became known ever after as "Knights of Rhodes and of Malta." The Order of Knights Templar
existed 195 years, from 1 118 to 1 313. It had just twenty -two Grand Masters from the beginning,
who, with the years in which they were elected, are as follows, compiled on the authority of Add1son:
1, Hugh de Payens ( 1 1 18); 2, Robert of Burgundy (1136); 3, Everard de Barr1 (1146); 4, Bernard
de Tremellay (1 151); 5, Bertrand de Blanquefort (1 154); 6, Ph1l1p of Naplous (1 167); 7, Odo de
St. Amand (1 1 70); 8, Arnold de Troye(118o); 9, Gerard de R1defort (1 185); 10, Brother Walter
( 1 1 89); 11, Robert de Sable (1191); 12, G1lbert Horal ( 1 195); 13, Ph1l1p de Pless1s (1201); 14,
W1ll1am de Chartres (1217); 15, Peter de Monta1gu (12 18); 16, Hermann de Per1gord (1236);
17, W1ll1am de Sonnac (1245); 18, Reg1nald de V1ch1er (1252); 19, Thomas Berard (1256); 20,
W1ll1am de Beaujeu (1273); 21, Theobald de Gaud1n1 (1291); 22, James (or Jacques) de Molay
(1297). There could be but one Grand Master of Knights Templar in the world, and when on
May 12, 1 3 10, his entire staff and escort of fifty -four Knights Templar, and on March 18, 131 3,
after nearly seven years of imprisonment, De Molay, the actual last Grand Master of the Templars,
was burned at the stake in the city of Paris by order of Pope Clement V and Ph1l1p the Fair, the
avaricious and treacherous King of France, there were no more conclaves or asylums or elections,
and the Order with its name excepting in history utterly perished. Those in Spain and Portugal
who were exempted from such a cruel fate took the name of "Knights of Christ." Those in England
and Scotland were forced to unite with their enemies and enter the priories and preceptories of the
Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, where they still retained that name. They were noblemen and
none but those of noble blood were admitted to the Order of its knighthood, and being military
priests sworn to chastity never married, and consequently no children to inherit their names and
property. The Order, however, had become liberalized by contact with the Christians of the Greek
or Eastern Church, and in truces with the Saracens found that humanity could be exercised toward
a fallen foe who would give a sign of appeal for mercy upon the battle-field. Like all men who
travel they became enlightened
by contact with other people
and grew less bigoted when
peace ruled for a time, and man
kind were spared the horrors
and atrocities of a fanatical and
religious war.
There was another Order
of knighthood organized during
the Crusades in the year 11 90.
This was The Teutonic Knights
of St. Mary of Jerusalem. The
origin of this Order was an
humble but a pious one. Dur
ing the Crusades a wealthy gen
tleman of Germany who resided
at Jerusalem, commiserating the
condition of his countrymen who
came there as pilgrims, made
his house their receptacle and
afterward built a hospital, to
which by permission of the
Patriarch of Jerusalem, he
added an oratory dedicated to
the V1rg1n Mary. Other Ger
mans coming from Lubeck and
Bremen contributed to the ex
tension of this charity, and
erected at Acre during the third
Crusade a sumptuous hospital
and assumed the title of The Christian Army in the Mountains of Judea.
Teutonic Knights or Brethren of the Hospital of our Lady of the Germans of Jerusalem. They elected
Henry Walpott their first Master, and adopted for their government a rule closely approximating to
that of both the Hospitalers and the Templars, with an additional one that none but Germans should
be admitted into the Order. Their dress consisted of a white mantle, with a black cross embroidered
in gold. Clark says ("Hist. of Knighthood," ii, 60) that the original badge, which was assigned them
by the Emperor Henry VI, was a black cross potent, and that form of cross has ever since been
known as a Teutonic Cross. John, King of Jerusalem, added the cross double potent gold — that is,
a cross potent of gold on the black cross. The Emperor Freder1ck I I gave them the black double-
headed eagle, to be borne in an escutcheon in the center of the cross ; and St. Lou1s of France
added to it, as an augmentation, a blue chief strewn with fleur-de-lis.
During the siege of Acre they did good service to the Christian cause, but on the fall of that
city the main body returned to Europe with Freder1ck II. For many years they were engaged in
crusades against the pagan inhabitants of Prussia and Poland. Ashmo1.e says that in 1340 they built
the city of Maryburg and there established the residence of their Grand Master. They were for a
long time engaged in contests with the kings of Poland on account of their invasion of their territory.
The Knights Templar who had made their escape from France to Germany when their Order
was destroyed found shelter and protection in that country at the hands of the Teutonic Knights,
who were engaged in looking up the frauds perpetrated by the rapacious monks and clergy, who had
forged title deeds and mortgages upon lands and property of absent Crusaders or those who had
fallen in defense of the cross in the Holy Land. While so engaged the self- crowned Pope, James
D'Ossa, who had been made a cardinal by Clement V, succeeded that Pope and took the name of
Pope John XXII. He excommunicated the Teutonic Knights, but they, relying on their great
strength and the remoteness of their province, bid defiance to ecclesiastical censures, and the contest
ended in their receiving Prussia proper as a brief of the kings of Poland.
In 151 1 Albert, Margrave of Brandenburg, was elected their Grand Master. In 1525 he
abandoned the vows of his Order, and with a large number of the Teutonic Knights became a
Protestant and exchanged his title of Grand Master for that of Duke of Eastern Prussia. Thus the
dominion of the Teutonic Knights was brought to an end, the foundation laid of the future kingdom
of Prussia, and the national colors were those of the Knights Templar and Teutonic Knights blended,
the beauseant of black and white with the broad red stripe beneath it, which is the flag of Prussia
to-day. The Order, however, still continued its existence, the seat of the Grand Master being at
Mergentheim in Swabia. By the peace of Presburg in 1805 tne Emperor Franc1s II obtained the
Grand Mastership with all its rights and privileges. In 1809 Napoleon abolished the Order as he
did that of the Knights of Malta or Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem in 1798. It was
not our purpose in this work to give a full and complete history of these three religious military
Orders of knighthood established during the Crusades. These three Orders had an existence as
follows: The Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem or Knights of Malta, 685 years; Knights
Templar, 195 years; the Teutonic Knights of St. Mary, 335 years of the Prussian division and 619
of the Austrian continuance, counting from A. D. 11 90, the year of the founding of this third Order
of knighthood.
It was during the Crusades in Palestine that the rivalry between the Knights of St. John of
Jerusalem and the Knights Templar culminated in intense hatred and jealousy of the former toward
the latter, that bitter hostilities broke out between them and frequent conflicts occurred. When the
orders came from Pope Gregory IX to give no quarter to the infidel Saracen the German Emperor
Freder1ck II, in command of the crusade, directed that no attention be paid to this inhuman order,
but that whenever any man of the enemy threw down his arms and made the sign of distress or
appeal for mercy that his life should be spared. The Knights Templar and Teutonic Knights obeyed
their immediate commander, but the Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem obeyed the orders
of the Pope. This also caused the breach to be widened between these two Orders, while the Pope
excommunicated the German Emperor and at the same time engaged in infernal treachery by secretly
conspiring with the Sultan and betraying the plans of Freder1ck to the enemy that even the Crusaders
themselves should be defeated. When the objects of the crusades had utterly failed, so far as the
Saracens were concerned, and all Palestine was swept clean of every vestige of the defenders of the
cross, Constantinople itself in possession of the Mohammedan power, which is still retained, and the
DEPARTURE OF CRUSADERS FOR PALESTINE.
Crusaders had withdrawn from the field and these Orders of knighthood had gone into garrisons
denominated preceptories and priories, and taken possession of confiscated lands that had belonged to
exterminated heretics, each Order of knighthood for itself when it had become permanently domiciliated
naturally drew around it the people among whom it had fixed its habitation. The Teutonic Knights
returned to their own country of Germany. The Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem
divided the map of Europe between them, and were located in provinces where there were indica
tions of heresy still remaining, to be ready to crush it, as well as along the shores of Italy and the
Mediterranean, and at the Holy See of Rome; the Knights Templar, chiefly in France, with priories
also in England and Scotland, but the Grand Master and chief military divisions at the islands of
Cyprus, Malta, and others, to repel invasions and attacks of the Turks or Saracens on Southern
Europe.
The chiefs of the Knights Templar were the elite of the nobility, including some scions of
royalty not in the line of regal ascension, and also of the most intelligent and courageous warriors
of their times. One cause of their defeat was the overwhelming numbers of their enemies. The
Orders of knighthood could not breed legitimately or beget their own kind. Their vows of celibacy
prevented any recruits springing from their own loins, while the fruits of polygamy of their Moslem
foes, in which some were fathers of even eighty children, kept the Moslem military strength up to
the highest standard and condition. The monastic vows were a declaration of war against God and
nature itself. The command of Jehovah or Allah to the Hebrew and the Ishmaelitish races were
implicitly obeyed, and there was no lack of virile energy and courage, and an abundance of men.
The Knights Templar in their respective garrisons of castles, forts, priories, and preceptories,
while keeping up their military and religious discipline, nevertheless found time for reflection and
study of the causes of the crusades at home and abroad, and when, besides the scum of Europe
which settled upon its dregs, the best people had been almost entirely obliterated from the face of the
continent. The rapacity of the popes down to the lowest monks, inclusive, was appalling to these
self-sacrificing stalwart warriors of the Cross, who had returned and found utter strangers in the
places and homes of their kindred ; and upon investigation it was discovered that frauds, forgeries of
title deeds, and confiscations under pretexts of heresy had despoiled their kindred, and the meagre
few who survived were beggars upon the highways and lanes, perishing as tramps by the wayside.
The entire Order of Knights Templar was becoming permeated with a profound sense of the injustice
and wrong which had been perpetrated against so many of their own blood, while expression was
carefully suppressed. The indications, however, were such that the Templars anticipated a bull from
the Pope for a dissolution and disbandment of their Order, which might be expected at any time.
But there was a determined unwritten resolve to stand fast together. They quietly continued their
investigations, and where wrong, fraud, and forgery had been successful, they took possession of lands
and property and held them in trust for the rightful heirs when they should present themselves, and
large numbers of estates were thus recovered and delivered to those to whom they rightfully belonged.
The Teutonic Knights in Germany did the same. By prudence, economy, and thrift they managed
their property successfully, and being powerful in numbers and increasing in wealth they excited the
suspicion, the avarice, and hatred of both kings and popes, while the senior and rival Order of
Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem — envious, jealous, and revengeful — was ever ready to
do them an injury and a wrong.
But the time was near at hand when this grand chivalric Order of Christian knighthood of
the Templars was to have its beauseant, its banners of the Cross, which it had bravely borne in the
storms of battle for nearly two centuries, to go down in gloom and blood and be buried in the ashes
of their martyr defenders, through treacherous betrayal, and to gratify the envy, jealousy, and
murderous avarice of both King and Pope. The altar and the throne united the combined enemies
of the liberties of mankind on earth and the would-be toll-gate keepers of the road to the upper
world. Ph1l1p the Fair of France, who had a quarrel with Pope Bon1face VIII, was delighted on
hearing of the death of his enemy on October 11, 1303. Pope Bened1ct II then ascended the
throne, but as he did not please the cardinals they resolved on his destruction, and a youthful-looking
priest dressed as a nun of a neighboring convent approached the Holy Father when at a banquet
and in the name of the abbess, who was one of his penitents, presented him with a silver plate of
figs. The Pope took two of them and offered the others to the guests, who refused them, not to
deprive His Holiness of them. On the same night he was attacked with severe pain in his bowels
and with vomiting; his physician perceived that he was poisoned, but it was too late to arrest the
THE CRUSADERS – BATTLE OF ANTIOCH.
evil, and he died on July 6, 1304. He was not the man that was wanted for what was to follow.
He was succeeded by Bertram) de Got, a Frenchman who assumed the title of Clement V,
who was made such through the influence of Ph1l1p the Fair, who was at first hostile, but sent him
a letter for a conference which had been arranged. Bertrand de Got as Archbishop cast himself
at the feet of the King, exclaiming: "Sire, I now see why you wished to render me good for evil,
and I submit entirely to you. Command and I am ready to obey. From this moment I forget the
past; I renounce my friends, and am ready to sacrifice all my existence for you." Ph1l1p raised
him to his feet, and having embraced him, said: "Thus, then, it depends on me to make you Pope,
but I will only do it on the express condition that you reconcile me with the Church ; that you
commune with me and those who have followed my party ; that you grant me all the titles of my
kingdom for five years, and that you condemn the proceedings and memory of Bon1face; that you
entirely reinstate the Colonna in their wealth and dignities ; and, finally, that you will make cardinals
of the ecclesiastics whom I will designate to you. I also reserve an important condition which you
must accept without knowing what it is." The Archbishop swore upon the host to comply with the
wishes of the King. All went to the city of Lyons, and in the Church of St. Just, on November
14, 1305, the ceremonies of consecration were held, and in the presence of an immense concourse of
archbishops, bishops, kings, and princes, he was crowned as Pope Clement V.
Clement created ten French cardinals, took off the bulls launched by Bon1face VIII against
the Colonna, and restored the cardinalate to James and Peter, with power to reach all the dignities
of the Church, even that of Sovereign Pontiff. He extorted enormous sums from the bishops and
abbots of France who came to his court, and when he perceived that a fear of being mulcted prevented
the clergy from visiting him, he determined to make a tour through the dioceses. He passed through
a great number of cities and everywhere carried off treasures from the churches and monasteries. It
is related that it took five whole days to carry away from the rich abbey at Cluny the gold and
silver, and not content with his own extortions he sent his legates everywhere, who forced the
exactions to that extent that an appeal was made in despair to the King. Ph1l1p instructed M1lon
de Noyers, the Marshal of France, to complain to the Holy Father against his extortioners, and to
obtain their recall. But this only increased the evil. The Pope, fearing lest that energetic measures
would be taken to shackle his financiering expedition, urged the receipt of the money, and ordered
his legates to increase their severity and set all ecclesiastical dignities up at auction. He also resolved
to use the tribunals of the inquisition with which Blanche of Castile and St. Lou1s had endowed
France, so as to avail himself of the decrees of the fourth council of the Lateran, which provided
that the property of heretics and their accomplices belonged to the Holy See, without the children
or relatives of the condemned being able to claim the least part.
We now come to the great conspiracy. Pope Clement V and Ph1l1p the Fair, while the
latter was at Poitiers, entered upon the infernal project for the destruction of the Knights Templar,
who were to be proclaimed and attacked as heretics, destroyed, and their wealth divided between the
Pope and the King. While the King was laid up with his disorders he with the Pope meditated
upon the plan —how the matter was to be brought about and meet with success. Clement adopted
the following ruse: He first caused a new crusade to be preached in Europe and even at points in
Syria. He then sent the following letter to the Grand Masters of the Templars and the Hospitalers:
"We inform you, my Brethren, that we have been urgently solicited by the kings of Aragon and
Cyprus for aid for the Holy Land. We order you to come to France as secretly as possible, to
deliberate with us. You will also be careful to bring with you large sums to equip a numerous
army." Jacques de Molay, Grand Master of the Templars, promptly obeyed the injunctions of the
Holy Father. The unfortunate De Molay with a large amount of treasure and his retinue and staff
of sixty knights, unsuspecting of any treachery, sailed for France, and on his arrival in Paris early in
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 637
1307 fell directly into the trap that was set for him by his enemies. The Pope and PHILIP had
agreed that the Knights of the Temple should be arrested at the same time, in the different Christian
kingdoms, and that they should be handed over to the inquisitors as suspected of heresy, that their
property should be seized in the name of the Church, and that they should be put to death on the
scaffold, after having been put to the torture to make them avow imaginary crimes. The execution
of this hellish plot was not deferred. The Pope informed the kings of Aragon, Castile, and Portugal
of his determination to annihilate the Templars, and on the appointed day they were all arrested
and plunged into the dungeons of the inquisition on October 13, 1307.
To a renegade and said to be an expelled Prior of the Order, SQUIN DE FLEXIAN or FLORIAN,
with NoFFODEI, and as some say another unknown person, is attributed the invention of the false
accusations upon which were based the persecutions and downfall of the Knights Templar. He was
MALTA. – FORTIFIED BY THE CRUSADER.S.
a native of the city of Bezieres, in the south of France, and having been received as a Knight
Templar had made so much proficiency in the Order as to have been appointed to the head of the
Priory of Montfaucon. REGHELLINI states that both SQUIN DE FLEXIAN and NoFFODEI were Templars
and held the rank of Commanders; but DUPUY (“Condemnation des Templices") denies that the latter
was a Templar. He says: “All historians agree that the origin of the ruin of the Templars was
the work of the Prior of Montfaucon and of NOFFODEI, a Florentine banished from his country and
whom nobody believes to have been a Templar. The Prior by the sentence of the Grand Master
had been condemned for heresy and for having led an infamous life to pass the remainder of his days
in a prison. The other is reported to have been condemned to rigorous penalties by the provost of
Paris.” REGHELLINI's account (“La Maconnerie Consideree," etc., i, p. 451) is more circumstantial.
He says: “In 1306 two Knights Templar, NoFFODEI and FLORIAN, were punished for crimes and
lost their Commanderies, that of the latter being Montfaucon. They petitioned the Provincial Grand
Master of Mount Carmel for a restoration to their offices, but met with a refusal. They then
63S FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
obtained an entrance into the Provincial

Grand Master's country house, and hav
ing assassinated him concealed the body
in the woods under some thick shrubbery,
after which they fled to Paris. There
they obtained access to the King and
thus furnished Ph1l1p with an occasion
for executing his projects by denouncing
the Order and exposing to him the
immense wealth it possessed. They pro
posed the abolition of the Order, and
promised the King for a reward to be its
denouncers. The King accepted their
proposition, and assuring them of his protection, pointed out to them the course which they
were to pursue. They associated with themselves a third individual, called by historians 'the
Unknown' (Tinconnu), and Noffode1 and F1.or1an sent a memorial to Enguerand de Mar1gn1,
superintendent of the finances, in which they proposed, if he would guarantee them against the attacks
of the Order of the Templars and to grant them civil existence and rights, to discover to the King
secrets which they deemed of more value than the conquest of an empire. As a sequel to the first
declaration they addressed to the King an accusation, which was the same as he had himself dictated
to them for the purpose of the turn which he desired to the affair. This accusation contained the
following charges :
"1. That the Order of Templars was the foe of all kings and of all sovereign authority;
that it communicated secrets to its initiates under horrible oaths, with the criminal condition of the
penalty of death if they divulged them ; and that the secret practices of their initiations were the
consequences of irreligion, atheism, and rebellion.
"2. That the Order had betrayed the
religion of Chr1st by communicating to the Sul
tan of Babylon all the plans and operations of
the Emperor Freder1ck II, whereby the designs
of the Crusaders for the recovery of the Holy
Land were frustrated.
"3. That the Order prostituted the mys
teries most venerated .by Christians by making
a knight when he was received trample upon
the Cross, the sign of redemption ; and abjured
the Christian religion by making the neophyte
declare that the true God had never died and
never could die ; that they carried about them
and worshiped a little idol called Bafomet, and
that after his initiation the neophyte was compelled to undergo obscene practices.
"4. That when a knight was received the Order bound him by an oath to a complete and
blind obedience to the Grand Master, which was a proof of rebellion against the legitimate authority.
"5. That Good Friday was the day selected for the grand orgies of the Order.
"6. That they were guilty of unnatural crimes.
"7. That they burned the children of their concubines, so as to destroy all traces of their
debauchery."
These calumnies formed the basis of the
longer catalogue of accusations, afterward pre

sented by the Pope, upon which the Templars
were finally tried and condemned.
In the preliminary examination of the
accused SQUIN DE FLEXIAN took an active part
as one of the commissioners. In the pleadings
for their defense presented by the knights they
declare that “knights were tortured by FLEXIAN
DE BEZIEREs, Prior of Montfaucon, and by the
monk WILLIAM ROBERT, and that already thirty
six had died of the tortures inflicted at Paris
De Molay in the Torture Chamber. and several others in other places." Of the
ultimate fate of these traitors nothing is really
known. When the infamous work which they had inaugurated had been consummated by the King
and the Pope, as their services were no longer needed they sank into merited oblivion. The author
of the “Secret Societies of the Middle Ages," page 268, says “SQUIN was afterward hanged and
NoFFODEI beheaded, as was said, with little probability by the Templars.”
JACQUES DE MOLAY, the last Grand Master, when under torture and nature was weak confessed
to being guilty of the charges, but on regaining his strength flatly denied them. The Papal
commission assembled in Paris on August 7, A. D. 1309. The Grand Master was brought before
it. He professed his belief in the Catholic faith, and denied that the Order was guilty of the charges
alleged against it, as also did many of the other knights. At the Porte St. Antoine on many pleasant
evenings in the following May 1 13 Templars were in slow succession burned at stakes. Yet of this
vast concourse of sufferers all died
protesting their innocence; not one

proved an apostate. Notwithstand
ing this most significant fact, those
who were ready to lay down their
lives and to meet with unshaken
constancy the fire were surely the

bravest of the knights, and their
dying declaration is worthy of our -->
most reverent consideration.
After a weary imprisonment

of six years, embittered by many
hardships, the Grand Master
DE MoLAY was brought up for
SentenCe. He had been found
Burning of De Molay at the Stake.
guilty. On March 13, 1313, when
the vesper bell was sounding, DE MoLAY and other Templars were led forth to their stakes. With
his dying breath—“before heaven and earth, on the verge of death, when the least falsehood bears
like an intolerable weight on the soul"—he declared the innocence of the Order and of himself.
Some averred that forth from the fire DE MOLAY's voice sounded, “CLEMENT, thou wicked and
false judge, I summon thee to meet me within forty days at the bar of GoD!” Some said that he
also summoned the King. In the following year King PHILIP the Fair and Pope CLEMENT V were
dead. Of these we shall make mention shortly.
The Order of Knights Templar was utterly destroyed. Those who fled to Germany, as
we have already stated, were received by their Brothers in arms, the Teutonic Knights, and were
incorporated with them and greatly augmented their numbers, who in after years, like their Grand
Master, adopted the Protestant faith, and it was this Order of knighthood which secretly protected
Mart1n Luther on his return from Worms at the beginning of the Reformation by seizing his person
and concealing him in the Castle of Wartburg. The Knights Templar in England, Ireland, and
Scotland by edict were forced to enter the preceptories and priories of their enemies the Knights
Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem. The bloody executions having terminated, the two execrable
tyrants Pope Clement V and
Ph1l1p the Fair divided between
themselves the riches of the
Templars. Ph1l1p kept the land
and Clement took all the orna
ments of gold and silver and
the coined money, which ena
bled him to reward the pander
ings of his nephew and the
Countess de Foix. The Knights
Hospitalers of St. John of
Jerusalem who had secretly
aided in the schemes for the
destruction of their hated rivals
were given as a reward the
islands of Rhodes and of Malta,
and were ever after known as
the Knights of Malta.
The Knights Templar in
the north of England and of
Scotland rallied to the aid of
King Robert Bruce in his
efforts to gain the independ
ence of Scotland and regain
his crown. At the battle of
Bannockburn on June 24, 13 14,
before a year had expired since
the martyrdom of De Molay,
they helped Bruce to win his
victory against overwhelming
DISCOVERY OF THE TRUE CROSS.
odds over his enemy Edward I I
of England, the son-in-law of Ph1l1p the Fair of France, and Scotland was free. As these Knights
Templar could no longer be known as such they were incorporated by Bruce into the Scottish
Order of Knighthood of Chardon or of the Thistle, and with which was connected the Order of the
Rosy Cross or Royal Order of Scotland, of which we shall make mention hereafter.
Such is the history of the grandest Order of knighthood, which for sublime faith and indom
itable courage (every member of which was sworn not to llee from the presence of their enemies,
and who preferred death to dishonor) took front rank of any that ever existed upon earth.
CHA PT E R XX.
HOW THE HOLY CROSS WAS LOST.

THE HISTORICAL LEGEND OF THE FINAL LOSS OF THE HOLY CROSS, AND THE LAST STAND OF THE
CRUSADERs—Told BY WILLIAM C. PRIMM IN “TENT LIFE IN THE HOLY LAND."
Q/E RE beginneth the story of the great battle of the Cross, wherein the wood that
HELENA found in the pit near Calvary – which HERACLIUS, barefoot and bare
headed, carried on his shoulder into the gates of the Holy City, after he had
egained it from the Persians; which holy men of many centuries had gathered around
with devoted affection—was lost unto Christians forever. There are prayers in the golden
vials spoken of in the Apocalypse that went up before that wood and sanctified it,
whether it were or were not the wood of CHRIST's Passion. I tell the story as I heard
it in fragments. The principal historic facts I have verified abundantly by examination;
- the incidents I gathered from the monks of Terra Santa, and especially from FRA
Giovas. my gentle friend, whose brain was a treasure-house of fine old legendary lore.
It was in the year of grace and peace, A. D. 1187, that the kingdom of Jerusalem fell. Dark
clouds gathered in the previous year. Dire portents were in the heavens. Earthquakes and terrible
tempests shook Jerusalem on her throne of hills. The jealousies of the Knights of St. John and of
the Temple, the contests for superiority and the rival claims to the kingdom itself, might well make
BALOwn IV to believe that his crown was the lost crown of CHRIST, not that of SoLOMON. Mean
while Yusef SALAM-EDEEN, the new Egyptian Calif, having made firm his throne in that country,
had extended his power around Palestine, and was now in Damascus, meditating on a way to excuse
himself from a violation of the treaties and an attack on Jerusalem. The excuse was at hand.
REGINALD of Chatillon, a Knight of the Cross, had come to Palestine with Louis LE JEUNE and
joined the forces of RAYMOND of Poitiers, Prince of Antioch. Keen as a hawk and as brave as a
lion, the young soldier, nameless and of low origin, not only won a name but on the death of
RAYMOND won his widow (CONSTANCE) and his throne.
The stories of his bravery and beauty, sung by the troubadours of that day, were countless,
nor was any one more mentioned as a stout knight and valiant soldier than REGINALD of Chatillon.
His career is the theme for a history. His arm never grew weary in battle, nor did his sword rust
in its scabbard, until he was taken prisoner by the Moslems and kept in chains for years at Aleppo.
Released at last, he found his wife dead and his son on his throne. He gathered around him
the most daring and reckless of the Templars, and having by a second marriage obtained other
castles and possessions, he made it the business of his life to harass and annoy the Saracens wherever
642 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
he could find them, and at length, emboldened by his success, conceived the idea of marching to
Medina and Mecca, and plundering the holy Kaaba itself. With his hitherto invincible band of
warriors he set out on this perilous enterprise. They surprised and captured the Egyptian caravan
crossing the desert from India and advanced in triumph to the valley of Rabid, scarcely thirty miles
from Medina, where they were met by an overwhelming force and routed with terrible slaughter.
REGINALD escaped even here, but YUSEF SALAH-E'DEEN was aroused by this sacrilegious undertaking.
He swore an oath that could not be violated that the knight should die and Jerusalem should be
taken.
BALDw1N V, the infant successor of the imbecile BALDw1N IV, died. The proud and weak
GUy of Lusignan took the throne. His own brother, GEOFFREy, on hearing of the succession,
exclaimed, “If they made a king out of GUy, they would make a god out of me, did they but know
me." Once and again SALAH-E'DEEN advanced into Galilee. Treaties were made from time to time,
and for a little while observed; but the bold REGINALD held himself aloof from all treaties and
continued to capture Moslem caravans wherever he could overtake them. At length the end came.
RAYMOND, Count of Tripoli, had strengthened himself in the city of Tiberius against King GUy, with
whom he was now at enmity, for RAYMOND had claims to the throne which had been disregarded in
behalf of GUY of Lusignan. A Moslem army entered Galilee by way of Damascus, summoned by
RAYMOND to his aid. The Grand Master of the Templars and the Master of the Hospitalers were
surprised and surrounded near Tabor. Of the deeds that were done that day there are records in
ancient books and songs that make it illustrious among days of battle. Overwhelmed by thousands,
they held the field one long day, nor had any Christian knight thought of leaving the field (save
three cowards, of whom hereafter), but every man, fighting as it were his own battle, fell where he
fought and died on the plain. They exhausted their quivers and drew the reeking shafts from their
own bodies to hurl them back again on the foe. They lost their lances and wrenching the spears of
the Saracens from their bleeding sides died piercing their enemy with a last thrust of his own javelin.
One by one they went down on the bloody field, until the Master of the Hospitalers had fallen, one
Knight of the Temple remained on the field alone of all that company to fight the battle of the LORD.
JACQUES DE MAILLE, mounted on his white charger, still lived, and still his battle-ax flashed death in
the closing ranks of the foe. “Ha, ha! ST. JACQUEs for the Holy Cross!" he shouted, as he hewed
his way hither and thither through the ranks of the Moslems, who now believed that he was the
very ST. GEORGE, who the Christians boasted came down to fight their battles. “That for the Holy
Sepulcher!" and a tall Saracen went down with crushed brain among the hoofs of the horses; “That
for the good ST. JAMEs!” he shouted, as the leader of his enemies fell headless before the swoop of
his falchion; “And that for Holy JACQUEs, my patron saint!" as with his blade he made the sign of
the Cross in the air, and cleaving as he brought it down the head even to the chin of a Saracen,
as if he would thus make a socket for the holy sign to stand in. “That for the Cross!" “That for
Jerusalem!” “That for King Guy!” “And that—and that—and that for JACQUES DE MAILLE!" “Ha,
ha! ST. JACQUEs holy Cross! and that for the dead lady of my love, MAGUERITE–may GoD have
mercy on her soul!"
The white horse staggered as a javelin went through him from beneath, and now plunging
forward bearing his brave rider to the ground. Nothing daunted, the knight sprang to his feet,
waving his ax around and shouting the war cry of the Templars, as the steel went crashing through
the dense flesh that gathered around him. They lay heaped up to his knees, a hideous, gasping
pile, life gurgling out of their lips through blood, while the living shrank back aghast, forming a
dismayed circle around him, and silence took possession of the scene. The DE MAILLE, bleeding
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644 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIA.
from twenty wounds, worn out with labor of killing, fell on his knees, and murmuring a prayer, died
as a brave man should die, with his arms stretched to heaven and his face to the astonished foe.
The Moslems rushed on him, tore his armor to pieces and distributed it among themselves as relics
of a brave man. They even mutilated his body and preserved portions of it for talismanic purposes,
such was their respect for his prodigious valor. This battle occurred May 1, 1187.
SALAH-E'DEEN now advanced into Galilee with 80,000 horsemen. The imminent danger which
threatened the kingdom united all the Christian knights. Even RAYMOND of Tripoli obeyed the
summons of GUY to all Christians to assemble at Sephouri, north of Nazareth and about five miles,
“The Cry of the Battle-field went up before
now called Sefurich. While the armies were gathering here SALAH-E'DEEN attacked Tiberius and
captured the city. The citadel held out against him, defended by RAYMOND's brave wife.
Fifty thousand Christian troops were gathered at the fortresses of Sephouri. Had they remained
there to await the coming of SALAH-E'DEEN the fate of the world would have been different.
RAY MOND strongly counseled it. He pointed as an evidence of his good faith in the advice to his
wife now in prison at Tiberius, to whose rescue he would gladly march, but he believed it fatal to
the hopes of Jerusalem to advance on the plain with this army, to raise which had exhausted the
powers of the kingdom. The Grand Master of the Templars, who, two months before that day had
fled from the field of Tabor and with two of his knights alone survived the slaughter that was ended
with the fall of De Ma1lle, called Raymond a traitor to his face and ridiculed his advice. "I swear
to God and man that I am willing to lose Tripoli and all I possess on earth if we may only secure
the safety of the Holy City," said Raymond. "We have seen wolves in sheep's clothing," sneered
the Templar. "I call on Him who died on the Cross to witness my sincerity!" said Raymond.
"The name of Mohammed would sound better on the lips of a traitor," said the Templar. To this
Raymond, nobly resolving not to open a private quarrel then, made no reply. Evil counsels prevailed
and the army advanced toward Tiberius. All the nobles and knights except the Templar agreed with
Raymond, but Guy yielded to him and they advanced to a certainty of defeat and death.
God, and. He permitted the end to come."
To the northeast of Tabor is a great plain above which rises a conspicuous hill known as the
mountain of Chr1st's sermon, or the mount of the Beatitudes. The Arabs called it in those days
as now Tell-el-Hattin. This hill covered the left of the Christian hosts as they advanced. The
Moslems were on the heights that crown the western bank of the sea of Galilee, north of Tiberius,
and were scattered through all the passes and defiles, so that as soon as the Christians were fairly
advanced on the plain the great number of the enemy and their skill as horsemen enabled them to
surround the army of Guv and pour on them unceasing volleys of arrows. It was on the morning
of July 4, 1 187, that the Christians advanced over the plain. Annoyed by the shafts of the Saracens
and their canstant sallies on both flanks, they yet advanced steadily to the middle of the plain,
intending to cut their way through the ranks of

the enemy and thus gain the shore of the sea of
Galilee. It was here that Salah-E'deen came
down upon them like a thunderbolt at the head
of 20,000 horsemen. It was one of the most
terrible charges on record. But the Christians,
closing up their ranks, received it as the rock
receives the sea and it went back like the foam.
Now high up among the Christian host the Holy
Cross itself was elevated and men knew for what
they were to fight and die. Around it, to use the
words of Salah-E'deen himself, they gathered
with the utmost bravery and devotion, as if they
believed it their greatest blessing, strongest bond
of union, and sure defense. The battle became
general. On all sides the foe pressed the brave
knights and their followers. The latter fell by
the hundreds from exhaustion and thirst, for they
had been short of bread and water for a week.
Twice did Salah-E'deen repeat that tremendous
charge, penetrating into the ranks of his enemies,
and fighting his way out again without breaking
their army. Night came down on the battle
field while its fate was yet undetermined, and
they rested for the morrow. What wild despairing
cries and prayers went up to God before the
Cross of Chr1st that night we may not know
until the vials of the elders are opened.
Long before day by the admirable disposi
tion of his army Salah-E'deen had decided the
battle even before it was fought. But he had not
decided how many of his host were to be slain
on the soil of Galilee by the swords of the
Christians. As the day advanced the two armies
beheld each other. Salah-E'deen waited till the
sun was up, and then the "sons of heaven and
the children of fire" fought their great battle.
The Christians fought as they were accustomed.
Their heat and thirst was terrible, and increased -
by the enemy setting fire to the dry brush and
grass from which the strong wind blew a dense
smoke before them, nearly suffocating them.
The scene was like a very hell : knights and devils
contending among the flames. Again and again
the bands of the Templars threw themselves upon
the Saracen front and endeavored to pierce through
"'Holy Cross ! ' shouted the Graad Muster of the
Templars. "
FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 647
its steel walls to reach the citadel of Tiberius, but in vain. The cry of the battle-field went
up among the smoke and flame before GoD, and He permitted the end to come. “Holy Cross!"
shouted the Grand Master of the Templars, as he fought his way toward the banner of the Calif, fol
lowed by his brave knights. “RAYMOND for the Sepulcher!" rang over the clash of steel in the battle.
“Ha, ha! RENAUD – RENAUD – CHANTILLIAN–CARRAC — No rescuel Strike, Strike!" shouted the
proud retainers of the old knight, who were reveling in the blood of the conflict.
By this time in the center of the field the fight had grown thickest and most fierce around the
True Cross, which was upheld on a slight eminence by the Bishop of Ptolemais. Around it the
bravest knights were collected. There GEOFFREY of Lusignan, brother to the King, performed miracles
of valor, and the Knights of the Temple and the Knights of St. John vied with each other in
bravery. As the fray grew darker and the shafts flew swifter around them, and one by one they fell
down before the holy wood, the stern, calm voice of the bishop was heard chanting “Pe profundis
clamavi ad te Domine exaudi vocem meam" in tones that overpowered the din of the battle and
reached the dying, even as they departed. Nearest of all to the Cross was a man wielding a sword
which had already done fearful work on the Saracens. The sign on his back was not sufficient to
distinguish him from the other soldiers, but they who fought by his side well knew the brave Precentor
of the Sepulcher, Bishop of Lydda, the city of St. George. How many souls he had sent to hell
that day it is impossible to relate. He and four others remained around the old Bishop of Ptolemais,
who was fainting from loss of blood, for many arrows had pierced him and his life was fast failing.
“Boii EMOND for the Cross!" shouted the young Prince of Antioch, as he swept the Paynims down
by the scores. “St. George, St. George!" shouted the holy bishop, his bright eye flashing around
him. He caught sight of the tottering Cross as the Bishop of Ptolemais went down dead. Spring
ing forward, he seized it with his left arm and with prodigious strength threw himself into the faces
of the foe. The lightning is not more fierce or fast than were the blows of his sword as he hewed
his way along, followed by BoHEMOND of Antioch, RENAUD of Sidon, and one unknown Knight of
the Temple. The latter pressed forward to the side of the brave bishop. BoIIEMOND and RENAUD
were separated from them, but the two fought on alone in the midst of thousands of their enemies.
At length the unequal contest was well nigh over. The eye of SALAII-E DEEN was fixed on
that dense mass that surrounded the Cross. He smiled bitterly as he saw it trembling and ready to
fall from the hand of the gallant bishop, who held it aloft with his left arm while with the right he
cursed the infidels with the curse of steel that damned them then and forever. Well might the
Soldan believe that as long as he held that holy wood so long his mighty arm would remain strong
and the blood replace in his brave heart the flood issuing from his wounds. But he grew faint at
length, and yet shouting in clear tones “St. George, St. George!" knelt down by the Cross, shielded
by the strong arm of the Templar who fought above him, still unwounded and undaunted, though he
now found himself the last knight at the Cross of his LORD. One glance of his eye over the plain
told him that all was lost, and nothing now remained for him to do but to die bravely for GoD and
for Jerusalem. Far above the field above the summit of the Mount of Transfiguration he beheld
the heavens opened and saw the gates of pearl. Clear and distinct above the clash of arms and
loud cries on the field of blood he heard the voices of angels singing triumphant songs. So he took
courage as the darkness of the battle gathered blacker around him. For now, as the Bishop of
Lydda fell prostrate on the ground, the Cross had nearly fallen, and the Paynims raising a shout of
triumph rushed in upon their solitary foe. But they rushed through the gates of hell sheer down to
the depths of death to everlasting perdition. Down came the flashing ax on head and shoulders and
limb-down through eyes and chin and breast; so that when they went to hades in that plight their
prophet had difficulty in recognizing them even as of mortal shape. The dead lay all around him.
648 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
He trod his iron heel in their faces and crushed it in their breasts, and laughed as he dealt these
more than human blows with cool, calm aim but lightning force and velocity. No sound but the
clashing steel was heard in this part of the plain, where for awhile it appeared as if the saint of the
fallen bishop was standing over him in arms for the cause of the Sepulcher. But every inch of his
armor bristled with arrows that were drinking his blood; a well-sped javelin had made a hideous
opening in his throat, and the foam from his lips was dropping red on his steel breastplate. .
Looking up once more, far over hill and plain, he saw again the battlements of heaven and a
shining company that were approaching even to his very front. The battle was visible no longer,
but close beside him the divine eyes of the Virgin Mother were fixed on him with the same look
that she of old fixed on that Cross when holier blood than his ran down its beam. But that was
not all he saw. There was a hideous sin on the soul of the knight of the Cross. To expiate that
sin he had long ago left the fair land of France, where he had lordly possessions, to become an
unknown Brother of the Order of the Temple. And now through the fast gathering gloom he saw
the face of that one so beloved and so wronged, as she lay on the very breast of the matchless
Virgin, and the radiance of her countenance was the smile of heaven. Though he saw all this the
gallant knight fought on, and his swift ax flashed steadfastly above the melee. There was a sudden
pause: his lost love lay warm and close on his breast—lay clasped in his arms on his heart of hearts.
He murmured a name long forbidden to his priestly lips, and then, waking for one instant to the
scene around him, he sprang at the throat of a Saracen, grasped it with his stiffening fingers, and
the soul of the Paynim went out with his, as he departed to join the great assembly of the soldiers
of the Cross. So the Cross was lost on the field of Galilee.
GUy of Lusignan, eighth and last king of Jerusalem, with a small band of faithful knights still
held his ground on the hill of Hattin. When the Cross vanished from the field a wail of anguish
rose from all the plain and quivered in the air at the very gates of the celestial city. RAYMOND of
Tripoli and RENAUD of Sidon cut their way through the ranks of the Saracens and escaped around
the foot of Mount Tabor to Ptolemais. All the rest that were living fell into the hands of SALAH
EDEEN, and the next day with his threatened vengeance on REGINALD of Chantillon, hewing him
down to the ground and leaving him to be dispatched by his followers. The fearful sacrifice which
he then made of the Templars, how they crowded to its martyrdom, and others sought to be included
in it, is a well-known page in history. The Cross which was lost on this field was never regained
by the Christians. It remained for some time in the custody of SALAH-E'DEEN, and a few years
later, A. D. 1192, it was shown to the pilgrims to Jerusalem through the condescension of the Calif.
And so ends the story of the last battle of the Holy Cross.
CHAPTER XXI
Order or Hasonic Knights Templar.
The True Or1g1n of the Order Not of Absolute Knowledge, Though the Chr1st1an Success1on
from Ch1valrous Kn1ghthood 1s Clearly Understood — The Work 1n
The Un1ted States of Amer1ca.
T is a singular fact that the Knight Templar degree of which there is any record
of having been conferred was first conferred in America in 1769, and afterward
in Ireland in 1779, or ten years later. St. Andrews Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, of Boston, Mass., then St. Andrews Royal Arch Lodge, holding under
the Grand Lodge of Scotland, held its first recorded meeting on August 28, 1769, in
Masons' Hall, Boston, and the record of that meeting contains the first account of the
conferring of the degree of Knight Templar that has been discovered, either in this
country or Great Britain, and the record is as follows: " Bro. W1ll1am Dav1s came
before the Lodge begging to have and receive the parts belonging to the Royal Arch
Masons, which being read was received, and he unanimously voted in, and was accordingly made
by receiving the four steps, that of Excellent, Super Excellent, Royal Arch, and Knight Templar."
The records of Kilwinning Lodge, Ireland, warranted October 8, 1779, show that its charter
was used as the authority for conferring the Royal Arch, Knight Templar, and Rose Croix degrees
as early as 1782. Both St. Andrews Lodge of Boston, Mass., and Kilwinning Lodge of Dublin,
Ireland, of which the first recorded mention of the Templar Order is to be found, derived their
charters from Scotland. Our learned Bro. Theodore S. Pary1n, Past Grand Recorder of the Grand
Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States, "thinks that the Military Lodges attached
to the Irish regiments of the British army brought the degree with them from the motherland, and
our American Brethren first obtained it from that source." In St. Andrews Lodge, Boston, it was
given as a part of the Royal Arch or as an honorary degree until December 19, 1794, after which
time the record is silent in regard to it.
The true origin of Masonic Knight Templary has been the subject of long and ardent discus
sion. Its actual connection with, or succession from, the Knights Templar of the Crusades is not
generally claimed, though its militarism, and the essence of its sublime ritual come to the Order as
heredity from chivalrous knighthood and from pilgrimages of warfare and penitence. In the tomes of
learned essays and dissertations upon Templary, the best and most succinct account is from the
pen of Mackey. On the origin of Masonic knighthood he says:
"There are four sources from which the Masonic Templars are said to have derived their
existence, making therefore as many different divisions of the Order.
"1. The Templars who claim John Mark Larmen1us as the successor of James de Molay.
" 2. Those who recognize Peter d'Aumont as the successor of Molay.
"3. Those who derive their Templarism from the Count Beaujeu, the nephew of Molay.
"4. Those who claim an independent origin, and repudiate alike the authority of Larmen1us,
of d'Aumont, and of Beaujeu.
"From the first class sprang the Templars of France, who professed to have continued the
Order by authority of a charter given by Molay to Larmen1us. This body of Templars designate
themselves as the 'Order of the Temple.' Its seat is in Paris. The Duke of Sussex received from
it the degree and the authority to establish a Grand Conclave in England. He did so, and convened
that body once, but only once. During the remaining years of his life Templarism had no activity
in England, as he discountenanced all Christian and chivalric Masonry.
"The second division of Templars is that which is founded on the theory that Peter d'Aumont
fled with several knights into Scotland, and there united with the Freemasons. This legend is
intimately connected with Ramsay's tradition — that Freemasonry sprang from Templarism and that
all Freemasons are Knights Templar. The Chapter of Clermont adopted this theory, and in estab
lishing their high degrees asserted that they were derived from these Templars of Scotland. The
Baron Hund carried the theory into Germany, and on it established his rite of Strict Observance,
which was a Templar system. Hence the Templars of Germany must be classed under the head of
the followers of d'Aumont.
"The third division is that which asserts that the Count Beaujeu, a nephew of the last Grand
Master, Molay, and a member of the Order of Knights of Christ — the name assumed by the
Templars of Portugal — had received authority from that Order to disseminate the degree. He is
said to have carried the degree and its ritual into Sweden, where he incorporated it with Freemasonry.
The story is, too, that Beaujeu collected his uncle's ashes and interred them in Stockholm, where a
monument was erected to his memory. Hence the Swedish Templar Masons claim their descent
from Beaujeu, and the Swedish Rite is through this source a Templar system.
"Of the last class, or the Templars who recognized the authority of neither of the leaders
who have been mentioned, there were two subdivisions, the Scotch and the English ; for it is only
in Scotland and England that this independent Templarism found a foothold.
"It was only in Scotland that the Templars endured no persecution. Long after the dissolu
tion of the Order in every other country of Europe, the Scottish Preceptories continued to exist,
and the knights lived undisturbed. One portion of the Scottish Templars entered the army of Robert
Bruce, and after the battle of Bannockburn were merged in the 'Royal Order of Scotland,' then
established by him.
"Another portion of the Scottish Templars united with the Knights Hospitalers of St. John.
They lived amicably in the same houses, and continued to do so until the Reformation. At this
time many of them professed Protestantism. Some of them united with the Freemasons, and estab
lished 'the Ancient Lodge' at Stirling, where they conferred the degrees of the Knight of the
Sepulcher, Knight of Malta, and Knight Templar. It is to this division that we are to trace the
' Masonic Templars of Scotland.
"The English Masonic Templars are most probably derived from that body called the
' Baldwyn Encampment,' or from some one of the four co-ordinate Encampments of London, Bath,
York, and Salisbury, which, it is claimed, were formed by the members of the Preceptory which had
long existed at Bristol, and who, on the dissolution of their Order, are supposed to have united with
the Masonic fraternity. The Baldwyn Encampment claims to have existed from 'time immemorial,'
an indefinite period, but we can trace it back far enough to give it a priority over all other English
Encampments. From this division of the Templars, repudiating all connection with Larmen1us, with
d'Aumont, or any other of the self-constituted leaders, but tracing its origin to the independent action
of knights who fled for security and for perpetuity into the body of Masonry, we are, I think, justly
entitled to derive the Templars of the United States."
A document engrossed on parchment and dated December 20, 1780, is the earliest preserved
by the Baldwyn Encampment. It states that by "charter or compact our Encampment is constituted
the Supreme Grand and Royal Encampment of this noble Order." In the circular letter this charter
or compact is considered to refer to a previously existing document, but on what grounds it is
difficult to imagine. The manuscript contains some twenty clauses, some of which appear to hint at
the modern constitution of this Grand Encampment, partly from the fact that knights would be
recognized as legal if made before 1780 in Encampments not acknowledged by this constituted
authority. It bears the signature of the Supreme Grand Master, Joshua Spr1nger, and is the first
information we have of the institution of a Grand Encampment south of York. Part of a minute
book of the honorable Order of Knights Templar, "assembled in the Grand Lodge room at York,"
being still preserved, commences February 18, 1780, "Sir Franc1s Smyth, Grand Master" (Bro.
Franc1s Smyth, according to Bro. Dr. Bell's valuable "Stream of English Freemasonry," was
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of all England, held at York, A. D. 1780). We have also seen
among the archives of the old Grand Lodge at York a copy of a certificate signed by John Brown,
G. S., as follows:
"Admitted 1st degree, 26th January, 1779. Raised 2d degree, 28th February, 1779. Raised
3d degree, 27th September, 1779. Raised 4th degree, or R. A. M., 27th October, 1779. Knight
Templar, 29th November, 1779.
"So far as existing documents go, York possesses the earliest as to a constituted authority for
Knight Templary. After Bristol comes London, under Thomas Dunckerley, A. D. 1791 (the third
in point of antiquity). The Encampment held at Bath was under the control of the Baldwyn Grand
Encampment, and joined the Grand Conclave when the Baldwyn did, on the revival of the Bristol
authority, A. D. 1857. Bath, Birmingham, Warwick, Highbridge, Salisbury, and other Encampments,
we believe, recognized and supported the movement, which Templars to-day know nothing of. Then,
however, it was an active organization, but soon collapsed. Correspondence with the Grand Conclave
of London commenced in A. D. 1809, and continued from time to time up to A. D. 1820, when all
communication ceased until about A. D. 1860."
Lieut.-Col. W1ll1am James Bury MacLeod Moore, G. C. T. Supreme Grand Master of the
Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, who was born January 4, 18 10, and died September 1, 1890, and
who wrote Division XVII on British Templary in the work of the "History of Freemasonry and
the Concordant Orders," enters very fully upon the history of Knights Templar in England, Scotland,
and Ireland, and on page 773, under the head of "The Rose Croix and Kadosh originally Templar
Degrees," says: "The name Masonic Knights Templar ( 1 79 1 ) was now first heard of in England,
and up to this time all the Templar Encampments were qualified to give the degrees of the Rose"
Croix and the Kodash, which had existed in England as Templar degrees years before the establish
ment of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In the original form of the Templar ceremonies
the Rose Croix de Heredom was the one step above the Templar installation, followed by the Kadosh,
and the emblems were engraved on the certificates prior to 185 1, all these degrees possessing similar
characteristics, their object being the same. The Templar ceremony proper perhaps confined itself more
to facts of history ; the Rose Croix taught the truths of Christianity, displaying more of the allegory
in its symbolic teaching of the Christian faith ; the Kadosh was instituted to perpetuate the memory
of the persecution of the ancient Order, the constancy and suffering of the knights on their dissolu
tion, with the martyrdom of De Molay at Paris in 131 3."
There is much dispute in regard to the formation of the first Encampment or Commandery of
Knights Templar in the United States and where it was organized. M.\ E.\ Sir Freder1c Speed,
Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of Mississippi, has most
ably made an exhaustive examination of this subject, as appears in the "History of Freemasonry and
Concordant Orders," and he differs with others in the claims as to the oldest or first organized
Commandery. Grand Master Dean, in his address to the Grand Encampment in 1883, said:
"Indisputable evidence that the degrees of Knight of the Red Cross and Knight Templar
were conferred in Charleston, S. C, in a regular organized body as far back as the year 1783. And
this is the earliest period at which it is claimed that a regular organized body existed. The evidence
upon which this claim is based is an old seal formerly in the records of the South Carolina Encamp
ment, No. 1, Charleston, and now in the archives of the Grand Encampment, and an ancient diploma,
written in a very neat chirography on parchment, with two seals in wax attached, one in red of the
Royal Arch, and the other in black of the Knights Templar. The upper part of the diploma
contains four devices within four circles, all skillfully executed with the pen. The first device,
beginning on the left hand is a star of seven points with the Ineffable Name in the center and the
motto 'Memento mori' ; the second is an arch on two pillars, the All-seeing Eye on the keystone and
a sun beneath the arch, and 'Holiness to the Lord' for the motto; the third is the cross and a
brazen serpent erected on a bridge, and 'Jesu Salvator Hominum ' for the motto ; and the fourth is
the skull and cross-bones, surmounted by a cross, with the motto 1 In hoc signo vinces.' The refer
ence of the last three devices is evidently to the Royal Arch, the Red Cross, and the Templar
degrees. The diploma reads as follows: 'We, the High Priest, Captain Commandant of the Red
Cross, and Captain -General of the Most Holy and Invincible Order of Knights Templar of St.
Andrews Lodge, No. 1, Ancient Masons, held in Charleston, S. C, under charter from the Grand
Lodge of the Southern District of North America, do hereby certify that our trusty and well-beloved
Brother, Sir Henry Beaumont, hath passed the chair, been raised to the sublime degree of an
Excellent, Super Excellent, Royal Arch Mason, Knight of the Red Cross, and a knight of that
most Holy, Invincible, and Magnanimous Order of Knights Templar, Knights Hospitalers, Knights
of Rhodes, and of Malta, which several Orders are above delineated ; and he having conducted him
self like a true and faithful Brother, we affectionately recommend him to all the fraternity of Ancient
Masons around the globe wherever assembled. Given under our hands and seal of our Lodge, this
first day of August, 5783, and of Malta 3517. — Geo. Carter, Capt.-Gen'l; Thos. Pashley, 1st King;
Wm. N1sbett, 2d King; Wm, N1sbett, Rd. Mason Recorder.'
"A careful examination of the diploma discovered on the seal the words 'Lodge No. 40.'
This Lodge was formerly St. Andrews Lodge, No. 1, of Pensacola, Fla., established by James Grant,
Provincial Grand Master of the Southern District of North America, which embraced east and west
Florida, and its registry number in Scotland was 143. It appears to have been worked at Pensacola
until about the close of the Revolution, when, as Florida became again a Spanish province, Pensacola
was deserted by many of its inhabitants who had been British subjects, they removing to Charleston,
S. C. This removal was mostly in 1783 and the year before, and with them it seems St. Andrews
Lodge was also removed, and it applied for and in July, 1783, received a charter from the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania as No. 40 on its registry."
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. 653
Maryland Encampment, No. 1, of Baltimore, it is claimed was organized in the year 1790.
It sets up the claim that Bro. EDWARD DAY, who resided in the vicinity of Baltimore, was in posses
sion of the work of the Templar Order and that of Malta as early as the year 1780, the presump
tion being that he received them in some body in the city of Baltimore whose members subse
quently organized Encampment No. 1.
Sir ALFRED CREIGH, in his history of the Knights Templar in Pennsylvania, asserts that
Commanderies Nos. I and 2 in Philadelphia, No. 3 of Harrisburg, and No. 4 of Carlisle were
organized in the years 1793 to 1797 respectively, deriving their authority from Blue Lodge warrants.
Boston Commandery was duly organized May 15, 1805, having previously existed as a Council
of Red Cross from the year 1802. From the fact that it was organized by Knights Templar who
received that degree in St. Andrew's Lodge in 1769, its organization is claimed to date from that
year.
St. /ohn's Commandery, No. 1, of Providence, R. I., organized in the year 1802, claims
precedence from the fact that it is the oldest chartered Commandery, and has continuous records from
the date of its organization. The original records are still preserved and are as follows:
“PROVIDENCE, August 23, 1802.
“The knights of the most noble and magnanimous Orders of the Red Cross, and of Malta,
Knights Templar, and of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, residing in the town of Providence,
having at a previous assembly determined ‘that it is proper and expedient for the preservation and
promotion of the honor and dignity of the Orders of knighthood that an Encampment should be
formed and established in said town,' assembled at Masons' Hall for that purpose at 7 o'clock P. M.
Present—Sir THOMAS S. WEBB, Sir JEREMIAH F. JENKINS, Sir SAMUEL SNow, Sir DANIEL STILLWELL,
Sir JoHN S. WARNER, Sir NICHOLAs HoPPIN. The Sir Knights having unanimously placed Sir
THOMAs S. WEBB in the chair, then proceeded to form and open a regular Encampment of the several
Orders before mentioned, in solemn and ancient form, by the name of St. /ohn's Encampment. The
Encampment then proceeded to the choice of officers by ballot, when the following knights were
duly elected and qualified to the offices affixed to their respective names, viz.: Sir THOMAS S. WEBB,
Grand Master; Sir JEREMIAH F. JENKINs, Generalissimo; Sir SAMUEL SNow, Captain-General; Sir
DANIEL STILLWELL, Standard Bearer; Sir JoHN S. WARNER, Sword Bearer; Sir NICHOLAs HoPPIN,
Guard.
“A committee was appointed at the meeting, consisting of Sir THOMAS S. WEBB, Sir JEREMIAH
F. JENKINs, and Sir SAMUEL SNow, to prepare and report a code of by-laws for the new Encamp
ment. This committee reported through their chairman at the next meeting, held on the 13th of
September, when a code was adopted.”
The first assembly of the Encampment for work was held September 27, 1802. The record,
which doubtless contains the earliest recorded account of the election and creation of Knights of the
Red Cross in a regularly organized Encampment not held under the sanction of a Lodge warrant,
possesses unusual interest and is as follows:
“Comps. NATHAN FISHER and WILLIAM WILKINSON, having been in due form proposed as
candidates for the Order of the Red Cross, were balloted for and accepted, having paid their fees
into the hands of the Recorder. A Council of the Knights of the Red Cross being then summoned
and duly assembled, the said Companions were in the ancient form introduced and dubbed knights
of that Order with the usual ceremonies. Sir JoHN CARLILE, Sir EPHRAIM Bow EN, JR., Sir NATHAN
FISHER, and Sir WILLIAM WILKINSON were then severally proposed as candidates for the Orders of
Knights Templar and of Malta."
654 FIFTY YExARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORN134.
At the next assembly, held September 29, 1802, Sir WILLIAM WILKINsoN and Sir NATHAN
FISHER, who had previously been proposed, were balloted for and accepted as candidates for the
Orders of Knights Templar and Knights of Malta. They were accordingly prepared and introduced
by the master of ceremonies (W.'. Sir HENRY Fowle), and after the usual solemnities were knighted
and admitted members of those ancient Orders.
Washington Commandery, No. 1, of Hartford, Conn., claims to date from the year 1796; St.
Peter's Encampment from 1799, in New York. The honor of organizing the first Grand Encampment
is claimed by Pennsylvania as having been organized in Philadelphia on May 12, 1797, and had four
subordinates–Nos. 1 and 2 in Philadelphia, No. 3 in Harrisburg, and No. 4 in Carlisle.
The Order of Knights Templar is a very popular branch of Masonry in the United States.
The ritual possesses a deeply reverential charm, while the splendor of the knightly accompaniments
adds to the impressiveness of the ceremonies and has a salutary effect upon the citizenship of the
Christian Knight. The public parades of Commanderies in State and Triennial Conclaves have a
stimulating effect upon the Order in the several Grand Jurisdictions, and illustrate to the public the
uniformly high character of citizens who espouse the cause and assume the vows of Knighthood.
We are indebted to Sir JAMEs E. STEVENSON, Secretary of the Executive Committee Knights
Templar for the twenty-seventh Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States
of America, held at Pittsburgh, Pa., on October 11, 1898, for the following data, which we have
arranged in tabular form for the benefit of our readers, and which must delight the heart of every
Knight Templar to learn and know the growth of this grand chivalric Order of Christian knighthood.
And what a pride it is to our California knights in particular to know that California Grand Com
mandery, the sixteenth in rank of Masonic age, is now the twelfth as to the strength of member
ship on its rolls, and that our own beloved REUBEN HEDLEY LLOYD, Past Grand Commander of
California, is now in the fiftieth year of Masonry in this Golden State the Grand Master of Templars
of the United States, and whose jurisdiction stretches from the eastern shore of Porto Rico and
the St. Croix River, the eastern boundary of Maine, to the westernmost point of the Philippines in
the China Sea, a distance of 173 degrees of longitude, nearly half around the globe, and from the
Arctic Ocean beyond the Behring Straits to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The officers of the Grand Encampment for 1898–1901, elected and appointed October 13–14,
1898, are herewith given. Sir Knights will recognize in the line some of the most distinguished
Masons in the United States—Knights who ably support the Most Excellent Grand Master:
Grand Master—M. . E.'. Sir REUBEN HEDLEY LLOYD, San Francisco, Cal.
Deputy Grand Master—V. E. Sir HENRY B. STODDARD, Bryan, Tex.
Grand Generalissimo—V. E.'. Sir GEORGE M. MoULTON, Chicago, Ill.
Grand Captain - General—V. E. . Sir and Rev. HENRY W. RUGG, Providence, R. I.
Grand Senior Warden—V. . E.'. Sir WILLIAM B. MELISH, Cincinnati, O.
Grand /unior Warden—V. E.'. Sir Joseph A. LocKE, Portland, Me.
Grand Prelate—V. E.'. Sir and Rev. J. C. W. CoxE, Washington, Ia.
Grand Treasurer—V. . E. . Sir H. WALEs LINEs, Meriden, Conn.
Grand A’ecorder—V. . E. . Sir WILLIAM H. MAYO, St. Louis, Mo.
Grand Standard Bearer—V. E. Sir LEE S. SMITH, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Grand Sword Bearer—V. E. Sir ARTHUR McARTHUR, Troy, N. Y.
Grand Warder—V. . E. . Sir HARPER M. ORAHOOD, Denver, Colo.
Grand Captain of the Guards—V. E.'. Sir CHARLEs C. Vogt, Louisville, Ky.
We now give the list of Grand Commanderies — dates of organization and numbers enrolled.
Grand Commaaderies. < >n<aaized. Na. of Subardiaates. Na. of Members.
1. Massachusetts and Rhode Island, . . . May 6, 1805, 46 - . . 12,784
2. New York, ....... June 18, 1814, 58 . . 11,670
3. Virginia, ........ November 27, 1823, 20 . . 1.472
4. Vermont, ........ June 27, 1824, 12 . . 1,600
5. New Hampshire, ...... June 13, 1826, 11 . . 2,163
6. Connecticut, ....... September 13, 1827, 11 . . 2,506
7. Ohio, October 24, 1843, 5^ • 8,443
8. Kentucky, ........ October 15, 1847, 25 • • 2,151
9' Maine May 5, 1852, 19 . 3,344
10. Pennsylvania, ....... April 12, 1854, 74 . . 11,969
11. Indiana, ........ May 16, 1854, 40 . . 3.569
12. Texas, ........ January 18, 1855, 30 . . 2,103
13. Mississippi, ....... January 21, 1857, 13 . . No returns
14. Michigan April 7, 1857, 45 . . 5,635
15. Illinois, ........ October 27, 1857, 66 . . 9,51 1
16. California, ........ August 10, 1858, 36 . . 3, 101
17. Tennessee, ........ October 12, 1859, 16 . I.c»75
18. W isconsin, ........ October 20, 1859. 27 • . 3,042
19. New Jersey, February 14, 1860, 16 . . 1,801
20. Georgia, ........ April 25, 1860, 10 . . No returns
21. Missouri, ........ May 22, 1860, 56 . . 4,310
22. Alabama, ........ November 29, 1860, 6 . 288
23. Louisiana, ........ February 12, 1864, 5 . . 345
24. Iowa, ......... June 6, 1864, 57 . 4,470
25. Minnesota, ....... October 23, 1865, 25 . . 2,535
26. Kansas, ........ December 29, 1868, 47 . . 3,283
27. Maryland, ........ January 23, 1871, 12 . . !,234
28. Nebraska, ........ December 27, 187 1, 23 . . 1,655
29. Arkansas, ........ March 23, 1872, 11 . . 519
30. West Virginia, ....... February 25, 1874, 12 . . 1,037
31. Colorado, ........ March 14, 1876, 25 . . 1,666
32. North Carolina, ...... May 10, 1881, 11 . . 372
33. South Dakota, . . . ' . . . . May 14, 1884, 11 . . 751
34. Oregon, April 13, 1887, 6 . . 399
35. Washington June 2, 1887, 10 . . 637
36. Montana, May 14, 1888, 8 . 374
37. Wyoming, March 8, 1888, 7 . . 326
38. North Dakota, ...... June 16, 1890, 8 . . 449
39. Arizona, ........ November 16, 1893, 3 163
40. Florida, ........ August 15, 1895, 5 . . No returns
41. Indian Territory, ...... December 27, 1895, 5 • • 182
42. District of Columbia, ..... January 14, 1896, 5 . . 1,467
43. Oklahoma Territory, ..... February 10, 1896, 4 . 163
998 114,517
656 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
CoMMANDERIEs UNDER THE IMMEDIATE JURISDICTION OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF THE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Delaware—St. /ohn's, Wilmington. Vegas, Las Vegas; /?ilgrim, Albuquerque; Al/c

A/awaii–A/onolulu, Honolulu. Gror/y, Deming; Aztec, Raton; A'io //undo,
Adaho–/daho, Boise City; Lewiston, Lewis Roswell.
ton; Moscow, Moscow; Gate City, Pocatello. South Carolina–South Carolina, Charleston;
A/evada – De Witt Clinton, Virginia City; Columbia, Columbia; Spartansburg, Spartansburg.
A ureka, Eureka. Utah – Utah, Salt Lake City; El Monte,
A/ew Mexico–Santa /*e, Santa Fe; Las Ogden.
There are 43 Grand Commanderies, Io 17 Subordinate Commanderies, with an army of not
less than 120,000 Knights Templar under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Encampment of
the United States.
There have been 27 Conclaves held since its organization, and the following are the times
and places of meeting and of the several Grand Masters:
I)ate. Place. Grand Master.
I, 1816, New York, DEWITT CLINTON.

II, 1819, New York, DEWITT CLINTON.
III, 1826, New York, DEWITT CLINTON.
IV, 1829, New York, Rev. JoNATHAN NYE.
V, 1832, Baltimore, Rev. JONATHAN NYE.
VI, 1835, Washington, JAMES MADISON ALLEN.
VII, 1838, Boston, . JAMES MADISON ALLEN.
VIII, 1841, New York, JAMES MADISON ALLEN.
IX, 1844, New Haven, . ARCHIBALD BULL.
X, 1847, Columbus, WILLIAM BLACKSTONE H UBBARD.
XI, 1850, Boston, WILLIAM BLACKSTONE H UBBARD.
XII, 1853, Lexington, WILLIAM BLACKSTONE HURBARD.

XIII, 1856, Hartford, WILLIAM BLACKSTONE HURBARD.
XIV, 1859, Chicago, . BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCH.

XV, 1862, New York, BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCII.
XVI, 1865, Columbus, HENRY L. PALMER.
XVII, 1868, St. Louis, WILLIAM SEWALL GARDNER.
XVIII, 1871, Baltimore, JoHN Q. A. FELLOWs.
XIX, 1874, New Orleans, . JAMES HERRON HoPKINs.
XX, 1877, Cleveland, VINCENT L. HURLBUT.
XXI, 188O, Chicago, BENJAMIN DEAN.
XXII, 1883, San Francisco, ROBERT ENOCH WITHERS.
XXIII, 1886, St. Louis, CHARLEs ROOME.
XXIV, 1889, Washington, JoiiN. P. S. GoBIN.

XXV, 1892, Denver, . HUGH MCCURDY.
XXVI, 1895, Boston, WARREN LARUE THOMAS.
XXVII, 1898, Pittsburgh, REUBEN HEDLEY LLOYD.
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT, 1898–1901. ELECTED AND APPOINTED OCTOBER 13–14, 1898.
2%-44%-2
All i) (, , , , 1 M. N. F. It l'
CHA P T E R XX II.
líNIGHTS TENIDLAR IN CALIFORNIA

A JURISDICTION THAT HAs OBTAINED FAME FOR ITS MANY KNIGHTLY COURTESIES-GREATLy HONORED
BY THE FRATERS OF THE UNITED STATES.
© ///o/, V/A (formerly San Fran

-
- • *
". - * # cisco) Commandery, No. 1, San Fran
-
cisco.—We now commence the chapter of the first planting and organization of the Masonic Knights
Templar Order not only in California but on the Pacific Coast. There is not a Commandery of Knights
Templar more renowned, with a greater national reputation, more grandly and elegantly equipped,
or which commands the admiration of the entire membership of the Masonic fraternity in the United
States than that of California Commandery, No. 1, of San Francisco, which has just passed its forty
sixth year since it was first organized. In the month of September, A. D. 1852, sundry Knights
Templar then residing in San Francisco, being desirous of forming an Encampment of their Order
(as it was then termed) in the city of San Francisco, assembled and prepared a petition to the General
Grand Encampment of the United States of America, praying for the proper authority so to do.
This was transmitted to Sir BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCH, General Grand Recorder, at Washington, D. C.,
and in due season a dispensation, dated at Boston, Mass., November 10th of that year, and
signed by Sir CHARLEs W. MooRE, General Grand Generalissimo, was received by the petitioners,
authorizing them to open and hold an Encampment of Knights Templar in the city of San Francisco
by the name of San Francisco Encampment, No. 1. In this instrument the following officers were
appointed, viz.: Sir GREGORY YALE, Eminent Commander; Sir WILLIAM B. WAKEMAN, Generalissimo;
Sir ABRAM BARTOL, Captain-General; and the other Knights named therein were Sirs RICHARD F.
KNOTT, GARRETT W. RycKMAN, JOSEPH WATERMAN, JOHN H. BROWN, LUTHER T. WILSON. JAMEs A.
McDougALL, WILLIAM H. FOLGER, HENRY A. COBB.
On December 22, 1852, an organization was partially effected, and by the unanimous assent
of those above named, the following additional Knights were received as original members of the
Encampment: Sirs PETER A. BRINSMADE, ALEXANDER G. ABELL, CHARLEs C. TRACY, LEANDER RANSOM,
and SILAs C. FIELD. A committee was appointed to prepare a code of by-laws, which at an adjourned
meeting held on December 26, 1852, was presented and adopted, and the organization was completed
on January 2, 1853, by the appointment of the following officers: Sirs PETER A. BRINSMADE, Prelate;
LUTHER T. WILSON, S. W.; HENRY A. CoBB, J. W.; JoHN H. BROWN, Treas.; ALEXANDER G. ABELL,
Recorder; Joseph WATERMAN, S. B., CHARLEs C. TRACY, S. W.; JAMEs A. McDougALL, W.; SILAs C.
FIELD, Sentinel. During the period while the Encampment remained under dispensation little appears
to have been done except the holding of meetings for instruction. On November 1, 1853, a charter
was issued to it by the General Grand Encampment, and upon the reception of that instrument at
meetings held on December 20th and 25th, the following officers were elected: Sirs LEANDER RANsoM,
E. C.; RICHARD F. KNOTT, Generalissimo; JoHN H. BROWN, Captain-General; PETER A. BRINSMADE,
Prelate; THOMAs H. Bow EN, S. W.; OTIs J. PRESTON, J. W.; HENRY A. CoBB, Treas.; J. FRANK
MILLER, Recorder; HENRY F. WILLIAMs, St. B., MARTIN H. N. KENDIG, Sd. B., JoHN S. WATsoN,
Warder; SILAs C. FIELD, Sentinel. Members—Sirs ALEXANDER G. ABELL, ABRAM BARTOL, WILLIAM
H. FolgER, M. H. V. KENDIG, JAMEs A. McDougALL, GARRETT W. RycKMAN, CHARLEs C. TRACY,
Joseph WATERMAN, WILLIAM B. WAKEMAN, LUTHER T. WILSON, JOHN S. WATSON, GREGORY YALE.
No general election again appears until Good Friday, 1855, when on April 6th Sir LEANDER
RANSOM was elected Grand Commander; Sir RICHARD F. KNOTT, Generalissimo ; and Sir GREGORY
YALE, Captain-General, with other officers. In February, 1856, the by-laws of the Encampment were
revised and amended, and, among other alterations, the time of elections was changed from Good
Friday in each year to the first Friday in March in each year; and, in conformity with this amend
ment, on the 7th of that month the annual election for the year 1856 was had and Sir LEANDER
RANsoM was re-elected Grand Commander, Sir RICHARD F. KNoTT re-elected Generalissimo, Sir JAMEs
C. L. WADsworth, Captain-General, with other officers. In September of that year the General
Grand Encampment having at its triennial meeting made sundry changes in the designations of the
various bodies under its jurisdiction, and in the titles of their officers, this Encampment was thereafter
known and designated as San Francisco Commandery, No. 1, and its chief officer was entitled simply
Commander. On March 6, 1857, Sir LEANDER RANsoM was re-elected Commander; Sir JAMES C. L.
WADsworTH, Generalissimo; Sir ALEXANDER G. ABELL, Captain-General, with other officers. On
March 5, 1858, Sir LEANDER RANSOM having declined a re-election as Commander, Sir ALEXANDER G.
ABELL was elected Commander; Sir JAMES C. L. WADsworth re-elected Generalissimo; Sir ELI Cook,
Captain-General, with other officers. This was the last election prior to the organization of the Grand
Commandery of California, the official account of which is herein given, and immediately following it
the history of California (or San Francisco) Commandery, No. 1, will be resumed.
Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, Sacramento.—A dispensation was granted by Sir WILLIAM B.

HUBBARD, General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment on May 23, 1853, to Sir ISAAC
DAvis, Grand Commander; Sir JEssE MORRILL, Generalissimo; Sir TownsBND A. THOMAs, Captain
General, and the following Knights Templar, CHARLEs J. HUTCHINSON, JAMEs M. STOKELEY, CHARLEs
DUNCOMB, J. P. GAUCH, and A. B. Hoy, petitioners. The Encampment, as it was then called, was
organized on July 5, 1853, and a charter granted to it on February 6, 1854, as Sacramento Encamp
ment, No. 2, at Sacramento. The first officers elected and appointed under charter, March 24, 1854,
were as follows: Sir ISAAC DAVIs, Grand Commander; Sir CHAMPION J. HUTCHINSON, Generalissimo;
Sir CHARLEs DUNCOMB, Captain-General; Sir Osgood C. WHEELER, Prelate; Sir A. B. Hoy, S. W.;
Sir WILLIAM SHOEMAKER, J. W.; Sir GEORGE I. N. MoNELL, Treas.; Sir ABNER B. HUNTER, Recorder;
Sir R. H. McDoNALD, St. B., Sir W. K. R. DEVAN, Sd. B.; Sir JoHN A. WADsworTH, Warder;
Sir JoHN L. THOMPsoN, Sentinel.
GOLDEN GATE COMMANDERY BUILDING, SAN FRANCISCO.
66O FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
When the General Grand Encampment changed the name of subordinates to Commanderies,
Sacramento Encampment, No. 2, became Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, and its Grand Commander
simply Commander. It continued to progress and prosper, and was represented by Sir ISAAC DAVIs,
Commander; Sir GEORGE I. N. MONELL, as proxy for the Generalissimo; and Sir EDWARD H. EvANs,
proxy for the Captain-General, at the convention held in San Francisco on August 10, 1858, to
organize the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar for the State of California. Its further record
will be found in its regular order after that of California Commandery, No. 1, subsequent to that
eVent.
Pacific Commandery, No. 3, Sonora.—A dispensation was issued by Sir WILLIAM B. HUBBARD,
General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment of the United States, on February 20,
1856, to Sir JoHN S. GRAHAM, Grand Commander; Sir STILLMAN H. FICKETT, Generalissimo; Sir
JAMEs W. MARSHALL, Captain-General; and Sirs CHARLEs E. BLAKE, JOAB W. GRIswold, ALEXANDER
H. PUTNEY, EDGAR MILLs, WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR, and EDMUND WELLINGTON, therein named to open
and hold an Encampment of Knights Templar at the city of Columbia, Tuolumne County, to be
known and designated as Pacific Commandery, No. 3. It held its first assembly and was organized
on May 27, 1856, was chartered on September Ioth of the same year, and went actively to work,
doubling its numbers in two years, and united in the petition for the formation of the Grand Com
mandery of California, and was represented by its three highest officers in the convention which
formed it. Its further history will be found in its proper place after that event, following Sacra
mento Commandery, No. 2.
THE CONVOCATION OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
Pursuant to previous agreement, the representatives of the three Commanderies of Knights

Templar and the appendant Orders existing in the State of California under charters from the Grand
Encampment of the United States of America assembled in the Asylum of San Francisco Command
ery, No. 1, at the city of San Francisco, on Tuesday, August 10, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740, at 12
o'clock M., for the purpose of organizing a Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and the append
ant Orders for the State of California. Sir ALEXANDER. G. ABELL, Commander of San Francisco
Commandery, No. 1, stated the object of the convocation, and upon his motion Sir IsAAC DAVIs,
Commander of Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, was invited to preside during its deliberations.
On motion of Sir JoHN S. GRAHAM, Commander of Pacific Commandery, No. 3, Sir ALEXAN
DER G. ABELL was appointed Recorder of the convocation. On motion of Sir LEANDER RANsoM,
Past Commander of San Francisco Commandery, No. 1, it was ordered that a committee of three be
appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming seats in this convocation. The presiding
officer named the following Knights as such committee: Sirs. LEANDER RANSOM, JoHN S. GRAHAM,
and GEORGE I. M. MoNELL. After a brief recess, that committee presented the following report:
7 o the Convocation now in Session : -
The Committee appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming to be the representa
tives in this convocation of the several Commanderies in the State of California, having duly inspected
the charters and records of those bodies and the certificates presented by their respective delegates,
respectfully report thereon as follows:
On the tenth day of November, 1852, a dispensation was issued by Sir Charles W. Moore,
General Grand Generalissimo of the General Grand Encampment of the United States, to Sir Gregory
Yale, Grand Commander; Sir W1ll1am B. Wakeman, Generalissimo; Sir Abram Bartol, Captain-
General, and other Knights therein named, authorizing them to open and hold an Encampment of
Knights Templar and the appendant Orders in the city of San Francisco, to be known and designated
as San Francisco Encampment, No. 1. That body held its first assembly and was duly organized the
22d day of December of that year, and on the first day of November, 1853, a charter was granted to
it by the General Grand Encampment. On the twenty-third day of May, 1853, a dispensation was
issued by Sir W1ll1am B. Hubbard, General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment
Asylum of GOLDEN GATE COMMANDERY, No. 16, K. T., San Francisco.
aforesaid, to Sir Isaac Dav1s, Grand Commander; Sir Jesse Morr1ll, Generalissimo; Sir Townsend
A. Thomas, Captain-General, and other Knights therein named, authorizing them to open and hold a
like Encampment in the city of Sacramento, to be known and designated as Sacramento Encampment,
No. 2. That body held its first assembly and was duly organized on the fifth day of July of the
same year, and on the sixth day of February, 1854, a charter was granted to it by the General
Grand Encampment. On the twentieth day of February, 1856, a dispensation was issued by Sir
W1ll1am B. Hubbard, General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment aforesaid, to Sir
John S. Graham, Grand Commander; Sir St1llman H. F1ckett, Generalissimo; Sir James W. Marshall,
Captain-General, and other Knights therein named, authorizing them to open and hold a like Encamp
ment in the city of Columbia, to be known and designated as Pacific Encampment, No. 3. That
body held its first assembly and was duly organized on the twenty-seventh day of May, next ensuing,
and on the tenth day of September of the same year a charter was granted to it by the General
Grand Encampment.
All these bodies, now known as Commanderies, appear to have held their elections regularly
since the reception of their several charters, to have had their officers duly installed, and to have been
uninterruptedly engaged in the performance of the duties for which they were instituted, and they
are now properly represented in this convocation, as follows:
San Francisco, No. 1, by Sirs Alexander G. Abe1.l, Commander; Charles E. Blake, proxy
for the Generalissimo; El1 Cook, Captain-General; Leander Ransom, Past Commander.
Sacramento, No. 2, by Sirs Isaac Dav1s, Commander; George I. N. Monell, proxy for the
Generalissimo ; Edward H. Evans, proxy for the Captain-General.
Leander Ransom, John S. Graham, George I. N. Monell, Committee.
Which report was received, concurred in, and the committee discharged.
On motion of Sir Alexander G. Abell, all Knights Templar in good standing were invited
to be present during the deliberations of the convocation.
By direction of the presiding officer, a copy of a petition, transmitted to the Grand Master of
the Order, was read by the Recorder, as follows :
To the M.\ E.\ William B. Hubbard, Grand Master of Knights Templar in the United States:
The petition of the undersigned, officers of the three (Encampments) Commanderies of Knights
Templar now existing in the State of California, under charter from the (General) Grand Encamp
ment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, respectfully sheweth : That on the first
day of November, A. D. 1853, San Francisco (Encampment) Commandery, No. 1, held in the city
of San Francisco, was chartered by the above-named (General) Grand Body ; that on the sixth day
of February, A. D. 1854, Sacramento (Encampment) Commandery, No. 2, held in the city of Sacra
mento, was chartered by the same (General) Grand Body ; that on the tenth day of September, A. D.
1856, Pacific (Encampment) Commandery, No. 3, held in the city of Columbia, was chartered by the
same supreme body; and that since the reception of those several charters, the three (Encampments)
Commanderies above named, having had their officers duly installed, have been regularly and constantly
at work under the said authority and have endeavored in all things to comply with the constitution
and regulations of the (General) Grand Encampment of the United States, and to promote the interests
and further proper extension of Christian chivalry within their respective jurisdictions.
The petition of the undersigned further sheweth : That it is believed that the good of the
Order in this State and the convenience of its members will be greatly consulted and promoted by
the establishment of a Grand Commandery, and as each of the Commanderies before named have at
different times since the reception of their several charters adopted resolutions expressive of their
ardent desire for the formation of such a Grand Body, the undersigned, the regularly elected and
installed officers of those bodies, promising obedience to the Grand Master and the Grand Encamp
ment in all things appertaining to the Order, respectfully request that you will issue your warrant
authorizing the establishment and continuance of a Grand Commandery of Knights Templar for the
State of California.
For San Francisco Commandery, No. 1, Alexander G. Abell, Commander; James C. L.

Wadsworth, Generalissimo; E1.1 Cook, Captain-General.
For Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, Isaac Dav1s, Commander; James Horace Culyer, Gen
eralissimo; James Lawrence Engl1sh, Captain-General.
For Pacific Commandery, No. 3, John S. Graham, Commander; S. H. F1ckett, Generalis
simo ; James W. Marshall, Captain-General.
Sent from San Francisco, April 20, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740.
Asylum of CALIFORNIA COMMANDERY No. 1, K. T., Masonic Temple, San Francisco.
The Recorder also read the warrant received from the M.\ E.\ Grand Master, in response to
the foregoing, as follows :
Off1ce of the Grand Master of Kn1ghts Templar

of the Un1ted States of Amer1ca.
To all true and courteous Knights of our Order:
Know ye, That whereas there are now established and existing three Commanderies in the
State of California, holding their authority from the Grand Encampment of the United States and
working under its jurisdiction, to wit, San Francisco Commandery, No. 1, Sacramento Commandery,
No. 2, and Pacific Commandery, No. 3 ; and whereas, on behalf of those several Commanderies it
has been duly certified unto me that they are desirous to form, hold, and maintain a Grand Com
mandery in and for the said State of California, subordinate to the Grand Encampment of the United
States of America: therefore, I, W. B. Hubbard, Grand Master as aforesaid, being satisfied that
such request is reasonable and proper, by virtue of the high powers in me vested and in accordance
with the constitution and rules of our Order, do hereby authorize and empower the aforesaid Com
manderies Nos. 1, 2, and 3, in due order, to meet at such time and place as they may agree upon
and form a State Grand Commandery in and for the said State of California, subordinate to our
Grand Encampment; such State Grand Commandery when so formed making due return and report
Asylum of SACRAMENTO COMMANDERY No. 2, K. T., Masonic Temple, Sacramento.
to me of all their official doings and proceedings in the premises and making a like return to our
V.\ E.\ Grand Recorder. And for all of their doings, in accordance with the rules and usages of
our Order, in forming such State Grand Commandery this shall be their warrant.
Given under my hand and private seal at the city of Columbus, this sixteenth day of May,
A. D. 1858, A. O. 740. W. B. Hubbard, G. M.
On motion of Sir John S. Graham, it was ordered that a committee of three be appointed to
prepare and present for the consideration of the convocation a constitution or code of statutes for the
government of the Grand Commandery about to be formed. The presiding officer named the
following' Knights as such committee: Sirs Alexander G. Abell, John S. Graham, George I. N.
MONELL.
The convocation was then adjourned until 3 o'clock p. m., this day.
In Convocation — Afternoon Session; Tuesday, August 10, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740. — The con
vocation assembled at 3 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment, Sir Isaac Dav1s presiding.
Sir Alexander G. Abell, from the committee appointed to prepare a constitution or code of
statutes for the Grand Commandery, presented the following report :
To the Convocation now in Session:

Your Committee, to whom was assigned the preparation of a constitution or code of statutes
for the government of the Grand Commandery now about to be organized, have performed that duty,
and herewith present for your consideration the result of their labors. They have preferred, as being
more in consonance with the ancient usages of the Order, that the organic law should bear the name
of statutes, and it is with reference to such a title that the constitutional provisions now offered for
your acceptance have been classified and arranged. It is probably needless to say that this labor
has not and could not have been performed within the brief period which has elapsed since the close
of the morning session. One of your Committee had devoted some time to the preparation of this
paper, in anticipation of the present convocation, and it is now submitted with their unanimous
approval. Blanks have been left for the place and time of the Annual Conclaves therein provided
for, which being filled, your Committee recommend the adoption of the accompanying instrument as
the "Statutes of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and the Appendant Orders of the
State of California."
Alexander G. Abell, John S. Graham, Geo1«je I. N. Monell, Committee.
The report was received, and the statutes having been taken up and considered separately, the
blanks were filled in, the whole were unanimously adopted, and the committee was discharged.
[ For want of space, the statutes, rules of order, and the uniform code of by-laws for
Subordinate Commanderies being too voluminous, they are necessarily omitted, and our readers who
are particularly interested are referred to the proceedings of the Grand Commandery.]
On motion of Sir Alexander G. Abell, the convocation then proceeded to the election of
officers for the Grand Commandery, Sirs John S. Graham and George I. N. Monell serving as
tellers, and the following officers were elected: Sir Isaac Dav1s, Grand Commander; Sir Leander
Ransom, Deputy Grand Commander; John S. Graham, Grand Generalissimo.
The convocation then adjourned until 8 o'clock p. M., this day.
In Convocation — Evening Session; Tuesday, August 10, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740. — The convo
cation assembled at 8 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment, Sir Isaac Dav1s presiding.
The election was resumed and the remaining officers were chosen as follows : Sir Sth.lman
H. F1ckett, Grand Captain- General ; Sir James H. Culyer, Grand Prelate; Sir James L. Engl1sh,
Grand Senior Warden; Sir James W. Marshall, Grand Junior Warden; Sir El1 Cook, Grand
Treasurer; Sir Alexander G. Abell, Grand Recorder; Sir George I. N. Monell, Grand Standard
Bearer; Sir W1ll1am H. Lyon, Grand Sword Bearer; Sir W1ll1am W. Traylor, Grand Warder;
Sir James Oglesby, Grand Captain of the Guards.
The Recorder read a communication from the Grand Master of the Order, authorizing
as his proxy to install the officers elect of the Grand Commandery, and upon his motion the blank
666 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIy1.
therein was filled with the name of Sir LEANDER RANSOM, Past Commander of San Francisco Com
mandery, No. 1, and Deputy Grand Commander elect. Sir LEANDER RANSOM then installed the
Grand Commander elect, who installed the other Grand officers present, and gave notice that either
in person or by proxy he would install those absent, viz.: Sirs JAMEs H. CULVER, JAMEs L. ENGLISH,
JAMES W. MARSHALL, and WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR, in their respective Commanderies.
It was then resolved that the Grand Commandery of the State of California be opened at Io
o'clock A. M. to-morrow, when, after the reading and approval of the minutes of this day's proceed
ings, the convocation was adjourned sine die. ALEXANDER G. ABELL, Recorder.
GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTs TEMPLAR AND THE APPENDANT ORDERS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
First Conclave.—The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and the Appendant Orders of
the State of California commenced its first Conclave at the Asylum in the city of San Francisco on
Wednesday, August 11, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740, at 10 o'clock A. M. Present—The R. E.'. Sir
ISAAC DAvis, Grand Commander; V. E.'. Sir LEANDER RANSOM, Deputy Grand Commander; E. Sir
JoHN S. GRAHAM, Grand Generalissimo; E.'. Sir STILLMAN H. FICKETT, Grand Captain-General; E.
Sir ISRAEL S. DIEHL, as Grand Prelate; E. . Sir GEORGE T. KNOx, as Grand Senior Warden; E. .
Sir ANDREw J. KELLOGG, as Grand Junior Warden; E.'. Sir ELI Cook, Grand Treasurer; E. Sir
ALEXANDER G. ABELL, Grand Recorder; E. . Sir GEORGE I. N. MONELL, Grand Standard Bearer;
E. . Sir WILLIAM H. LYON, Grand Sword Bearer; E. . Sir LAwRENCE C. Owen, as Grand Warder;
Sir JAMEs OGLEsby, Grand Sentinel; and a number of invited visiting Knights. All but Sir WILLIAM
H. LYON, Grand Sword Bearer, have died.
The three Commanderies now existing in the State being fully represented, the Grand Com
mandery was opened in Ample and Knightly Form, with prayer by the Grand Prelate.
The minutes of the proceedings of the convocation held yesterday were read, and it was ordered
that they be recorded with the transactions of this Conclave.
On motion of Sir ELI Cook, the Grand Recorder was appointed to prepare the necessary
rules of order for the government of the Grand Commandery when in conclave.
The Grand Recorder presented the following petitions for the establishment of new Command
eries: From Sirs B. F. MYERs, R. C. GRIDLEY, W. W. HANWAy, and six other Knights, residing
at or near the city of Oroville, in the county of Butte, praying for a dispensation to open and hold
a Commandery of Knights Templar in that city, to be called Oroville Commandery; from Sirs AARON
D. PARK, WILLIAM McKEAN, EDGAR BoGARDUs, and seven other Knights, residing at or near the city
of Placerville, in the county of El Dorado, praying for a dispensation to open and hold a Com
mandery of Knights Templar in that city, to be called El Dorado Commandery; from Sirs ELIAs
GARST, JosLAH E. STEVENS, J. A. MURRAY, and seven other Knights, residing at or near the city of
Marysville, in the county of Yuba, praying for a dispensation to open and hold a Commandery of
Knights Templar in that city, to be called Marysville Commandery. All which on motion of Sir
LEANDER RANSOM, were referred to a committee of three. The Grand Commander named the follow
ing Knights as such committee: Sirs LEANDER RANSOM, JoHN S. GRAHAM, STILLMAN H. FICKETT.
The Grand Commander stated that the petitions above named had some time since been presented
to Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, for recommendation, it having been the original intent of the
petitioners to present them to the Grand Master; but that upon the representations of sundry mem
bers of that body that a Grand Commandery for this State would soon be formed, and with the
supposition, perhaps, that the fees then established would not be much more than those demanded
-
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GRAND comm ANDER:
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GRAND CAPTAIN G ENERAL
GRAND OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF CALIFORNIA FOR 1899-1900.
GEORGE W. PERK1Ns, SAMU E1. D. MAYER,

GEORGE SINSA BAUGH, FREDERICK M. MILLER, WILLIAM D. KNIGhts,
WM. FRANK Pi ERce, John F. MERRILL, GEORGE. B. McKEE,
WILLIAM A. I.) AVIES, JEFFERSON D. MARCH, FDwARD ColeMAN,
CHARLES I. FIELD, Joh N B. DE JARNATT, BRILS for D P. FLINT.
by the Grand Encampment, transmission was stayed for the purpose of presenting them here. Under
these circumstances, the fees having been fixed by the statutes at twice the amount which the
petitioners would have been required to pay had their petitions not been diverted from their original
destination, he suggested that in these cases some portion thereof be remitted. On motion of Sir
George I. N. Monell, the statement and suggestion of the Grand Commander were referred to the
committee in whose hands the petitions had been placed.
The Grand Recorder presented certain blank forms for consideration, and on motion of Sir
El1 Cook, it was ordered that the forms of petition for the establishment of a subordinate Command-
ery and of application for the Orders of knighthood and for affiliation, presented by the Grand
Recorder, be approved and printed with the proceedings, and that he be instructed to prepare such
further forms for returns and other purposes as may be required.
On motion of Sir Edward H. Evans, it was ordered that the Grand Commander, the Deputy
Grand Commander, and the Grand Recorder be appointed a committee with power to devise and
have prepared, as early as possible, a seal for this Grand Commandery.
On motion of Sir Alexander G. Abell, it was ordered that each of the three Commanderies
now under the jurisdiction of this Grand Commandery shall forward to the Grand Recorder thereof
as soon as possible after the close of this Conclave a full return of its officers and members at the
date of the organization of the Grand Commandery that the same may be published with the proceed
ings, and that a complete return to that date shall at the same time be made by each to the Grand
Recorder of the Grand Encampment of the United States, and be accompanied by such dues as may
then have accrued to that body.
On motion of Sir St1llman H. F1ckett, it was ordered, that, for the purpose of defraying the
immediate expenses of the Grand Commandery, each Commandery now existing under its jurisdiction
shall, as soon as possible after the close of this Conclave, pay into the hands of the Grand Recorder
the sum of fifty dollars, which sum so paid shall be considered as an advance on account of their
future dues, and shall be so placed to their credit on his books.
Sir El1 Cook presented a petition from San Francisco Commandery, No. 1, praying that its
name be changed, and that it be hereafter known as California Commandery, No. 1, which was
referred to the Committee on New Commanderies.
On motion of Sir Alexander G. Abell, it was ordered that a committee of three be appointed
to prepare and present for consideration a uniform code of by-laws for the Commanderies within this
jurisdiction. The Grand Commander named the following Knights as such committee: Sirs Alexander
G. Abell, John S. Graham, and George I. N. Monell.
The Grand Commandery then adjourned until 2 o'clock r. m., this day.
In Conclave—Afternoon Session; Wednesday, August 11, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740. —The Grand

Commandery assembled at 2 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment, the Grand Commander presiding.
The Grand Recorder, in obedience to the instructions given him at the morning session,
presented certain rules of order for the government of the Grand Commandery in Conclave, which,
after being separately considered, were unanimously adopted.
Sir Leander Ransom, from the Committee on New Commanderies, presented the following report:
To the Grand Conunandery of California :
Your Committee, to whom were referred the petitions of sundry Knights Templar residing
respectively at or in the vicinity of Oroville, Placerville, and Marysville, praying for dispensations to
open and hold Commanderies of the Order at those several places, to be called respectively Oroville,
Placerville, and Marysville Commanderies, have had the same under consideration and report as
follows: The three petitions appear each in proper form and each bears the signature of the
requisite number of Knights, and as your Committee are induced to believe that the good of the
Order will be promoted and its benefits and blessings usefully diffused by the establishment of Com
manderies at the several places named, they recommend that letters of dispensation be issued for each
of them as prayed for, so soon as the several petitions shall have been recommended in the manner
prescribed by the statutes of the Grand Commandery.
Your Committee further report that they have had under consideration the statement and
suggestion of the Grand Commander in regard to these petitions. Inasmuch as it appears that they
were prepared several months before the organization of this Grand Commandery, with the intention
to present them to the Grand Master of the Order — an intention which the petitioners were induced
to abandon when they learned the probability that this body would soon be in existence — and inas
much, further, as the fees prescribed by our statutes are much larger than those which would have
been required from the petitioners had they not delayed the transmission and changed the destination
of their several petitions, your Committee recommend the adoption of the order herewith appended :
Ordered, That in granting letters of dispensation for the formation of the several Commanderies
prayed for at Oroville, Placerville, and Marysville the sum of twenty-five dollars of the fees for each
be remitted.
Leander Ransom, John S. Graham, S. H. F1ckett, Committee.
Which report was received and concurred in, and the order accompanying it was adopted.
Sir Leander Ransom from the same committee, presented the following report :
To the Grand Commandery of California :
Your Committee, to whom was referred the petition of the Knights of San Francisco Com
mandery, No. 1, praying that its name may be changed to that of California Commandery, No. 1,
have had the same under consideration, and knowing no reason why the desire of the petitioners in
that respect should not be complied with, beg leave to submit the following order for adoption :
Ordered, That San Francisco Commandery, No. 1, be hereafter known and designated upon
the registry of this Grand Commandery as California Commandery, No. 1, and that an indorsement
to such effect be made by the Grand Recorder upon the charter of that body, duly attested by the
seal of the Grand Commandery.
Leander Ransom, John S. Graham, S. H. F1ckett, Committee.
Which report was received and concurred in, the order accompanying it was adopted, and the
committee was discharged.
On motion of Sir Alexander G. Abell, it was Ordered, That the several Commanderies
now existing in this State may return the charters which they now hold, and that there be indorsed
thereon by the Grand Recorder, under seal of the Grand Commandery, a certificate to the effect that
from this date they are holden subordinate to and under the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery
of the State of California.
The Grand Commandery was then adjourned until 1 1 o'clock a. m., to-morrow.
In Conclave — Morning Session; Thursday, August 12, A. D. 1858, A. O. 740. — The Grand
Commandery assembled at 1 1 o'clock, pursuant to adjournment, the Grand Commander presiding.
After prayer by the Grand Prelate, the minutes of the sessions of yesterday were read and
approved.
Sir Alexander G. Abell, from the committee appointed to prepare a uniform code of by-laws
for the subordinates, presented the following report :
To the (/rand Commandery of California :

Your Committee, to whom was assigned the preparation of a uniform code of by-laws for the
government of the several Commanderies subordinate to this Grand Body, have performed that duty
to the best of their ability, and herewith present a draft of such a code for your consideration.
Alexander G. Abell, John S. Graham, George I. N. Mone1.l, Committee.
Which report was received and the proposed by-laws were taken up for consideration. After
being approved by sections, the whole were unanimously adopted, the committee was discharged, and
on motion of Sir Alexander G. Abell, it was ordered that the by-laws for subordinates, just
approved by the Grand Commandery, be recommended for adoption to the three Commanderies now
existing under its jurisdiction, and be obligatory upon all Commanderies which shall hereafter be
established in this State.
On motion of Sir Leander Ransom, it was ordered that two hundred and fifty copies of the
proceed1ngs of the late convocation and of this Conclave be printed under the superintendence of the
Grand Recorder ; that one copy thereof be transmitted severally to the Grand Master of the Order,
the Grand Recorder of the Grand Encampment, the Recorder of each Grand Commandery, and the
Recorder of each Commandery under its jurisdiction ; and that the remainder be carefully preserved
by the Grand Recorder for distribution among Commanderies hereafter to be established and for
future binding.
On motion of Sir George I. N. Monell, it was ordered that the sum of twenty- five dollars
be paid to the Grand Sentinel for his services during the late convocation and the present Conclave.
On motion of Sir John S. Graham, it was ordered that the thanks of this Grand Commandery
be tendered to the several Masonic bodies occupying the hall in which it has assembled, for their
courtesy in offering its use.
There being no further business, the minutes of this session were read and approved, and,
with prayer by the Grand Prelate, the Grand Commandery was closed in Ample and Knightly Form.
A true copy of the proceedings of the Convocation and Conclave, as before
mentioned.
|*as,w^ Witness mv signature, with the seal of our Grand Commandery, and the attest-
SEAL. $ 1 b }
►ivK*w$ ation of our Grand Recorder. Isaac Dav1s,
Attest: Alex. G. Abell, Grand Commander.
Grand Recorder.
The first returns of San Francisco (now California) Commandery, No. 1, made to the Grand
Commandery of California, from the date of its organization, December 22, 1852, to August 10, 1858,
were as follows: Officers for 1858 — Sir Alex. G. Abell, Com.; Sir James C. L. Wadsworth, Gen'o;
Sir El1 Cook, Capt.-Gen'l; Sir George T. Knox, Prelate; Sir Wm. H. Lyon, S. W. ; Sir Andrew
J. Kellogg, J. W. ; Sir Leander Ransom, Treas.; Sir El1sha W. Bourne, Rec ; Sir Ebenezer E.
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN Cy LIFORNIX1. 67.1
MoRSE, St. B.; Sir John W. TUCKER, Sd. B.; Sir W.M. W. NEAL, Warder; Sir JAMEs. OGLESBy,
Sentinel. Past Commander, LEANDER RANsoM. Knights borne upon the roll—Sirs W.M. G. BADGER,
CHARLEs E. BLAKE, JoHN BRANNAN, John H. BROWN, JAMES CATHERs, REUBEN CLARK, SEYMoUR B.
CLARK, HENRY A. CoBB, GEO. R. DINGLE, FRANK EASTMAN, ALEX. EATON, SILAs C. FIELD, GEORGE
FISHER, HENRY GERKE, HENRY M. GRAY, WM. A. GREEN, HORACE A. H IGLEy, GEO. F. Hoop ER,
GEO. A. HUDSON, ALFRED H. JoNEs, DANIEL KENDRICK, RICHARD F. KNOTT, WM. B. LITTLE, MINOR
S. MARTIN, J. FRANK MILLER, JoHN M. NEVILLE, WILLIAM NORRIS, THOMAS S. OLDHAM, LAwRENCE
C. Owl:N, WM. A. PIPER, REUBEN E. RAIMOND, JoHN C. ROBINSON, A. A. SELovER, EUGENE L.
SULLIVAN, JAMES STARK, Joli N. F. SwiFT, HENRY F. WILLIAMS, WM. S. WELLs, GREGORY YALE, GEO.
C. YoUNT. Honorably dismissed—Sirs JAMEs H. BRIsrow, HENRY L. DU1GAN, MoRRIs EvANs, WM.
H. FOLGER, PHINEAs GARDNER, GARRETT W. RyCKMAN, WM. B. WAKEMAN. Deceased—Sirs THos.
H. BowFN, Jos. WATERMAN, JOHN S. WATSON, LUTHER T. WILSON, ROBERT E. Woods.
This mother Commandery of the Pacific Coast, California, No. 1, now numbers 326 members
on its roll, including the following officers and Past Commanders: Officers—Sir JoHN P FRASER,
Com.; Sir JoHN TONNINGSEN, Geno; Sir WILLIAM HENRY FRANK TITUs, Capt.-Gen'l; Sir EDWARD
BENTLEY CHURCH, Prelate; Sir CARROLL Cook, S. W.; Sir HENRY BELDEN REAM, J. W.; Sir THOMAs
MORTON, Treas.; Sir HIRAM THROOP GRAVES, Rec.; Sir CHARLEs WESLEY TABER, St. B.; Sir CHARLES
BONE, Sd. B.; Sir JAMES FRANCEss LOGAN, Warder; Sir THOMAS ROTCH HORTON, Sentinel. The
following are the living Past Commanders, with the terms they have served: Sirs WILLIAM MASON
RANDALL, P. G. C., 1866–7; H IRAM THROOP GRAVES, 1870; WILLIAM HENRY LINow BARNES, 1874–5;
GEORGE TISDALE BROMLEY, 1876; REUBEN HEDLEY LLOYD, P. G. C., 1881–2–3–Grand Master of the
General Grand Encampment in 1898–1901; FRANKLIN HENRY DAY, 1884; Joseph MILLER LITCHFIELD,
1885; HENRY HAVEN PEARSON, 1886; BRILSFORD PEASE FLINT, 1888; PETER DEAN, 1889; RICHARD
BEVERLY COLE, 1890; THOMAS KyLE, 1891; EUGENE NELSON DEUPREy, 1893; REUBEN PRESTON HURL
BURT, 1894–5; MARTIN JONES, 1896–7; JoHN P FRASER, 1898. The Past Commanders, including
those who were the founders of California Commandery, No. 1, having died, with their years of
service, are as follows: Sirs GREGORY YALE, 1852–3; LEANDER RANSOM, P. G. C., 1854–5–6–7;
ALEXANDER GURDON ABELL, P. G. C., 1858–9, 1860–1–2–3–4, 1871; WILLIAM NORRIs, 1865; CHARLEs
Louis WIGGIN, P. G. C., 1868–9; Joseph BoNAPARTE SCOTCHLER, 1872–3–7–8–9, 1880; MICHAEL JAMEs
KEATING, 1887; WASHINGTON GENERAL WINTER, 1892.
PILGRIMAGES.–The pilgrimages of California Commandery, which have become famous at the
Triennial Conclaves of the Grand Encampment, had their origin in the attendance of R. E.'. HIRAM
THRoop GRAVEs at the triennial held in Cleveland, O., in 1877. He was deeply impressed with the
gathering of thousands upon that knightly occasion, and returned home to enthuse the Sir Knights
of his Grand Jurisdiction and bestir them to a participation in future conclaves. He went strenuously
to work to have a strong delegation from California to the Triennial Conclave to be held at Chicago
in 1880, and in his visitations as Grand Commander to the several Commanderies during the two
years following he was successful in his efforts to the extent that it resulted in the formation of a
California Battalion of the then existing Commanderies, fifteen in number, escorting R. E. Sir
BRUCE B. LEE, Grand Commander, and a delegation of two hundred and fifty guests who went to
Chicago with the intention to have the next place of the Triennial Conclave fixed if possible at San
Francisco. The result is well known.
In 1883 the Grand Encampment assembled in San Francisco, and its doings are a matter of
history, California Commandery, No. 1, taking the leading part in all that was done, and as was
naturally to be expected acquitted itself in full honor. It was here that R. E. . Sir GEORGE C.
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PERKINs, then Grand Commander (also Governor of California), was elected Grand Junior Warden of
the Grand Encampment, which led up to the promotion of R. E.'. Sir REUBEN HEDLEY LLOYD,
who became Grand Commander in 1886–7, and was elected Grand Senior Warden of the Grand
Encampment in 1886, and his subsequent advancement until in October last (1898) he was unan
imously elected Grand Master of Knights Templar of the United States.
When Grand Commander of California in 1886 R. E.'. Sir LLOYD was escorted to the twenty
third Annual Conclave, held at St. Louis, by the Grand Commandery of California with three Com
manderies–California Commandery, No. 1, Oakland Commandery, No. 1 1, and Golden Gate Com
mandery, No. 16—the Knights of the other Commanderies joining the ranks of one or the other of
the above named.
California Commandery, No. 1, under the command of Sir PETER DEAN, Eminent Commander,
escorted the Grand Commandery of California to the twenty-fourth Triennial Conclave, held in Wash
ington City, in October, 1889, and made a magnificent display. It was a proud day for Californians
in the capital city of the nation. Over 20,000 Knights passed in review on Pennsylvania avenue.
California Commandery, No. 1, with full ranks mounted on black horses handsomely caparisoned and
well disciplined, as a squadron of cavalry was the pride of the parade as it passed the reviewing stand
of President HARRISON in front of the White House.
The display was partially repeated at Denver, Colo., at the twenty-fifth Triennial Conclave in
1892, when California Commandery acted as escort to the Grand Commandery of California. R. E. .
Sir JACOB HART NEFF was then Grand Commander.
It was at Boston, however, at the twenty-sixth Triennial Conclave, in August, 1895, that the
Commandery eclipsed all previous displays. There were 25,000 Knights Templar in line, about one
fourth of the whole jurisdiction, that passed in review, when California Commandery again bore
away the palm. The other California Commanderies participating were Oakland, No. 1 1 (special
escort to R. E.'. Sir Edward SPALDING LIPPITT, Grand Commander, and the Grand Commandery
of California), Golden Gate, No. 16, and Caeur de Lion, No. 9.
At the twenty-seventh Triennial Conclave, held at Pittsburgh, Pa., in October, 1898, California
Commandery, No. 1, escorted R. E. . Sir RoBERT M. PoweRs, Grand Commander, and the Grand
Commandery of California, itself being the escort to R. E.'. Sir REUBEN HEDLEY LLoyd, Deputy
Grand Master, and the command returned with him as the Grand Master of Templars of the United
States, whom it had knighted on January 30, 1874, and for three years, in 1877–8–9, it had elected
as its Captain-General, and three years, in 1881–2–3, as its Commander. Verily California Com
mandery, No. 1, and Grand Master LLOYD may have a united pride in a common honor in his
reward and elevation to the highest office in the gift of all the grand army of Knights Templar of
the United States. With the exception of Chicago all the parades of California Commandery at the
Triennial Conclaves had been mounted. -
Of the fifty-three members on the roll at the time of the organization of the Grand Com
mandery of California, August 10, 1858, there are only six now living, and of these the following
five are still members, viz.: Sirs J. C. L. WADsworth, WM. H. LYON, WM. G. BADGER, MINOR S.
MARTIN, and HENRY F. WILLIAMs. Sir W.M. G. BADGER is the oldest member knighted in this
Commandery, and is generally known as the “Knight Commander of Bunker Hill,” he having been
born on that historic spot and has been the President of the Bunker Hill Association of San Fran
cisco for many long years.
California Commandery, No. 1, in its Commanders and officers has always had most efficient
and able men from the very beginning; and its rank and file, taken as a whole, has been of the
very best material.
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Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, made the following returns to the Grand Commandery of
California from the date of its organization, July 5, 1853, to August 10, 1858, having been chartered
February 6, 1854. Officers for the year 1858 —Sir Isaac Dav1s, Com.; Sir James H. Culyer, Gen'o;
Sir James L. Engl1sh, Capt.-Gen'l; Sir George I. N. Monell, Prelate; Sir N. Greene Curt1s, S.
W.; Sir O. C. Wheeler, J. W.; Sir R. H. McDonald, Treas.; Sir H. C. F1sher, Rec; Sir Jesse
Morr1ll, St. B.; Sir Wm. M. Ratcl1ff, Sd. B.; Sir L. W. Ferr1s, Warder; Sir A. A. Bennett,
Sentinel. Past Commanders — Sirs Isaac Dav1s, Henry H. Hartley. Knights then borne upon
the roll—Sirs C. W. Barnes, John C. Barr, Gorha.m Blake, R. H. Blossom, Henry H. Bockrath,
John B. Bope, Samuel W. Bor1ng, Leverett Bradley, Henry G. Brown, Jonas W. Brown, W. A.
Campbell, Thomas H. Caswell, J. C. Coleman, John R. Cranda1.l, John H. Crocker, Wm. K. R.
Devan, Edward H. Evans, Wm. T. Ferguson, Jonathan Green, G1lbert Gr1swold, Thomas P.
Hawley, Wm. M. Hoag, Abner C. Hunter, Chas. J. Hutch1nson, Charles Marsh, B. F. Myers,
Aaron D. Park, James H. Ralston, P. W. Randle, Reuben Raynes, John A. Read, Thomas M.
Reed, Chr1stopher Re1s, John W. Rock, L. W. Rumsey, N1les Searles, E. J. Sm1th, John P.
Sm1th, Dan1el St. C. Steevens, Jos1ah E. Stevens, James M. Stokely, Townsend A. Thomas,
John L. Thompson, M. Wallace, Benj. F. Wayne, Wh1t1ng G. West, E. H. Van Decar. Dis
missed—Sirs Edgar Bogardus, Chas. Duncomb, J. P. Gauch, Reuel C. Gr1dley, A. B. Hoy, Geo.
E. Montgomery, Thos. J. Oxley, Wm. W. Traylor, J. A. Wadsworth. Deceased—Thos. Latta,
Wm. Shoemaker, L. P. S1mpson.
Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, now has 195 members upon its roll, including the following
officers: Sir Evert W1ll1am Hale, Com.; Sir Thomas James Scott, Gen'o; Sir Thomas Benton
Re1d, Capt.-Gen'l; Sir John W1ll1am Rock, Prelate; Sir Lou1s Cyrus Sch1ndler, S. W.; Sir Lou1s
Fred Breuner, J. W.; Sir Albert A. Van Voorhels, Treas.; Sir Alfred Augustus Red1ngton,
Rec; Sir Robert Alexander, St. B.; Sir Henry Em1l Kle1nsorge, Sd. B.; Sir James Ellsworth
Thompson, W. ; Sir W1ll1am Hewson Dav1s, Sentinel.
The following twenty -nine Knights have served as Commanders, six of whom have been
Grand Commanders, eight have died (those marked *), one has withdrawn, and two have ceased
membership and are no longer on the roll: Sirs * Isaac Dav1s, 1853-4-5-8, who was the first Grand
Commander of California; * Henry H. Hartley, P. G. C, 1856-7; * James Lawrence Engl1sh, P.
G. C, 1859, 1860-1-3-4; *James Horace Culyer, 1862; * W1ll1am Frankl1n Knox, P. G. C,
1865-6-7-8-9, 1872; * Leonard Goss, 1870; John W1ll1am Rock, 1871 ; George Howard W1nter-
burn, 1873 (honorably dismissed); Isaac Baldw1n Cooledge, 1874; Powell Samuel Lawson, 1875
(ceased membership); * Franc1s Foster, 1876; Alfred Augustus Red1ngton, P. G. C, 1877-8;
W1ll1am Monroe Petr1e, P. G. C, 1879, 1880-1 ; Cornel1us Kellogg, 1882 (ceased membership);
Evander Berry W1ll1s, 1883; * Edward Lyon, 1884; Charles Mort1mer Coghlan, 1885; W1ll1am
Buchanan M1ller, 1886; Edw1n Glover, 1887; John Walter Boyd, 1888; W1ll1am Buckley Dav1s,
1889; W1ll1am Durrant Kn1ghts, 1890; John El1as Tucker P1ke, 1891 ; R1chard Palmer Barr,
1892; Valent1ne Drescher, 1893 ; Edmund Clement Atk1nson, 1894; George W1ll1am Ra1lton,
1895; *Clarence Newton Nelson, 1896-7; Taylor Wash1ngton He1ntzelman, 1898, who with Sir
Evert W1ll1am Hale, the present Commander, makes thirty who have held that office from the
beginning, during the period of nearly forty-six years since it was first organized on July 5, 1853.
WTe remember well the first appearance of Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, on parade, when
it was but a little handful of Knights who were too few in number to appear as a body by them
selves, but they appeared mounted as the staff of aids to our late beloved R.\ E.\ Sir Isaac Dav1s,
who was Grand Marshal of the procession at the laying of the first corner-stone, by the Grand Lodge
676 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá.
of California, of the present County Court House of Sacramento County, in September, 1854. R. E. .
Sir ISAAC DAvis Templar uniform on that occasion was peculiarly original–Californian and unique—
but would not pass muster now in these modern times. He wore a black felt slouch hat, velvet
rimmed, silver laced, and turned up at the side, and upon it a passion cross; no plumes, but a profu
sion of long, narrow black ribbons, which floated in the air and hung down his back; a black velvet
baldric, with a red cross upon it and edged with silver lace. His legs were encased in black velvet
leggings, trimmed and bordered with silver lace and fringe, tied around the legs with stout silver cord
with silver tassels at the ends. He wore the largest size of Mexican silver spurs; had a Californian
saddle and velvet housing, trimmed also with silver, and a silver-mounted bridle. He rode a spirited
black horse, and his sword was a regular cavalry sabre, and he was probably the first mounted Knight
Templar ever seen in California. His soldierly, dignified bearing, his masterly horsemanship, his
sharp, prompt commands in his duties as Grand Marshal commanded the admiration of everybody,
and especially of the fraternity in line. He was altogether a different figure from that of another
member of Sacramento Commandery, in the fifties, who was very short and thick, and when the
Commandery was acting as escort at a Masonic funeral not many years after, he turned the sad
faces of his Masonic Brethren to smiles, some of which were quite audible. He had to be lifted up
into the saddle. The steed that he was placed upon was a broad-backed dray horse, and when the
stirrups were taken up as far as the leather would permit and cutting new holes in the straps, his
legs stuck out at nearly right angles from the saddle, and when he rode off to catch up with the
rear of the escort, he appeared like a bounding, bobbing rubber ball with pegs on the sides.
Since those earliest days Sacramento Commandery has had a long roll of eminent knighthood
and able Commanders, but none that have or could excel the founders and those that were created
Knights Templar in its early history, which made the chivalry of the Temple glorious at the capital
of the proud State of California. Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, made a pilgrimage with full ranks
to the Triennial Conclave at Chicago in 1880 and to that in San Francisco in 1883, and in the
parade in this city that year it had ninety-four swords in the line and marched with the same precision
as if it were a battalion of the regular army. It had representation with the escort of the Grand
Commandery of California at Washington, Denver, Boston, and Pittsburgh, though it did not go as
a body. R. E. . Sir WILLIAM ABRAHAM DAVIES, Past Grand Commander of California, and V. E. .
Sir RALPH J. VAN VOORHIES, Past Grand Generalissimo of California, are on its roll of Past Command
ers, they having affiliated with it. Long may it continue to be a capital Commandery.
The following were the first returns made by Pacific Commandery, No. 3, of Sonora, from the
date of its organization, May 27th, chartered September 10, 1856, to the Grand Commandery of
California on August 10, 1858. Officers for the year 1858: Sir JoHN S. GRAHAM, Com.; Sir STILL
MAN H. FICKETT, Geno; Sir JAMEs W. MARSHALL, Capt.-Gen'l; Sir W.M. W. TRAYLOR, Prelate; Sir
CHARLEs H. WALCOTT, S. W.; Sir JoHN C. RussELL, J. W.; Sir W. O. SLEEPER, Treas.; Sir EDMUND
WELLINGTON, Rec.; Sir F. J. ByRD, St. B.; Sir W. J. MARKLEY, Sd. B.; Sir JAMEs I. MILLER, Warder;
Sir STEPHEN JELLERSON, Sentinel. Knights then borne upon the roll—Sirs HENRY K. ALLAN, JAMEs
CAMPBELL, JoAB W. GR1swold, EDGAR MILLs, ALEX. H. PUTNEy. Dismissed—Sirs E. S. AyREs,
CHARLEs E. BLAKE. Deceased, Sir THOMAs J. OxLEy. -
There are forty-nine upon the roll, including the following present officers: Sir FRANK WILSON
STREET, Com.; Sir HENRY CLAV CALHOUN, Gen'o; Sir EDOUARD KEIL, Capt.-Gen'l; SIR FRANK ALBERT
MoRGAN, Prelate; Sir CRITTENDEN HAMPTON, S. W.; Sir EUGENE HAMILTON BARTON, J. W.; Sir
THOMAS ARTHUR STILES HENDER, Treas.; Sir CHARLEs EDwARD STREET, Rec.; Sir CHARLEs Eslick,
St. B., Sir NILS LADEFoyED KNUDs EN, Sd. B.; Sir JoHN MUNDORF, Warder; Sir CHARLEs HENRY
BURDEN, Sentinel.
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá. 677
There have been but fourteen Commanders of Pacific Commandery, No. 3, since May 27,
1856, a period of nearly forty-three years, eight of whom have died (those marked with a *), and
one honorably dismissed, and are as follows: "Sir JoHN S. GRAHAM, 1856–7–8; *Sir STILLMAN H.
FICKETT, 1859, 1860; *Sir JAMEs M. MARSHALL, 1861; *Sir WILLIAM WILSON TRAYLOR, P. G. C.,
1862–3–4–5; *Sir STEPHEN WING, 1866; Sir WILLIAM ABRAHAM DAVIES, P. G. C., 1867 (honorably
dismissed); *Sir ALVIN BACON PRESTON, P. G. Gen'o, 1868–9, 1870–1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9, 1883; Sir
EDWIN ALDRICH RoDGERs, P. G. Capt.-Gen'i, 1880–1–2–4; *Sir GIDEON WING, 1885; Sir EDOUARD
KEIL, 1886–9, 1890–1–3–4; Sir WILLIAM GILEs LONG, 1887; *Sir TRYON MILTON YANCEy, 1888; Sir
HENRY CLAV CALHOUN, 1892; Sir FRANK WILSON STREET, 1895–6–7–8–9, and now in office.
EL DORADO COMMANDERY, No. 4, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Placerville.
Pacific Commandery has maintained the honor and credit of Templar Knighthood in a steady
and conservative manner worthy of its dignity and commanding the esteem of all. Its material,
though not so numerous as either of the other two which helped to form the Grand Commandery
of California in 1858, is and has been one of the very best and equal to the others. Two of its
Commanders and one of its members have been Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of California–
Sirs W.M. W. TRAYLOR, WM. A. DAVIES, and HIRAM. N. RUCKER, the two former also Grand High
Priests of the Grand Chapter of California, as well as Grand Commanders of this State. R. E. .
Sir W.M. A. DAVIES has also been Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters,
678 FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
as well as Grand Master of the Grand Consistory of California. More capable officers never lived.
Sir STEPHEN WING was also Grand Master of the Grand Consistory of California as well, of which
V. . E. . Sirs ALVIN B. PRESTON, Past Grand Generalissimo, and EDWIN A. RoDGERs were also mem
bers. The surviving Past Commanders, Sirs EDOUARD KEIL, WM. G. LONG, and HENRY CLAY
CALHOUN, rendered good service. In 1882 the Asylum of Pacific Commandery, No. 3, was removed
from Columbia to Sonora, Tuolumne County.
El Dorado Commandery, No. 4, at Placerville, El Dorado County, received a dispensation on
the second day of the assembly of San Francisco, Sacramento, and Sonora Commanderies to organize
a Grand Jurisdiction in California. Previous to such grand organization the Sir Knights resident in
Placerville had applied to the General Grand Encampment for a dispensation. Their petition was
favorably received, but as steps had already been taken for the State organization, further action was
deferred. On September 22, 1858, the Sir Knights stationed in Placerville completed their organiza
tion under dispensation, with the following appointive officers: Sirs AARON DAVIS PARK, Com.; WILLIAM
McKEAN, Geno; EDGAR BOGARDUs, Capt.-Gen'1; ISRAEL S. DIEHL, Prelate; CHARLEs W. BARNES, S.
W.; EDWARD HARLAN EvANs, J. W. Seven additional Sir Knights were members under dispensa
tion, and eighteen Sir Knights were created during the first nine months. A charter was granted
on June 29, 1859. The present membership of Æ/ Dorado Commandery, No. 4, is fifty-eight—
valiant and magnanimous Sir Knights, who maintain the high character of the Order in the public
and private walks of life. This Commandery furnished one Grand Commander, Sir FREDERICK FER
DINAND BARss, in 1871. He is still one of the most active members as well as one of the best
workers of the Commandery. The present officers of El Dorado Commandery are as follows: Sirs
NOBLE WASHINGTON MOUNTAIN, Com.; GEO. HUNTINGTON BURNHAM, Geno; CHAs. ALBERT SwisleR,
Capt.-Gen'l; CHARLES CALEB PIERCE, Prelate; JAMES FRANKLIN LUCAs, S. W.; DANIEL GEORGE CARR,
J. W.; MARCO VAROzzA, Treas.; CHARLEs HENRY WEATHERWAx, Rec.; THOMAS CLARK, St. B.; WALTER
ELMER MILLER, Sd. B.; Joseph FULTON McKEE, Warder; JAMEs LAMBETH WEYMOUTH, Sentinel.
Oroville Commandery, No. 5, followed Placerville in organization, and became strong in num
bers and influential in character. Nine Sir Knights joined in the petition for dispensation, which
was granted on September 22, 1858. Sir B. F. MYERS was named as the first Commander, but not
being present when the Commandery was instituted, Sir REUEL C. GRIDLEY was appointed and
installed as Commander. The charter of Oroville Commandery was ordered issued on June 29, 1859.
There were fourteen members at the time of charter, now there are fifty-three. The following are
the present officers: Sirs HENRY CHAPMAN HILLs, Com.; WILLIAM HUBERT Dixon, Geno; GEORGE
HoMER STOUT, Capt.-Gen'l; WARREN SExTon, Prelate; ERASMUs TUCKER, S. W.; JoHN GALE, J. W.;
JoHN CARLTON GRAY, Treas.; GEORGE JAMES GRAHAM, Rec.; RoBERT SUTHERLAND PoweRs, St. B.;
GEORGE WASHINGTON DYER, Sd. B.; WILLIAM S. WILLIAMs, Warder; WALLACE H CHAPPELL, Sentinel.
The ritualistic work of Oroville Commandery is especially impressive. The Sir Knights of
that jurisdiction are courteous, bright, and able, and maintain the high reputation the Commandery
has enjoyed through a long succession of years.
Mevada Commandery, No. 6, dates its existence from November 3, 1858, when a number of
Sir Knights, to wit, THOMAS H. CASWELL, CHARLEs MARSH, SAMUEL W. BoRING, THOMAs P. HAWLEy,
EzRA H. VAN DECAR, NILEs SEARLEs, JoHN B. BoPE, CHRISTOPHER REIS, WILLIAM T. FERGUsoN, and
ORANGE DIBBLE, met in Nevada City to prepare a petition for a dispensation. R. E. . Sir IsAAC
DAVIS issued a dispensation on the 13th of November that year, and a charter was granted on June
29, 1859. The first Eminent Commander was Sir THOMAs H. CASWELL, whose distinguished Masonic
attainments are familiar to Brethren and fraters in every State of the Union.
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68O FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CyALIFORNIM.
When the Commandery was chartered there were 24 members, now there are 145. The present
officers are: Sirs CHARLEs HENRY EDDY, Com.; WILLIAM JAMEs Rogers, Geno; DAVID EDw1N MAT
TESON, Capt.-Gen'l; DAVID EDDY MORGAN, Prelate; JoHN WERRY, S. W.; THOMAS INGRAM, J. W.;
JoHN THOMAS MoRGAN, Treas.; IANTHIs JEROME RolFE, Rec.; WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER DART BODY, St.
B.; HENRY BAILEY FULLER, Sd. B.; WILLIAM GRIFFIN, Warder; ANTONIO TAM, Sentinel.
Among the fraters, past and present, of Nevada Commandery who have been foremost in
promoting its eminent labors in Templary may be mentioned R. E.'. Sir CHARLEs MARSH, who was
also Grand Master of Masons of California; E. . Sir AARON A. SARGENT, Grand Orator of the Grand
Lodge, Member of Congress, United States Senator, and Minister to Germany; Sir NILEs SEARLEs,
MARYSVILLE COMMANDERY, No. 6, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Marysville.
who has been on the Supreme Bench of California; Sir THOMAs P. HAWLEy, United States District Judge
for Nevada; R. E. Sir JACOB HART NEFF, now Lieutenant-Governor of the State; Sir EDWARD
MYERS PRESTON, Past Grand Master of Masons, the founder of the Masonic Widows and Orphans'
Home at Decoto; the liberal and charitable Sir EDWARD COLEMAN, also one of the promoters of that
Home and the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of California; the venerable Sir IANTHIs J.
ROLFE, the most efficient Recorder; P. E. C. FRANK AVER, P. E. C. FRED SEARLEs, P. E. C. DAVID
EDDY MORGAN, and P. E. C. THEODORE H. WILHELM. These commanding Sir Knights have been
ably seconded in their efforts by the members in Nevada City, Grass Valley, Truckee, Auburn, and
other jurisdictional localities. Among the Commanderies of California Nevada enjoys an enviable
record for asylum work and for the perfection of its drill.
C H A PT E R XX I I I.
líNIGHTSTENIDLAR IN CALIFORNIA.
THE HISTORY OF THE SUBORDINATE COMMANDERIES, ORGANIZATION OF DRILL CORPS, AND
REVIEW OF THE WORK IN THIS JURISDICTION.
A
£)
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* s' A R Y S VILL E Sir Knights began their labors in 1859. In

; #. August of that year ten Templars petitioned for a dispensation,
-W
-
£- -
hich was granted by R. E. . Sir LEANDER RANSOM, Grand Com

# *: ander. At the first regular assembly a number of petitions were
''' £ régaived, among the petitioners being Comp. WILLIAM C. BELCHER,
ose Masonic record in California is a corner-stone of magnifi
cent fraternal accomplishments.
The charter of Marysville Commandery, No. 7, was granted
#. on November 14, 1860. The first Commander was Sir JosLAH
# E. STEVENS. There are at present eighty-seven members of
f : • - •
the Commandery, with the following officers: Sirs SAMUEL EwBLL,

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*HILUS "' HoLLAND, Capt.-Gen'l; CHARLEs E. STONE, Prelate;

EcKART, S. W.' S&NARD Ross BookMAN, J. W.; DAVID EDGAR KNIGHT, Treas.;
JAMES FRED E 1AN, Rec.; AMX: WILLEY WHITE, St. B.; ALONZO GRAFFIS, Sd. B.; MARCUs ALGER
ECKART, Ward # AMos FISHER, Sehtinel.
2%
mmandery is full of years and honors. On its roll have been borne names of
distinguishedMaš' and eminent citizens. Among those who have been and those who are active
in Knightly endeavf. Marysville these names are especially prominent: P. G. C. W.M. C. BELCHER,
P. G. C. HENRY H_ZR' Us, P. G. C. PHIL W. KEYSER; Past Commanders CHARLEs RAISH, WILLIAM
LEE LAWRENCE, CHARLEs E. FILKINs, E. T. WILKINs, A. C. BINGHAM, A. J. BINNEy; CHARLEs E
STONE, P. C. and Gr. Prelate.
Stockton Commandery, No. 8– For a period of nine years following the organization of a
Commandery in Placerville there were only seven subordinate Commanderies of Knights Templar in
California. The unsettled condition of the country during the long period of civil war was largely
the cause of apparent non-interest, though the Order flourished and progressed in those localities
682 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
where Templary was already established. Stockton was the next city to espouse the Order, in organ
ization, a dispensation being granted on March 18, 1867. On October 17th following a charter was
issued. The officers under charter were: Sirs STILLMAN H. FICKETT, Com.; JAMES CAMPBELL, Geno;
REUEL C. GRIDLEy, S. W.; JAMEs LITTLEHALE, J. W.; FRANK STEwART. Treas.; JoHN SEDGWICK, Rec.;
WILLIAM BLACK, St. B.; EDwARD R. H EDGES, Sd. B.; ALEXANDER BURKETT, Warder; THOMAS DRIVER,
Sentinel.
In thirty-two years Stockton Commandery has had ten Eminent Commanders. Its first Com
mander, Sir STILLMAN H. FICKETT, became Grand Captain-General. Sir IsAAc SUTVENE TITUs was
Grand Commander in 1867; Sir GEORGE A. SHURTLEFF was Deputy Grand Commander in 1872, and
Sir Edward R. H EDGEs became Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1881. There are eighty-six
members of Stockton Commandery, No. 8, at the present time. The Order greatly flourishes, and
the Sir Knights of Stockton have one of the strongest subordinate bodies in the State.
Los Angeles Commandery, No. 9, was organized under dispensation on December 11, 1869,
as Caeur de Lion Commandery. A charter was granted on April 11, 1870. The first Commander
was E. . Sir HENRY S. ORME, who became R. '. E.'. Grand Commander in 1875. From date of
dispensation to the present time the Commandery has taken very high rank in this Grand Jurisdic
tion, and its fame has gone beyond the confines of this Templar dominion. In 1895 the name of
the Commandery was changed to Los Angeles. In point of numbers it is the largest Commandery
in California, and in character of work it greatly excels. The membership represents that progressive
element of citizenship which has made Southern California and Los Angeles a leading section and an
important city of this country. The Commandery has been ably officered, and individually the
members manifest an active interest in the welfare and advancement of the Order. An enthusiastic
member sums the history of Los Angeles Commandery in this comprehensive sentence: “The officers
for each year, and the Past Commanders, all deserve credit for the present status of the Command
ery; a better body of men and Knights Templar, who exemplify the teachings of our noble and
magnanimous Order, cannot be found anywhere.” -
Two of the Past Commanders of Los Angeles Commandery became Grand Commanders—Sirs
HENRY S. ORME and TRowBRIDGE HVER WARD. Past Commander GEORGE SINSABAUGH is Grand
Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery. Financially Los Angeles Commandery has prospered.
It owns stock valued at $5500 in the beautiful Masonic Temple in Los Angeles and never lacks
funds for dispensing charity or for the entertainment of visiting Sir Knights and other Commanderies.
It is a most praiseworthy Commandery in all the essentials of upright Christian Knighthood.
San /ose Commandery, No. 10, at San Jose, was chartered on April 15, 1871, having worked
under dispensation one year. There were fourteen charter members, the first Eminent Commander,
Generalissimo, and Captain-General respectively being Sirs JoHN BUNKSON HEwsON, GEORGE WASH
INGTON McLELLAN, and SAMUEL WATsoN. The first candidate of this Commandery, Sir WILBUR
JUSTUs WILLCox, became its Eminent Commander in 1880 and 1881. E.'. Sir SAMUEL HoPKINs
WAGENER became Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1890. To this valiant and able Sir Knight
very much is due for the excellent proficiency of San /ose Commandery as a working body, and for
its reputation among the Commanderies of the State. Another frater who has been unremitting in
devotion to the interests of Templar Masonry and to the progress of San /ose Commandery is E.
Sir GEORGE B. McKEE, who is at this date Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Commandery of Cal
ifornia. From a charter membership of fourteen San /ose Commandery, No. 10, has increased to a
strong, influential, and leading command, with 108 swords when in full line. -
Oakland Commandery, No. 1 r.—The initial movement for the formation of a Commandery of
Knights Templar in Oakland is to be credited to Sir ADOLPH.Us SKINNER HUBBARD, a member of the
famous Apollo Commandery, No. 1, of Chicago, Ill. Sir HUBBARD was a resident of Oakland, and
in October, 1875, he caused to be published this communication in the Daily Transcript of that city:
“For the past year and more there has been some talk among prominent Masons residing in
and adjacent to Oakland, in possession of the Orders of Knighthood, of forming a Commandery of
Knights Templar in this city. We do not know of any active measure having been taken as yet,
but from our knowledge of such matters we are safe in the statement that when steps are taken a
Commandery of Knights Templar can be organized with a membership of over thirty, and plenty of
material to draw from when once in working order."
In the Daily Transcript of December 28, 1875, the following advertisement appeared:
“Sir Knights, Attention!—The members of the Order of Knights Templar who are residents
of the city of Oakland and vicinity are requested to meet at the hall of Oakland Lodge, No. 188,
F. & A. M., Thursday evening, December 30th, 1875, at 7 o'clock. It is desirable that every Sir
Knight who is interested in the welfare of the Order should be present. By request of many
Knights.”
The meeting was held, a petition signed by twenty-three Sir Knights was prepared, and in
due time a dispensation was granted. The first meeting under dispensation was held on January 18,
1876. Sir JAMES DoD's was the first Eminent Commander, Sir WILLIAM THOMAS REYNoLDs the first
Generalissimo, and Sir NATHAN W. SPAULDING the first Captain-General.
On April 15, 1876, a charter was granted to Oakland Commandery, No. 11, and at an election
for officers these Sir Knights were chosen: Sirs Rollin C. GASKILL, Com.; ADOLPH.Us S. HUBBARD,
Geno; ANDREW RyDER, Capt.-Gen'l; OsCoop C. WHEELER, Prelate; WILLARD F. FLETCHER, S. W.;
AUGUST LILIENCRANTz, J. W.; John M. MINER, Treas.; FRANK W. Cushing, Rec.
There are at present 151 members of Oakland Commandery. It is one of the strong bodies
of this Grand Jurisdiction, in numbers, intelligence, and activity of membership. On its roll is
inscribed the names of Past Grand officers of the various Masonic bodies of the State and Sir
Knights distinguished in public life; its influence in the community is of high character.
Chico Commandery, No. 12, dates its organization from June 5, 1876, when a dispensation
was granted to 58 Sir Knights resident of Chico, Butte County, to open and form a Commandery.
A charter was issued on April 13, 1877. The charter membership was 58, an exceptionally large
number. The present membership is 53. Sir CARNOT CourTLAND MASON was the first Eminent
Commander, Sir JoHN ADOLPH.Us TURNER the first Generalissimo, and Sir CHARLEs FAULKNER the first
Captain-General. E.'. Sir MASON served as Commander twelve consecutive terms, and in 1879 was
elected R. E.'. Grand Commander of California. The Commandery is efficient in all the essentials
of Knighthood and is in a most prosperous condition.
Lassen Commandery, No. 13, stationed at Susanville, Lassen County, has had an honorable
though a somewhat discouraging existence of twenty-three years. Twice its asylum, furniture, armory,
and paraphernalia have been destroyed by fire, many of the Sir Knights losing their valuable uniforms.
But the fortitute of a valiant Knight is not dismayed by the misfortunes of life, and Lassen Com
mandery “flourishes like the green bay tree." Its dispensation was granted on June 10, 1876; its
charter on April 13, 1877. The charter membership was twenty-nine; the present number of swords
is twenty-seven. The first Eminent Commander was Sir ALLEN WooD. E.'. Sir FREDERICK HINEs
was Commander eleven years, from 1885 to 1895, inclusive. E.'. Sir WILLIAM BROCKMAN is the
present Commander.
In the spring of 1878 ten Sir Knights resident of Santa Rosa and vicinity petitioned for a
dispensation to open and form a Commandery to be stationed at Santa Rosa, and to be designated
as Santa Rosa Commandery. The petition was issued on March 11th of that year, and on April
11, 1879, a charter was granted, the number 14 being given to the new Commandery. Sir George
Asbury Johnson was the first Eminent Commander, and in 1881 he became R.\ E.\ Grand Com
mander of California. The charter membership was only ten. Now sixty -five Sir Knights are in
line when the whole command is accounted for. In character of work, in Knightly courtesy, and in
Christian charity Santa Rosa Commandery ranks among the very best in the State.
SANTA ROSA COMMANDERY, No. 14, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Santa Rosa.
Bodie Commandery, No. 15, stationed at Bodie, Mono County, had a wonderfully auspicious
beginning and active life, and a sudden and regretful ending. R.\ E.\ Sir Alfred A. Red1ngton
granted the dispensation for the formation of the Commandery on June 6, 1879. The first year
thirty- two Sir Knights were created. The charter was granted on April 16, 1880. In August of
that year Bodie Commandery sent forty swords to the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment,
at Chicago, and was awarded a prize for having the largest number of California Sir Knights in line
on the memorable march of that conclave. When the mining propositions at Bodie ceased to be
profitable the collapse was general and Masonry suffered a fatal decline. In 1886 Bodie Commandery
surrendered its charter, together with all its paraphernalia and other property and assets, including
$230.33, and ceased to exist.
The Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment in Chicago, in August, 1880, had a stimu
lating effect upon the Order in every Grand Jurisdiction, none more so than in California, which was
to have the next Triennial, 1883, in its own beautiful chief city, San Francisco. Retrospecting a
moment, it was a great achievement to secure the location of the Triennial against the ambitions,
claims, influence, and determination of several aspiring cities, east of the Rockies. But those from
other States who attended that notable conclave in Chicago, and witnessed the distinguished arrival
of the Californians, observed what charming hosts they were at headquarters—their western frankness,
heartsome welcome, knightly bearing, and confident manner—did not doubt the final success of their
effort. The three years elapsing between Chicago and San Francisco were none too long for Cal
ifornians to properly prepare for the reception of the Pilgrim Knights who traveled from afar to
accept the hospitality and enjoy the magnificent reception accorded the Grand Encampment in 1883.
The immediate effect of awarding the conclave to San Francisco was the formation of eight new
Commanderies, respectively stationed in San Francisco, Red Bluff, Ventura, Vallejo, Petaluma, Wood
land, Watsonville, and San Bernardino. These eight added to the fifteen Commanderies previously
organized gave California splendid representation and enabled the Sir Knights to properly receive
and entertain the marshaled hosts at the conclave. As a reflex influence of that conclave of 1883,
hundreds of visiting Sir Knights located in California and became forceful characters in the upbuilding
of cities, the promotion of commercial enterprises, and the strengthening of fraternal associations.
Many Sir Knights, some of whom were members of California Commandery, No. 1, and some
in affiliation with other jurisdictions, had long cherished the desire to form a second Commandery in
San Francisco. The original Commandery was reluctant to grant consent, but the selection of their
city as the host of the Grand Encampment determined the question of consent, and the result was
the organization of a Commandery whose fame is not excelled in the United States—the pride of
California, the asylum of more than 300 courteous Knights, representative citizens, examples of splendid
California manhood.
Golden Gate Commandery obtained a dispensation from R. E.'. Grand Commander BRUCE B.
LEE on February 14, 1881, and at the following conclave of the Grand Commandery, on April 15,
1881, a charter was granted, the number being 16. Forty-eight names appear on the charter, many
of them distinguished in Templary and other Masonic bodies in this and other States. The first
Eminent Commander, Sir WILLIAM OLIVER GOULD (whose services to the Craft are recorded else
where in this History), was a Past Grand Commander of Kansas. The Prelate, E.: Sir HEZEKIAH
LoRD HosMER, afterward Grand Prelate, had been one of the most distinguished Masons in Ohio,
and whose demise in 1894 was as deeply lamented by the fraters of that jurisdiction as by his newer
associates and friends in California. The late Sir GEORGE SPAULDING was also active in the formation
of Golden Gate Commandery. In the line of distinguished Templar service in California the name
of E. . Sir ISAAC SUTVENE TITUs, Past Grand Commander, and a charter member of Golden Gate
Commandery, will ever be held in grateful remembrance; while in the Manual of the Templar the
name of Sir WILLIAM FRANK SUMNER, Past Grand Commander, is as familiar on the Atlantic Coast
as in California. To his unselfish devotion and enthusiastic endeavor is to be credited much of the
eminent reputation of Golden Gate Commandery. Among the Past Commanders of distinction are
E.'. Sir JoHN F. MERRILL, now R. E.'. Grand Commander of California, whose asylum work is
always graceful and impressive. Sir THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN TRACY, who died in 1887, was a Past
Grand Generalissimo. E.'. Sir TRISTRAM BURGES, a charter member of Golden Gate Commandery,
was Grand Commander of California in 1888. E. . Sir LEONARD Goss, deceased, a charter member,
was a Past Grand Generalissimo. Among the Past Commanders of more recent period E. Sirs
WILLIAM EDWARDS, CHARLEs LORD FIELD, GEORGE DICKSON CLARK, CHARLES HENRY MURPHY, Sirs
JoNATHAN MORFFEW PEEL, and CHARLEs LEWIS PATTON are gratefully remembered for the accomplish
ments of the excellent Commander, the impressiveness of superior work, and the dignity, grace, and
courtesy of the presiding officer.
In 1891 the beautiful Temple on Sutter street, between Mason and Taylor streets, was erected
at a cost of $138,000, and is the sole property of Golden Gate Commandery. The Temple has a
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A. -
VENTURA COMMANDERY, No. 18, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Ventura.
frontage of 72 feet, a depth of 137% feet, and is admirably constructed for Templar work and ceremo
nials, with an ample armory banquet hall, and an amphitheater which on occasion has been utilized
for exemplifying the sublime Orders before the Grand Commandery and other invited fraters.
The two notable pilgrimages of Golden Gate Commandery were to Washington in 1892 and to
Boston in 1895. On these occasions the perfect evolutions of the Commandery elicited the commen
dation of thousands of attending Sir Knights.
The present membership of Golden Gate Commandery is 310, a remarkable growth from 48,
in 1881. Templar Masonry in California was greatly strengthened by the organization of Golden
Gate Commandery, No. 16.
FIFTY YEx4RS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 69 |
Less than one month elapsed from the date of dispensation to the granting of a charter to
Red Bluff Commandery, No. 17, stationed at Red Bluff, Tehama County. The respective dates
were March 19th and April 15, 1881. There were twenty-six charter members and now the mem
bership is fifty-five. No other Commandery in California and few in the Templar jurisdiction pos
sesses such a unique record. For eighteen consecutive years and until the year 1899 this excellent
Commandery had only one Eminent Commander, Sir Robert HURD BLossOM, whose services have
been highly acceptable to and appreciated by the Sir Knights of Red Bluff. The Commandery is
- Už
NAVAL COMMANDERY, No. 19, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Vallejo.
prosperous, is well equipped for work, and enjoys a fine reputation among the Commanderies of the
State. Sir ELIAS DELEVAN GARDNER is the present Eminent Commander. E.'. Sir BLossoM was
appointed Grand Warder in 1892, Grand Sword Bearer in 1893; was elected Grand Junior Warden
in 1894 and Grand Senior Warden in 1895. He declined further promotion in the Grand Command
ery. R. E.'. Sir BRUCE B. LEE, Past Grand Commander of California, affiliated with Red Bluff
Commandery in 1884, and remained a member until his death. Although this Commandery has but
one Past Eminent Commander, its years have been fruitful in developing superior workers in every
position, and many of the fraters are well qualified to gracefully and impressively occupy the throne
of the Sovereign Master and the chair of the Eminent Commander.
In the fall of 1881 ten Sir Knights, resident of Ventura, petitioned for a dispensation to form
a Commandery in Ventura, Ventura County, and on November 21st, that year, the proper authority
was granted. A charter was issued on May 4, 1882, the Commandery being designated as Ventura
Commandery, No. 18. Sir JoNATHAN DOANE HINEs was the first Eminent Commander, a Mason
whose splendid ability had been recognized in his election as Grand Master of Masons of California
and as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter. The present membership of Ventura Commandery
is forty. There have been six Eminent Commanders, all of whom are still on the roll, except Sir
JoNATHAN DOANE HINEs, whose tragic death in 1886 is still mourned by the fraters and Brethren of
the State. The Commandery is in excellent working and financial condition.
MOUNT OLIVET COMMANDERY, No. 20, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Petaluma.
A'aval Commandery, No. 19, stationed at Vallejo, Solano County, obtained a dispensation on
December 10, 1881, and was chartered April 14, 1882. There were twenty-five names on the dis
pensation, but eight petitioners, including Sir WILLIAM CARTER, Generalissimo, elected to retain mem
bership in their former Commanderies, and were not named in the charter. There are now seventy
five members of Naval Commandery, and ten Past Commanders. On its roll have been the names
of many distinguished Naval officers, one of its present Sir Knights being Commander Joseph BULLOCK
CoGHLAN, who, as commanding officer of the United States Cruiser Raleigh, was attached to the fleet
of Admiral DEWEY, and participated in the memorable battle of Manila Harbor, May 1, 1898.
Al/ount Olivet Commandery, No. 20, stationed at Petaluma, Sonoma County, is another Com
mandery which dates its existence to the period immediately preceding the Triennial Conclave in San
Francisco in 1883. The dispensation was granted by the Grand Commandery on April 14, 1882,
and the charter was issued on April 13, 1883. E.\ Sir Edward Spald1ng L1pp1tt was named as
the first Eminent Commander, and in 1895 he became R. \ E.\ Grand Commander of the State, and
as such was at the head of his command in the magnificent parade of 20,000 Sir Knights at the
Triennial Conclave in Boston. On that occasion Oakland Commandery, No. 11, was the especial
escort of the Grand Commander and the Grand Commandery. The first year of the existence of
Mount Olivet Commandery the membership increased from 1 1 to 33. The present number is 33.
Mount Olivet Commandery has made an exceedingly creditable record. Having only one Royal Arch
SAINT BERNARD COMMANDERY, No. 23, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at San Bernardino.
Chapter from which to derive its degree and support its membership, its prosperity illustrates the
interest manifested in the Order in Petaluma.
Woodland Commandery, No. 21, stationed at Woodland, obtained its dispensation on January
9, 1883, and its charter at the following conclave of the Grand Commandery on April 13th, the same
year. The original membership was 35 ; the present membership is 48. It is an efficient working
Commandery, both in ritualism and drill, and has an excellent reputation among the Commanderies
of the State. Sir Charles Henry Dav1s was the first Eminent Commander. The present Com-
mander, E. . Sir MICAJAH OGLESBY HARLING, has most acceptably served in that capacity the past
nine years, more than half of the total life of the Commandery.
Eleven Sir Knights of Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, petitioned on January 13, 1883, for a
dispensation to form a Commandery of Knights Templar at that place. When the charter for Wat
sonville Commandery, No. 22, was granted on April 13, 1883, there were 34 members. Sirs JOHN
NELSON BEssE, WILLIAM VANDERHURST, and ALEXANDER BELL JACKSON were respectively the first
Eminent Commander, Generalissimo, and Captain-General. From the original membership this Com
mandery has become a very strong command of 94 swords, making an imposing appearance when in
full line. It is also an able working Commandery, famous among the Commanderies of California.
The first Generalissimo, Sir WILLIAM VANDERHURST, became R. '. E. . Grand Commander in 1893.
Past Grand Master THOMAS FLINT, JR., was Eminent Commander of Watsonville Commandery, No.
22, in 1890–6–7–8. THOMAS FLINT, SR., Past Grand High Priest, was Eminent Commander in 1887.
The jurisdiction of this Commandery includes Watsonville, Salinas, Monterey, Hollister, and Castro
ville, which insures excellent and numerous material for work. The large membership attests the
excellence of this tributary territory.
The dispensation for Saint Bernard Commandery, No. 23, stationed at San Bernardino, was
obtained from the Grand Commandery on April 13, 1883. Twelve Sir Knights signed the petition,
which number was doubled when a charter was granted on April 11, 1884. There are now 51
members of the Commandery. There have been io Eminent Commanders.
Sir Edward ALEXANDER SMITH, the senior Past Commander, gives the credit of starting and
bringing it to a successful result to Sir A. H. HART; to Sir Y. H. FouxTAIN the credit of naming
it Saint Bernard Commandery. It prospered exceedingly until a considerable number withdrew to
form Commanderies at Riverside and San Diego, which for awhile greatly reduced its strength; but
ere long Saint Bernard Commandery recuperated, and is now on the upward course to prosperity and
greater success than before.
Colusa Commandery, No. 24, stationed at Colusa, was the first Commandery to obtain a dis
pensation succeeding the Triennial Conclave in San Francisco, in 1883. The date of the dispensation
was April 22, 1884. A charter was granted on May 1, 1885. There were 23 Sir Knights under
dispensation, 28 under charter, and the present membership is 21. Sir Joseph BAILEY COOKE was
the first Eminent Commander, and to him much credit is due for the success of Chivalric as well as
Capitular and Symbolic Masonry in Colusa County; though the fraternalism there existing is so
sincere that it has been remarked that no undue preferment is found in Colusa Commandery. Each
Sir Knight stands at his post in office and out of it—promotion as it comes and goes, advancement
and retrogradation. The lowest become the highest, and the highest the lowest. As an example,
one of the Past Commanders is now Warden, and can trace his ancestry from the year 286 of the
Christian era, a lineal descendant of the Crusaders. One of his ancestors commanded a legion under
the Emperor Maximian; another led a command in the Crusade under the Duke of Burgundy (ST.
MAURICE et es companions); another was at the passage of the Berisina with BONAPARTE. A descend
ant of soldiers and a soldier himself, CLAUDE E. DE ST. MAURICE, born in Burgundy, France, in
1838, served under NAPOLEON III in the memorable battles of the campaign of Italy, 1859–namely,
Turbigo, Mantebello, Palestro, Marignay, and also at Magenta and Solferino. He was promoted on
the battlefield and decorated by Marshal BAZAINE with the medal of Solferino. Leaving the French
service he came to the United States and enlisted in the 170th New York Volunteers, being taken
prisoner and confined in Libby Prison and Belle Isle. He was a standard bearer and a sergeant-
major in that regiment, receiving his discharge in 1865. He has a son who is a Knight Templar
and another who is a Mason.
The wisdom of establishing Templar Masonry in San Diego is shown by the rapid growth of
the Order in that city and tributary country. The dispensation for a Commandery was granted on
July 27, 1885, the charter on April 30, 1886. Eighteen Sir Knights signed the original petition;
VISALIA COMMANDERY, No. 26, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Visalia.
now San Diego Commandery, No. 25, has 102 members. Sir Norman H. Conkl1n was the first
Eminent Commander, and in the succeeding years Sirs Robert M. Powers, George M1ffl1n Dan-
nals, Add1son Morgan, John P. Burt, Charles Beach Humphrey, and others were efficient in
promoting the interests of the Order. E.\ Sir Robert Morr1s Powers was elected R.\ E.\ Grand
Commander of California in 1898, a distinction merited by marked ability and great devotion to the
cause of the Order at home and throughout the State. The selection was likewise complimentary
to the very superior Commandery stationed in San Diego.
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNI,4. 697
Wisalia Commandery, No. 26, stationed at Visalia, Tulare County, was chartered on April 30,
1886. There were 23 charter members. The present enrollment is 38. The first Eminent Com
mander was Sir Robert CHIDLEY BRODER, who served five successive terms. The present Eminent
Commander is Sir Joseph CLARENCE WARD, who has served five separate terms. Visalia Command
ery has attained reputation as an earnest body of Sir Knights. The manifest interest in the Com
mandery is illustrated by the record of Past Commander CHRISTIAN HAUSCH; though residing on a
ranch twelve miles from Visalia he has not missed a meeting of the Commandery in ten years. The
SAN LUIS OBISPO COMMANDERY, No. 27, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at San Luis Obispo.
same may be said of Past Commander EDWARD HARRISON MILES, who resides in Exeter, ten miles
distant from Visalia. This devotion to Templarism is characteristic of all the fraters of Visalia
Commandery, and adds zest to the meetings and crowns their efforts with success.
The dispensation for forming a Commandery of Knights Templar at San Luis Obispo was
granted by R. E.'. Sir REUBEN H. LLOYD, now the M. E. Grand Master of the Grand Encamp
ment of the United States. The dispensation is dated June 14, 1886; the charter of San Luis
Obispo Commandery, No. 27, was issued on April 29, 1887, with a membership of 29. Within four
years the number increased to 48. The present membership is 47. The Commandery has an excel
lent record, is proficient in asylum work and is in good financial condition.
Aiverside Commandery, No. 28, stationed at Riverside, Riverside County, was chartered on
April 29, 1887, with a membership of 26. Sir SAMUEL BOND HINCKLEY was the first Eminent
Commander. From the date of dispensation to the present time Riverside Commandery has been
active in all the characteristics of a prosperous and praiseworthy body of Knights Templar. There
have been eight Eminent Commanders in twelve years, all of whom are living and members of this
Commandery. The enrollment of Riverside Commandery is 58.
Presno Commandery, No. 29, was chartered on April 20, 1888, with a membership of 21.
The present membership is 48. The degree work is above the average in excellence, and the per
fection of the drill corps has given Fresno Commandery a State reputation. On August 6, 1893,
the asylum of this Commandery, together with the records, paraphernalia, and uniforms of the Sir
Knights, was destroyed by fire, but with fortitude undaunted the Commandery was shortly thereafter
rehabilitated and its prosperity is assured. The first Eminent Commander was Sir JoHN Robert
WILLIAMs. Past Commander FREDERICK MARVIN MILLER is the present V. E. Deputy Grand
Commander of California, a most accomplished and courteous Sir Knight, whose preferment in the
Grand Commandery is alike creditable to himself and an honor to Fresno Commandery.
Fifteen Sir Knights united in a petition to form a Commandery of Knights Templar, to be

stationed at Santa Barbara. Their request was granted on June 26, 1888, and on April 19, 1889,
St. Omar Commandery, No. 30, was chartered with 24 members. The command has increased to
37. There have been seven Eminent Commanders in all–zealous, earnest, capable, devoted Sir
Knights—under whose administrations the Commandery has greatly prospered. The new asylum of
St. Omar Commandery, with its convenient armory and other accessories, enables the Sir Knights to
confer the Orders in a most impressive manner. A Sir Knight, writing from Santa Barbara, says:
“We are proud of our new asylum and the future of St. Omar Commandery appears very bright."
The seventh body of Knights Templar to be organized in Southern California was Pasadena
Commandery, No. 31, stationed at Pasadena. It was chartered on April 22, 1892, with 49 members,
an active, well-equipped command, prepared to carry forward the work of Knighthood in most credit
able manner. That splendid worker in all Masonic bodies, Sir FLORIN LESLIE JONES, was the first
Eminent Commander. The present enrollment is 88. The Commandery is one of the most pros
perous of all the Commanderies in the State, and takes leading rank in asylum work and in the
exemplification of those Christian virtues which distinguish the true Templars.
Mt. Shasta Commandery, No. 32, stationed at Yreka, Siskiyou County, was chartered on April
22, 1892, with 36 valiant Sir Knights on the roll. In no other locality in California is there more
sincere fraternalism, or more able exemplars thereof, than in Yreka. Notable among the fraters are
Sirs CALVIN LEVI GREGORY, CHARLEs WILBER NUTTING, JAMEs RoBERT TAPsCOTT, JoHN MORRIS WAL
BRIDGE, HUDSON B. GILLIS, JoHN SAMUEL BEARD, FREDERICK ELIJAH WADsworth, and MARTIN CUSTER
BEEM. These and others of equal merit and distinction have made Templary and all bodies of
Masonry in Siskiyou County an element of forceful importance and influence in the lovely northern
portion of California.
7OO FIFTY YEx4RS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNI,4.
Ukiah Commandery, No. 33, stationed at Ukiah, Mendocino County, was chartered on April
22, 1892. There were 18 charter members; this number doubled in seven years. It has had three
Eminent Commanders, Sirs JAMES MILTON MANNON, SAMUEL DIHEL PAxTON, and THOMAS LANGLEY
CAROTHERS. The Sir Knights of Ukiah Commandery are earnest and active, and though the Com
mandery has only one Royal Arch Chapter from which to obtain petitions, it has made a highly
creditable record for work and its future prosperity appears assured and very bright.
Alapa Commandery, No. 34, stationed at Napa, Napa County, was chartered on April 23,
1893, with a distinguished roll of officers, the Eminent Commander, Sir HENRY HAY KNAPP, being
ST. OMAR COMMANDERY, No. 30, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Santa Barbara.
a Past Grand High Priest of California; the Generalissimo, Sir CHARLEs RAY GRITMAN, a Past Grand
Master; and the Captain-General, Sir JAMEs BAUNTY STEVENs, being elected Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge the following year, 1894. Another charter member of Napa Commandery is Sir
MoRRIS MARCH EsTEE, Past Grand Master of this State. The Commandery had 27 charter members.
The present membership is 21. As a working body Napa Commandery excels.
Pureka Commandery, No. 35, is stationed at Eureka, Humboldt County. Masonry in that
county has greatly prospered. When the initial steps were taken to form a Commandery 50 Sir
Knights signed the petition for a dispensation, which authority was granted on June 29, 1894. A
charter was issued the following year. There are now 60 members of the Commandery. There has
been sufficient work to keep the officers and Sir Knights bright in the ritual, and active in promoting
the general interests of the Commandery. Sir Thomas Barnes Cutler has been Eminent Com
mander continuously since the institution of the Commandery.
Eleven Sir Knights resident of Santa Ana and vicinity, petitioned in 1895 for permission to
form a Commandery to be stationed at Santa Ana, Orange County. The petition was granted and
UKIAH COMMANDERY, No. 33, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, Stationed at Ukiah.
on April 24, 1896, a charter was issued to Santa Ana Commandery, No. 36. The present member
ship is 33, an increase of 300 per cent. in four years, which bespeaks the merit, zeal, activity, and
earnest endeavor of the Sir Knights of Orange County. The personnel of Santa Ana Commandery
represents splendid citizenship, and valiant, magnanimous, and charitable Knighthood.
The ninth Commandery to organize in Southern California was in Pomona. The dispensation
was granted on January 27, 1896, the charter being issued at the ensuing conclave of the Grand
Commandery, on April 24, 1896. There were 38 charter members of Southern California Command-
ery, No. 37, which number has increased to 43. The Commandery has had three excellent Eminent
Commanders, Sirs Frank Garcelon, Benjam1n Frankl1n Nance, and John Henry Dole.
The nine Commanderies in Southern California constitute one-fourth of the Commanderies and
membership of the entire Grand Jurisdiction of California. Templary, as other branches of Masonry,
is rapidly increasing in the locality south of the Tehachapi range.
With the brief account of Southern California Commandery, No. 37, is closed the history of
Knight Templary of 43 years in California. Only one Commandery has ceased to exist, Bod1e, No.
1 5, and that by surrender of its charter. There are now 36 Commanderies with a membership of
3 10 1 on the rolls of the Grand Commandery of California. The largest in numbers is Los Angeles,
No. 9, with 341 on the roll, California, No. 1, having 307, and Golden Gate, No. 16, 301. The
smallest Commanderies are Colusa, No. 24, and Napa, No. 34, which have 21 each. The average
is 86. There have been the same number of Grand Commanders as Commanderies — namely, 37 —
of which 21 are living and 16 are dead; eight of them have been Grand Masters of the Grand
Lodge, and 12 of them have been Grand High Priests of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
of California.
The following are the 21 living Past Grand Commanders and the terms they have served:
R.\ E.\ Sirs H. H. Rhees, 1865; Wm. M. Rundel, 1866; Fred F. Barss, 1871 ; Wm. A. Dav1es,
1874; Henry S. Orme, 1875; H1ram T. Graves, 1876-7-8; Alfred A. Red1ngton, 1879; Edward
R. Hedges, 1881 ; Charles F. Lott, 1882; George C. Perk1ns, 1883; W1ll1am M. Petr1e, 1884;
Reuben H. Lloyd, 1886-7 —present M.\ E.\ Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the United
States; Samuel H. Wagener, 1890; Jacob H. Neff, 1892; Wm. Vanderhurst, 1893; Frank Wm.
Sumner, 1894; Edward S. L1pp1tt, 1895; Trowbr1dge H. Ward, 1896; George D. Metcalf, 1897;
Robert M. Powers, 1898. Past Grand Commanders, with their terms of service, who have died:
R.\ E.\ Sirs Isaac Dav1s, 1858; Leander Ransom, 1859; James L. Engl1sh, 1860; Alexander G.
Abell, 1861 ; Charles Marsh, 1862; Henry H. Hartley, 1863; W1ll1am C. Belcher, 1864; Isaac
S. T1tus, 1867; Wm. F. Knox, 1868; Charles L. W1gg1n, 1870; Wm. W. Traylor, 1872; Bruce
B. Lee, 1880; Ph1l1p W. Keyser, 1885; Tr1stam Burgess, 1888; Carnot C. Mason, 1889; George
A. Johnson, 1891.
For prudential reasons the prize feature was eliminated from exhibition drills at the Triennial
Conclaves of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, but in many jurisdictions the organization
of Drill Corps by local Commanderies is one of the attractions of the militarism of modern Knight
hood. In California, in recent years, much interest centers in this distinctive feature, the result being
a degree of efficiency that would put a command of Presidio Regulars on mettle to equal. To Past
Grand Commander F. W. Sumner initial and greatest praise must be accorded for the splendid success
of the Drill Corps, which now attract so much attention at the Grand and District Conclaves and
upon local occasions. Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, stationed at San Francisco, assumed the
initiative in this work in 1883, and for several years was alone in the field. Colonel Sumner was
untiring and the success of his efforts and of his successor, Sir W1ll1am Edwards, has upon many
occasions elicited unstinted praise from press and public California Commandery, No. 1, organized
a Drill Corps in 1889, and under instruction from and command of E.\ Sir Reuben P. Hurlbut,
has become most highly efficient, dividing honors with Golden Gate. Under command of Sir J. W.
Long, Los Angeles Commandery, No. 9, stationed at Los Angeles, organized a Drill Corps in 1897.
The evolutions of this corps at the Grand Conclave in Sacramento in 1899 commanded attention
and much praise. San Jose Commandery, No. 10, stationed at San Jose, likewise has a Drill Corps,
under command of Captain-General Albert B. Cash, which adds zest to the work of that Command
ery and interest in the gatherings of Sir Knights at home and abroad. Fresno, Sacramento, and
Marysville have also organized. The generous rivalry of well-drilled commands promises to become
a praiseful feature of every Commandery in California.
The Knight Templar is now a thoroughly drilled soldier as well as a Mason: uniformed and
equipped, and instructed in the school of the soldier, the company and battalion, and formed into
regiments, brigades, divisions, and corps d'armee of a grand army of not less than 120,000 men on
the rolls of the elite of the Masonic fraternity in the main, and composing one -seventh of the entire
Craft, scattered through the army and navy of the United States, the National Guard, and in the
public and private walks of life, the professions, and the brawn and sinew of the builders of the
Republic, and armed for its defense. When the Templar becomes too feeble by age to perform mil
itary duty he still takes a pride in the organization, encourages it by his presence, and in his latter
years he is to be found among his Brethren of the Masonic Veteran Association, where the "silver
grays" assemble and enjoy the stories of the past; and as the sun of his declining years goes down
and rests for a moment upon the bosom of the sea he beholds the insignia of his faith reflected upon
the mirrored waters luminous in crimson light, and as his soul goes out through the Golden Gate
and upward to the All-Father, it breathes the words "By this sign I have conquered."
PAaT GHAIID MAaTER PAaT M ILL. LiHAND MAaTER
PAaT GRAND HlliH PRIEaT. PAaT aHANO LdKMANDER
CHAPTER XXIV.
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite or Treemasonpy.
"The Apostle of Free Thought, Free Speech and Free Consc1ence"— Early Accompl1shment
and Contemporaneous H1story — The Lessons of Profound Ph1losophy.
HE Grand Cabalistic Association, known in Europe under the name of Freemasonry,

/appeared all at once in the world at the period when the protest against the papal
power came to break the Christian unity. The destruction of the Order of Knights
"emplar and the burning at the stake of Jacques De Molay, their last Grand
in Paris, on March 11, 13 13, with thousands of them proscribed or
persecuted to their death under the pretext of heresy, and who were excommu
%4 nicated and scattered under the terrible conspiracy of Pope Clement V, Ph1l1p
the Fair of France, and the ultramontane Order of Knights of St. John of Jerusalem,
who received as a reward for their perfidy the possessions of the Templars in the islands
of Rhodes and of Malta (and receiving a new title, that of the Knights of Malta), caused
the remnants of Knights Templar to seek refuge in other countries than their own, where
they might enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
One portion fled to Germany, where they found protection under an excommunicated Emperor,
who incorporated them into a branch of the Teutonic Order of Knights of St. Mary, who had fought
by their side in the wars of the Crusades in the Holy Land. Their beauseant or battle-flag of black
and white in the form of a pennon (swallow-tail), which they could no longer carry, was taken from
them, the swallow-tail part cut off, and, that they might always be able to see their colors and to
remind them of the blood of the martyred Templars so unjustly and wickedly put to death, the broad
red stripe was placed under it and adopted as the flag of Germany, which still continues to be the
standard of that nation to-day under the House of Brandenburg. Some of those in northern France
and Germany renounced the vows of a military priesthood of an Order dismembered, dissolved, and
scattered, and, contracting matrimonial alliances, reared families and were absorbed among the people
according to their condition and estate. Yet secretly to distinguish their origin they adopted a name
as the followers of Hugo De Payens De Guenoc, the founder of the Order of the Temple, and in
time became more generally known as Les Huguenots, or French Protestants. Having preserved
their blood and language distinct, many gradually returned to France, from which in after years, upon
the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, they were again robbed of their property, expelled
from France, and driven to other countries, being a repetition in part which in 1313, or 372 years
before, had been visited upon their ancestors, the Knights Templar.
The remnants of the Knights Templar in England, Scotland, and Ireland were ordered to
disband their organization, dissolve, and become incorporated with the English branch of Knights of
St. John of Jerusalem, or Knights of Malta, to enter their priories and preceptories, or suffer the
like consequences as had been visited upon the Brethren in France and throughout southern Europe.
Edward II, the son-in-law of their bitter enemy, Ph1l1p the Fair of France, was then on the throne
of England, and equally fierce in his determination to carry out the relentless measures of persecution
against the Templars in his dominions. America had not then been discovered and there was no
place of refuge in the British isles except in the Kingdom of Scotland, then harassed by raids from
England across the border and threatened with subjugation by Edward II. It was at a time when
Robert the Bruce, the rightful heir to the Scottish throne, was contending for the freedom and inde
pendence of Scotland and his lawful inheritance to the crown. To him a remnant of the Knights
Templar, who refused to join with their enemies the Knights of Malta, fled for protection. He had
led a portion of them in the wars of the Holy Land to regain possession of the sepulcher of Chr1st.
Their faith in him did not prove groundless, but the
name of Knight Templar as elsewhere throughout Europe
had to be dropped, on account of the hostility and
power of their enemies, and that branch was incorporated
by Bruce into the Order of Knights of St. Andrew of
Scotland, of Chardon, or of the Thistle, which with their
aid on St. John the Baptist's Day, June 24, 13 14 (a little
more than a year after their last Grand Master De Molay
had been burned at the stake), at the battle of Bannockburn
the army of Edward l I was overthrown, the independence
of Scotland was secured, and Robert Bruce was restored
to the throne. In honor of the victory secured by him
on that day he instituted the Order of the Rosy Cross at
Kilwinning in the county of Ayr, which served alike for
the Knights of St. Andrew and Royal Order of Scotland
and the Knights Templar which had been incorporated
into that Order—that in the persecution, sufferings, death,
burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Sav1or the
Knights Templar might see symbolized the persecution,
suffering, and death of their Grand Master De Molay,
and the resurrection of their lost cause and restoration of
their possessions wrongfully JACQUES DE MOLAY. held by their inveterate ene
mies, the Knights of Malta; while as Scottish Knights of St. Andrew they saw the past woes of
Scotland, her deep misery and degradation heaped upon her by the same relentless foe, and which had
now risen with their aid to a glorious independence, with the brightest hopes of peace, prosperity,
and happiness before her.
From the loins of the old Knights Templar of Great Britain and France and the Teutonic
Knights of Germany sprang the fathers of Freemasonry and the Reformation, and to them is the
Masonic world indebted for all there is of Speculative Freemasonry, their colleges of science and
philosophy, with the grand triune principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity emblazoned on its
banners with the interlaced triangles of Faith, Hope, and Charity. The subsequent wars between
England and Scotland caused many to flee from Scotland to the Continent and seek asylum in France
and Germany, and to again return to their native land when the times were more propitious and
there were favorable opportunities. And for nearly five hundred years the chivalry of Scotland was
in constant migration to and from the Continent, and it was but natural that during that long period
those descended from or allied in blood to the Knights Templar of Scotland, when seeking an asylum
abroad where they were welcomed as friends and given protection, should carefully seek out those
of the same blood and visit the localities where once had stood the priories and preceptories of their
Templar ancestry. In those times Scotchmen generally traveled in foreign countries while the
English landsmen remained at home.
In 1324, ten years after the battle of Bannockburn, which made Scotland free from Edward
II, there was born in the small village of Spresswell, in the northwest portion of the county of York,
England, a male infant that was destined to start a movement that in time should revolutionize the
world. There were no printing presses in those days and all the learning acquired in colleges was
from bound manuscripts only, mainly written in black letter of the old Gothic style. As this infant
grew up to youth and manhood he was sent to Oxford, where he was educated and became a Master
in Baliol or Queen's College. He arose to eminence in his profession, but it was in his greatest
work that has made his name immortal. There was no printing press, but he employed hundreds
of pens to transcribe his the first translation of the Bible into the common English tongue from the
Latin vulgate of Sr. Jerome, for he was not familiar with either Hebrew or Greek. This was no
other than John Wycl1f, the "morning star" of the Reformation. There are still extant 170 copies
of Wycl1f' s translation of the Great Light, and one may be seen in the Lenox Library in New
York. The flames have not been permitted to consume them, and the centuries have not obliterated
the hand- writing. The Bible was precious in those days. It required nearly $200 to buy a single
copy, or what would be not less than $1000 now. It was beyond the reach of the poor, except as
they had access to the house of the wealthy or families united in its purchase. John Wycl1f died
in his bed on December 31, 1384, and his remains were reverently laid near the Lutterworth pulpit,
but not to rest in peace. Thirty years later, in 141 5, the Council of Constance, which condemned
John Huss and Jerome of Prague and burnt them outside the city gate, ordered Wycl1f's books to
be destroyed and his bones to be exhumed and burned. Pope Mart1n V commanded Flem1ng,
Bishop of Lincoln, to execute the decree, and it was done but not until 1428. The harmless bones
were consumed and the ashes were thrown into the Swift, as the ashes of De M0lav were thrown
into the Seine. But the Great Light was preserved by its friends and destined to illumine the world.
A century rolls by, and a German monk, the son of a silver miner in the Hartz Mountains,
is a guest in the hotel of the Knights of Rhodes and of Malta in the city of Worms, by command
and appointment, and to confront in the Diet to be held the Emperor Charles V, whosea kingdom
extended over the Old and the New Worlds ; his brother, the Archduke Ferd1nand ; six Electors of
the empire, whose descendants now almost all wear kingly crowns ; eighty dukes, most of them reign
ing over countries of greater or lesser extent ; the Duke of Alba and his two sons, eight margraves,
thirty archbishops, bishops or prelates ; seven ambassadors, among whom were those of the kings of
France and England ; the deputies of ten free cities, a great number of princes, sovereign counts, and
barons ; and lastly, the Pope's nuncios—in all, 204 of the highest of the world's rulers and personages—
constituting the imposing court before which this son of a peasant and silver miner was summoned to
appear to testify to the truth, the Great Light of Masonry. When the Pope's agent said to him,
"Will you or will you not retract?" he instantly, without hesitation, replied in a few words, thus
concluding, "/ cannot and I will not retract anything, for it is not safe for the Christian to speak
against his conscience." Then looking around on the assembly that held his life in its hands, said:
"Here I am, I can do no otherwise; God help me! Amen." Thus spake Mart1n Luther.
He had a safe conduct to go to Worms and return. Some of the papal representatives present
demanded that the safe conduct granted to Luther should not be respected. "The Rhine," they
"Into that solitary castle, called the Wartburg, Luther was conducted/7
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIX4. 709
said, “ought to receive his ashes as it did a century ago those of John HUss.” “When this was
learned," says PALLAVICINI, “four hundred nobles were ready to maintain the integrity of the safe
conduct with their swords.” These were the Teutonic Knights. LUTHER left the city of Worms to
return home, but while on his way his friends feared treachery, for the Emperor CHARLEs V had
proclaimed against him. As his vehicle was following the road near the forest of Thuringen the
driver was suddenly set upon by five horsemen and three of them seized LUTHER, dragged him from
the carriage, flung a cloak over his shoulders, and placed him on a led horse and rode off with him
as a prisoner, being soon afterward joined by the other two mounted men. They first took the road
to Broderode, but soon doubled back by another route, and tracked the wood backward and forward
in all directions, to confuse anyone who might pursue them. Night having fallen and there being
no chance of anyone following them, LUTHER's captors struck into a new route. It was nearly 11
o'clock when they reached the foot of a mountain, which their horses slowly ascended; on the summit
was an old fortress, surrounded on all sides except the approach by the black forests that cover the
mountains of Thuringen. Into that solitary castle, called the Wartburg, formerly the retreat of the
ancient landgraves, LUTHER was conducted. Bolts were drawn, iron bars fell, the gates were thrown
open for the Reformer to pass, and then closed upon him. He dismounted in the courtyard. One
of the horsemen, BURKARD VON HUND, Lord of Altenstein, withdrew; another, JoHN VoN BERLEPsCH,
provost of the Wartburg, led MARTIN LUTHER to the chamber that was to be his prison, and in which
lay a knight's uniform and a sword. The three other cavaliers who were under the provost's orders
took off LUTHER's ecclesiastical habit and clothed him in the habit of a knight, telling him that he
was to let his hair and beard grow, so that no one even in the castle might find out who he was;
the people of the castle were only to know the prisoner by the name of Knight GEORGE. LUTHER
could scarcely recognize himself in his new garb. At last they left him to his solitude, and his mind
roamed by turns over the wonderful things which had just come to pass in Worms, the uncertain
future that awaited him, and his strange abode. Through the narrow windows of his dungeon he
could see that he was encompassed by dark, lonely, and immense forests. They were the Teutonic
Knights who had thus made him prisoner, to keep him safely from the wolves of Rome, and it was
a long time before his friend FREDERICK the Elector knew of his place of concealment.
Here, like ST. JoHN on the Isle of Patmos, LUTHER was shut up for a year, while Germany
was mourning his supposed death. Here he translated the Bible from the Latin into his German
mother tongue. “Let there be light, and there was light!" LUTHER now voluntarily left the Wart
burg and returned to his home. The printing press, which had been invented, was printing the
Great Light, which was being seen and read throughout all Germany; and ALBERT of Brandenburg,
the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, and hosts of others espoused LUTHER's cause in its
defense. In Germany its security was assured at least. The 19th of April is a day of the most
notable anniversaries of the whole year. On April 19, 1529, when the great declaration of religious
independence was made at the Diet of Spires by the princes of Germany in favor of the Bible, and
protesting against the decree of the Emperor CHARLEs V for suppressing it, and the rights of con
science for which they were denominated Protestants.
King HENRY VIII of England took up the cause of the papacy and wrote against LUTHER,
for which he had added to his title “Defender of the Faith,” given him by the Pope. But because
the Pope would not sanction his divorce from CATHARINE of Aragon that he might marry ANNE
BoLEYN, he cut loose from Rome, divorced himself, and proclaimed himself the head of the Church
in England, which was confirmed by Parliament. He soon caused ANNE BOLEYN to be beheaded,
and the next day married JANE SEYMoUR, who lived but a year, when he married ANNE of Cleves,
7 Io FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIM.
a Protestant, from whom he was divorced after he had beheaded THOMAs CROMWELL, who had advised
the marriage. He then married the guilty and unhappy CATHERINE HowARD, whom he soon after
ward beheaded. And finally he chose for his sixth wife CATHERINE PURR, the virtuous widow of
Lord LATIMER, who survived him. He died on January 28, 1547, and the world was made better
for the removal of this bloody monster from the face of the earth by the Almighty hand, for it pre
pared the way in a measure for Freemasonry and free conscience, with the Great Light that was to
illumine the British isles.
All the monasteries throughout Christendom were stirred up, and imprisoned knowledge, history,
and the concealed sciences, so long buried like caged birds and chained souls, were occasionally making
a break for freedom. Some were to fall into the flames and become martyrs for conscience sake,
perish by the wayside, or successfully make their escape and become torch-bearers of the light of
freedom and the truth. Scotland at this time swarmed with ignorant, idle vagabonds in the garb of
monks, who like locusts devoured the fruits of the earth and filled the air with pestilential infection;
with friars, white, black, and gray; canons, regular and of ST. ANTHONY; Carmelites, Cordeliers,
Dominicans, Franciscans, Conventuals, and Observantines; Jacobins, monks of Tyrone, and the Tem
plars old enemies, the Holy Knights of St. John of Jerusalem; and others, miserable libels even on
ordinary depraved humanity. But ere long a change for the better is to come over Scotland, pro
duced by the most remarkable Scotchman of that age.
In the year 1505, in the suburbs of Haddington—or, as some believe, in the village of Gifford
gate—Scotland, was an infant born, in the same year that MARTIN LUTHER entered the Augustinian
Monastery at Erfurt. He took his name, as it was supposed, from the paternal mansion, which was
called the “knock.” It was situated near the birthplace of that great patriot WILLIAM WALLACE and
the ancestral home of MARY STUART. Here was born JoHN KNox. He attended the grammar
school until he was sixteen years of age, when he was sent to the University of Glasgow. He had
for his teacher JoHN MAIR, who was well calculated by a vigorous mind, strong convictions, and
progressive thought, to mold and shape the intellect of his pupil, who soon outstripped his master,
who encouraged him forward in the direction of his inclination which fixed the line of his destiny.
MAIR held sentiments which were in perfect consonance with the principles and teachings of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to-day, which but few held then, and a smaller
number dared to express, with respect to the authority of the Pope and the prerogatives of kings,
which found their fruitage at a later day in religious and civil freedom—on the one hand, freedom of
conscience and the overthrow of civil and spiritual despotism; on the other, the lifting up of the
people as the source of all civil authority and the court of highest appeal. These sentiments which
had previously been held by a few on the Continent were readily imbibed by the young student.
They commended themselves to his innate sense of right, and he was prepared to follow them on to
their legitimate results. Although he became a priest, yet JoHN KNOx was at the same time like the
rest of his countrymen not impervious to the truth. They were strong, rugged, and courageous.
Give them a little light, they crave more and will have it. And even at that period, despite the
depression of the dominant religion, they were brave, resolute, and powerful, stern as the mountains
of the North, and unbridled as the air which swept the highlands and the moors. Bannockburn
told the story of their prowess, and EDWARD II, unable to conquer them, was driven back to the
Southland, the border bristling with bayonets, and guarded by frowning castles which lifted their dark
bastions and towers into the murky sky.
Among the acquaintances of JoHN KNOx was PATRICK HAMILTON, the great grandson of
JAMEs II and one year the senior of JoHN KNox. He was made Abbot of Ferne when only thirteen
BURNING OF WYCLIF'S BIBLES.
7 12 FIFTY YEARS OF MY18ONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
years old. He had been a student in the University of Paris. Here he heard of MARTIN LUTHER,
and his attention as a student of the sacred languages was directed to the Great Light, which he
was soon able to read in the original tongues, and his faith in the papacy became weakened. He
returned to Scotland, where Cardinal BEATON of St. Andrew's, learning of his defection from the faith,
charged him with heresy and declared that he ought to be put to death. HAMILTON deemed it best
to return to the Continent, and went to Wittenburg, where he met MARTIN LUTHER, PHILIP MELANC
THON, and FRANCIS LAMBERT; he then went to Marburg, where he formed the acquaintance of WILLIAM
TVNDALE and JoHN FRITH. With their instruction and encouragement he resolved to return once
more to Scotland, his native land. In his own country he preached to noblemen and their families,
who were his own kindred, some of whom believed. Then he ventured to proclaim the truth in
public places and to common people. Some heard him gladly, others pronounced him a heretic and
reported his words to the ecclesiastical autocrat of St. Andrew's. HAMILTON was induced to appear
at a conference for the ostensible purpose of calmly discussing the principles of his faith. Then
followed a mock trial, after which he was cast into the old sea-tower, which still remains, and on a
wintry day in 1528 he was burned at the stake. With his dying breath he prayed for his murderers.
When nearly burned through the waist by the fiery chain which bound him to the stake, and when
power of speech was gone, a spectator, addressing him from the crowd, asked that if he still had
faith in the views for which he was condemned he should indicate it by a sign. Thereupon he lifted
his mutilated hand and held it aloft until he died, thus declaring his unfailing trust in GoD and point
ing the way to that Heaven which opened for his entrance. Thus perished, at the age of twenty
four, the great grandson of JAMEs II, King of Scotland. Some of the nobility of Scotland were
deeply affected by the martyrdom of this royal youth. Does a Roman cardinal hold in his hands
the lives of men nobly born? Are we answerable for our faith to a cruel hierarchy? Whereunto
shall this matter grow? Then came the inquiry, “For what did HAMILTON die?" Many sought an
answer, and in finding it discovered the truth. On the day that HAMILTON died the papacy unwit
tingly kindled a fire which shone all over Scotland, in the flames of which it was itself consumed.
A few years later the Earl of Arran was appointed to administer the government during the
minority of the Queen. The Scottish Parliament granted to all the privilege of reading the Bible in
their own language, and it was scattered throughout Scotland, but the man who dared to read and
interpret for himself was accused, and another fire is to be kindled. GEORGE WISHART, brother of the
Laird of Pittarrow, a man of extraordinary power and eloquence, commences preaching the truth and
crowds accompany him everywhere. Among them there follows him wherever he goes a thoughtful
man of small stature and intellectual countenance, whose love to WISHART, like that of JONATHAN for
DAVID, passes that of women. The holy fire of the preacher burns into his soul and consumes the
last remains of a superstitious belief. The day that an attempt was made to assassinate WISHART
this attendant interfered and saved his life. But by order of the Earl of Bothwell, WISHART was
seized. His faithful friend preferred to share his fate. “GoD bless you!" said WISHART; “one is
sufficient for a sacrifice," and so they parted. That young man who went sorrowfully away was no
other than JoHN KNOx, he who was to carry on the work which WISHART laid out. WISHART was
tried and condemned to death. They put on him a black robe, attached bags of gunpowder to his
person, and a chain about his waist led him to the stake. When he came to the place of execution
he knelt down and rose again, thrice repeating the prayer: “O! thou Savior of the world, have mercy
upon me! Father of Heaven, I commend my spirit into Thy hands.” The same words were spoken
at the stake by DE MOLAY, the last Grand Master of the Templars. A trumpet sounds; it is the
signal for execution. WISHART is bound to the stake and the fires are kindled. Archbishop BEATON
"God bless you!" said Wishart; "one is sufficient for a sacrifice."
7H FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
looks from his castle window and "feeds his eyes with the martyr's torments." Some who witnessed
the martyr's death said, "Beaton is W1shart's murderer, and he shall die." "Law in its pure and
proper sense," says a modern historian, "there was none in Scotland. The partition lines between
evil and good were obliterated in the general anarchy, and right struggled against wrong with such
ambiguous weapons as the wild justice of Nature suggested."
On another day three men made their way along the dark passages of the castle to the chamber
of Beaton, into which they forced an entrance. They bade the cardinal "repent him of his former
wicked life," after which they smote him with their swords until he died. Then from the window of
the castle from which he had witnessed the execution of W 1shart
they exposed the dead cardinal to the view of the multitude now
gathered about the castle gate, and then carried the body to the old
sea-tower, in which Ham1lton had been imprisoned and before which
W1shart had been burned. It was lawless justice smiting down one
beyond the reach of the law. The murderer died for his crimes, and
on that day rang the death -knell of superstition, fanaticism, and irre
sponsible power. The long night wanes and the light of the dawn
of civil and religious liberty appears in the low horizon. Now John
Knox once more appears upon the scene, whose life is interwoven
into the woof and web of all Scottish history until the fires of perse
cution are utterly extinguished in that noble land made holy by the
blood of the martyrs, and grand in history, legend, poetry, and song.
A year after the death of Beaton, John Knox was quietly engaged
as a teacher in St. Andrew's. He was selected as an assistant to
the preacher, a converted monk, late from the monastery at Stir
ling, by the name of John Rough, and he entered upon the work.
The parish church was crowded to hear the new preacher. He
made the arches ring with his vehement eloquence. His lone voice
in St. Andrew's Church reached farther than the walls that shut him
in. All Scotland heard it and was moved as by an earthquake. His
followers multiplied as the rain drops of a continuous shower. Rome
was alarmed. Something must be done and done quickly. A French
fleet hastens to St. Andrew's. The people see the white sails at the
foot of every street, and

soon discover that they are
surrounded by the enemy.
Then comes the contest,
but it is unequal. The gar
rison surrenders. The castle
is taken. John Knox and
many others go aboard the
French galleys, and, in vio
lation of solemn pledges,
are bound with chains.
They are conveyed to
France. The heretics are
commanded to recant, and
are threatened with tor
tures if they refuse. They
say they are ready to die, but
not to deny their faith. Once
the galleys returned to the
vicinity of St. Andrew's, and
when John Knox saw the
spire of the parish chapel,
though denied his liberty and
sick of a fever, he said, " I
shall not depart this life until
that my tongue shall glorify
God's goodly name in that
place."
The fleet returned to France.
After nineteen months of im
prisonment it was supposed
that heresy had received its
deathblow in the consent of
the Scottish Parliament to the
marriage of the beautiful Queen
Mary to the dauphin of France,
and in the belief of this, Knox
was contemptuously liberated.
For Rome it was a great blun
der. John Knox was greater
than the Scottish queen — a
mightier factor in the world's
history than the thrones of
Scotland and France combined. CHKISTOPHR PLANT! N
After his liberation he went
Printer of
to London, where he labored Famous Polyglot Bible.
716 FIFTY YEx4RS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
earnestly. EDWARD VI offered him a bishopric, but he declined. The condition of affairs was unsatis
factory and it was but a question of time that there would be a relapse of the people, and on the
accession of Queen MARY to the throne of England it came. Under the reign of MARY his fears
were more than realized. Persecution was revived. The heavens were red with flames and the earth
with blood. KNOx was urged by his friends to go to the Continent, but he at first refused. They
begged him in tears for his own sake and theirs to go, and he reluctantly consented. He crossed
the English Channel to Dieppe, where he waited for a short time, then traveled into France, Germany,
and Switzerland, and at Geneva waited patiently for the time when he might resume his labors in
his own land, while Scotland waits with anxious hopes and fears for his return. -
Five years had elapsed since he was exiled from England, and finding that it was possible for
him to return to Scotland, though denied a passage through England, he sailed direct from Dieppe
to Leith, Scotland, and arrived at a most critical period. He went to Perth and commenced his
labors. It was determined to give him a welcome at St. Andrew's. As he approached the old town
and saw the spire of the cathedral lifted above the trees, JoHN KNox's prophecy when a prisoner on
the French galleys, that he would live to preach in the parish church, was at once recalled. The
archbishop of St. Andrew's, hearing that KNOx proposed to preach in the cathedral, collected a number
of armed men and notified him that if he attempted to address the people he would do it at the
peril of his life. JoHN KNOx was urged by the noblemen to preserve silence. He declined. It was
a question of life and death—not of one, but of civil and religious liberty in Scotland. He announced
that he would preach on the following day. To his enemies he said, “I call to GoD to witness that
I never preached in contempt of any man nor with the design of hurting any earthly creature, but
to delay to preach on the morrow, unless forcibly hindered, I cannot agree.” To his friends he said:
“As for the fear of danger that may come to me let no man be solicitous, for my life is in custody
of Him whose glory I seek. I desire the hand or weapon of no man to defend me. I only crave
audience, which if it be denied me here at this time I must seek where I may have it." He stands
in his purpose immovable as Ben Lomond Mountain, which from a serene heaven looks down its
slopes to the valleys beyond. The day comes. The sun struggles through the mists which over
hang the town. The attention of the people is now turned toward the castle, where the soldiery
await the command of the archbishop to do their work of death, and again to the parish church,
toward which a multitude are wending their way. The hour of service comes. JoHN KNOx passes
fearlessly down the street, enters the church, ascends the pulpit, before him a sea of faces, and there
is a breathless silence of the people as he rises in his place. He preached. And not only that day,
but on several successive days, to large assemblies, not only at St. Andrew's but at Kelso, Jedburgh,
Ayr, Stirling, Perth, Montrose, and Dundee, making a tour through Scotland, which everywhere felt
the magnetic influence of his presence.
Provision was made for the education of the young, schools were established, and Scotland
took on a freer and better life, and there was a season of quiet. King FRANCIs II of France died,
and on August 19, 1561, MARY, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland. Her return was greeted with
many demonstrations of joy, but the deil came with her in her retinue. She married Lord DARNLEy,
but had for a paramour an Italian named DAVID Rizzio, her private secretary. One evening, while
the queen, Rizzio, and a few of MARY's friends were sitting in the supping room in the Holyrood
House, muffled steps were heard on the stairway leading to this room. A moment later, Lord
DARNLEY entered, pale and trembling, followed by armed men, who seized the Italian and slew him,
regardless of the entreaties of the queen to spare his life. MARY dried her tears and said, “Now I
will study revenge." The murder of her paramour, instigated by DARNLEy, diverted her attention
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIyá. 7 17
from her designs against JoHN KNOx and the reformed religion. She had but one idea, the avenging
of Rizzio's death. The unprincipled BoTHwBLL was ready to become her agent. DARNLEY was
enticed to an isolated dwelling in Edinburgh, and on the night of February 10, 1569, was murdered,
the house in which he was lying being blown up by gunpowder. MARY had found her revenge.
Shortly afterward she was married to BothweLL. Before the bar of public opinion and at the
tribunal of GoD she is pronounced a murderess and an adulteress. Thereafter her hands are covered
with blood—she is more unhappy than ever before. Her energy of character deserts her; her guilt
haunts her. Avengers seem ever on her track; her power over her former friends is broken. Scot
land is frowning and sullen, and will no longer come at her call. Armies will no longer fight for the
beautiful but wicked queen. BothweLL is hated and flees for his life. MARY is a prisoner in Loch
lenen Castle, makes her escape aided by the HAMILTONs and their allies, attempts to hew her way
back to the throne, is defeated, exiled to England, there imprisoned, and after a long confinement in
the Tower of London is beheaded.
Thus closed the wretched life of the beautiful but unprincipled MARy, Queen of Scots. Upon
the regency of the Earl of Murray the kingdom had comparative peace. On December 15, 1567,
the Scottish Parliament confirmed the action of 1560 in favor of the Protestant religion. It took
deep root and extended its branches. Then JoHN KNOx, worn with labor, depressed by disease, and
in the course of nature approaching the end of life, thought to lay off his armor and compose himself
for a change of worlds. But suddenly with all Scotland he was startled by the intelligence of the
good regent's death. While passing through a narrow street in Linlithgow, the Earl of Murray was
shot and mortally wounded by a concealed assassin, the ingrate HAMILTON, the bastard son of the
Archbishop of St. Andrew's, whose life, after the battle of Langside, the regent himself had spared.
In a few hours the regent—the wise ruler, the earnest Christian, the friend of the Reformation—a
man of rare beauty of character, was no more. Scotland deeply mourned his death. JoHN KNOx
was almost crushed by the blow which smote down the beloved regent. Ever memorable is the
sermon that JoHN KNox preached over the remains of the Earl of Murray and the prayer that he
offered on the sad funeral day. But JoHN KNOx himself was not safe from the papal assassins.
One evening as he took his accustomed seat at his table he felt impelled to change his place. A
moment later a musket-ball passes through the window over his vacant chair; it is deflected from its
course and deeply imbedded in the ceiling. KNox's time had not yet come. Yielding to the solicit
ation of friends he removed to St. Andrew's, where he continued his work for a short time, when he
was invited to Edinburgh, his friends desiring to hear him once more before he dies. He goes on
the condition that he should not be required to keep silence respecting the conduct of those who
kept the castle, “whose treasonable and tyrannical deeds he would cry out against as long as he was
able to speak." -
In the early part of September of the year 1572 the news came to Edinburgh of the massacre
of St. Bartholomew in Paris. CHARLEs IX, at the instigation of his mother CATHERINE DE MEDICI
and the papacy, had ordered the murder of Admiral ColiGNY, and in Paris and throughout France
70,000 men and women, old and young, and little children were put to death in the short space of
only one week. By direction of Pope GREGORY XIII a public thanksgiving was held throughout all
papal countries. When the envoys of CHARLEs IX reached Rome the Pope wished that they should
hand to him in solemn audience the letters of the Court of France and the strange present which
CATHERINE DE MEDICI sent him. “It was the head of Admiral Col.IGNY," says BRANTOME, “whom
the mother and son, those crowned murderers, had sundered from his noble body and which they
sent to the Pope, as the most agreeable offering they could make to the vicar of CHRIST." Pope
GREGORY received this head with transports of ferocious

joy, and in testimony of his gratitude to the king he
sent him a magnificent blessed sword, on which was
represented an exterminating angel. He also had a
medal struck in honor of the event, and in the Vati
can's galleries is still to be seen a painting of those
horrible and cruel deeds. Lovers of civil and religious
liberty everywhere were bowed down under this great
affliction. Scotland was overwhelmed with sorrow.
JoHN KNOx was sorely distressed, but his faith in

GoD and in the final triumph of the right did not
fail him. He asked that, although he was partly
paralyzed, he might be carried to the pulpit of old
St. Giles' Church, and there he forgot his physical
pains in the expression of his holy wrath. The waver
ing grew firm. The discouraged became hopeful. The
voice of the people was as one man: “Come what
may, we will hold fast to the Holy Bible."
But the great life-work of JoHN KNOx was done.
On Monday, November 24, 1572, the brave old lion
of Scotland passed away in peace in the sixty-seventh
year of his age. Well did THOMAS CARLYLE say,
“that for her liberty Scotland owed more to JoHN
KNOx than to all other men.” His influence was
far more potent than that of RoBERT BRUCE, of DAVID

II, or of HENRY VIII. Had he not, with MARTIN
LUTHER, MELANCTHON, FAREL, ZwiNGLE, RIDLEY,
- THE ASASSINATION LATIMER, CRANMER, and others, prepared
the field,
OF THE RECENT there would not have been any such thing known as
speculative or philosophic Freemasonry and the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite, or any other rite of
Masonry ever come into existence, with Morality, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for its base, an
altar erected with the chief Great Light of Masonry thereon as the silent witness of the solemn
obligations taken upon it. But we are anticipating what is hereafter to follow.
On Wednesday, November 25, 1572, JoHN KNox was buried in the churchyard of St. Giles.
A multitude of people witnessed his burial. Loving and grateful hands laid him in his grave, and
Regent MoRTON, looking into that lowly resting-place, exclaimed in words immortal as their subject,
“There lies he who never feared the face of man—who, though often threatened with dog and dagger,
hath ended his days in peace." The strides of the Reformation through streams and seas of blood
and persecution for nearly three centuries materially changed the character of nearly the whole popu
lation of Europe and converted the island of Great Britain into a home of refuge for the persecuted,
exiled reformers, fleeing before the armies of the papacy, led by those blood-hounds in human form
the Dominicans and Jesuits. On the continent of Europe operative Masonry was comparatively at a
halt. The renunciation by HENRY VIII of the papal authority and declaring the English Church
independent of the Vatican added fresh fuel to the fire of the wrath of the Pope. When ELIZABETH
upon the death of bloody Mary was called to the throne both England and Scotland were in a con
stant state of inflammation consequent upon the great religious and political conflicts and warfare which
extended throughout Christendom. Under her patronage a new style of architecture called the
"Elizabethan" was introduced and newer designs were being drawn upon the trestle -boards by the
master workmen of the Craft, while the noblest spirits—poets, scholars, and philosophers of the age—
found patronage and protection at the hands of this masculine "Virgin Queen of England," against
whom the thunders of the Vatican roared in vain and the daggers of its Jesuit assassins failed when
directed at the breast of their intended royal victim. But when El1zabeth passed away on March
24, 1603, she was succeeded by James (Stuart) VI, the Protestant King of Scotland, who became
James I of England, uniting the thrones of both countries on July 25, 1603, in the very dawn of
the seventeenth century—an age of stupendous convulsions and disturbances, which shook the British
Isles to their foundations, and were the cause of forced as well as voluntary expatriations and first
peopling the Atlantic shores of America with English colonies, along the watery edge of a rock-rimmed
wilderness inhabited by hostile savages, but where the vision of St. John the Evangelist was fully
materialized in after years in the form of perfect civil and religious liberty. "And the woman [Liberty |
fled into the wilderness, into her place where she hath a place prepared of God. And to the woman
were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place where
she is nourished from the face of the serpent," said St. John the Evangelist in his Revelations.
Religious freedom in the main was secured. The Scottish King of England and the United
Kingdom has the Great Light brought forth and translated out of the dead tongues and given to
the people, and appointed to be read openly in the churches in a language that can be heard and
all understand. He provides an honored place for it in public processions, in the coronation ceremo
nies to be forever used in the crowning of the Protestant sovereigns of Great Britain and none
others, and from which in after years the same ceremonies, modified, are to be continually used in
the installations of Masters of Lodges of Freemasonry and other cet
monies of the Craft. Rome has nothing to expect in her favor fro1
James I, and through her deadly corps of Jesuit conspirators and assassi1
attempts to destroy both James I and the Parliament of England
blowing them into the air. Fortunately for him and his kingdom
and for humanity, the Gunpowder Plot fails, and the immediate
conspirators and assassins meet the due punishment of their
intended crime, while the Pope, in anger and disappointment,
says low mass for their lost souls. The first quarter of a
century passes away, terminating his reign on the throne by a
natural death, on March 27, 1625, and he is succeeded by his
eldest son, Charles I, but during the latter's reign, amid civil war and revolutions, he having married
Henr1etta Mar1e (daughter of Henry IV of France), a papist wife, and imported a retinue and horde
of priests and Jesuits with her from France, the realm was rent with wars and bloodshed, until at last
he was brought to trial by Parliament, and two years before the first half of the century closes, he
is beheaded, January 30, 1648, for his treason to the British Constitution and to the people.
In the midst of these wars and troubles operative Freemasonry was inactive and silent, while
speculative Freemasonry, in connection with it as we now have it, had not been dreamed of by the
wisest philosophers and scholars of those days. The Protectorate of Cromwell, however, materially
changed this state of affairs. On the pacification of the people and the restoration of peace, the
affairs of Great Britain underwent a favorable transformation, and he caused her flag to be honored
at home, respected abroad, and dreaded by her enemies throughout the world. At home the schools
and universities advanced to a high state of improvement and culture ; commerce, manufactures, and
navigation flourished to a degree that had never been reached before ; and the erection of magnificent
buildings and structures had begun to a liberal extent, giving employment to architects and the guild
of Freemasons in their construction, when suddenly it was brought to a dead stop by the death of
Ol1ver Cromwell, on September 3, 1658. The year and a half that his son R1chard ruled as the
Protector of the Commonwealth was not marked with any event of importance, and the tide of
progress and good government was to be turned back, and all the evils which could be brought upon
a nation within itself were consummated upon the accession of Charles II to the throne, on May
29, 1660. For the twenty-five years of his reign of revenge, profligacy, debauchery, and immorality,
no period of the world's history since the days just before the flood has had its equal among any
people. If he could have covered his kingdom with a roof he would have converted it into a general
house of prostitution, if he had been able to entirely debauch and corrupt the people. During his
reign in the summer of 1664 the Great Plague broke out in London and spread over the kingdom,
and in London alone, in the short space of four months, not less than 100,000 people were swept
away by its ravages. Two years afterward, on September 3, 1666, the Great Fire of London broke
out, which raged for three days, in which over 13,000 houses and 90 churches, including St. Paul's,
were destroyed and laid in ashes. To restore and rebuild the city caused the influx of an immense
gathering of operative Masons from all over the kingdom and from abroad to find employment in
London, which also received a new addition to its population from the expatriated Huguenots from
France and other religious reformers, who, in exile, sought security from persecution, hoping to find
that freedom of conscience denied them at home. These people having to depend upon their own
industry for their maintenance, fused with the guilds of London and the other cities in their various
branches of labor and swelled the ranks of operative Freemasons and other organizations, and indoc
trinated them with their own ideas of civil and religious liberty.
On February 6, 1685, the world was relieved of the presence of Charles II, and on April
23d following, James II ascended the throne, and he was the last of the male line of the Stuarts to
be crowned King of Great Britain and Ireland. But he, treacherous and false to his oath, after four
years' efforts to restore the supremacy of the papacy, is forced to abdicate by the people and driven
into exile, from whence he returns to make one more, and the last but fruitless effort to regain his
throne. Says the French historian Du Cormen1n (himself a Catholic), in his "History of the Popes":
"Clement XI addressed a brief to James II, the dethroned King of Great Britain, who had come to
France to hide his shame, to console him in his exile, and to announce to him in the name of God
that he would return in triumph to London with an escort of Jesuits, a prediction which most happily
for England was not realized. Some months afterward the infamous James II surrendered his soul
to the devil in the Castle of St. Germain en Laye, and made this singular exhortation to the Prince
of Wales, his son, whose legitimacy was more than suspected : ' Remember, my son, that if ever you
remount the throne, we owe all to the Pope and the Jesuits. Spare no means to re-establish the
Catholic religion in your kingdom. Burn, sack, murder; and remember that it is better to gain
Heaven than to merit the blessings of the people.' The young prince promised to follow these
instructions faithfully. Immediately after the death of his father he assumed the title of James III,
and styled himself King of Great Britain, by which two or three valets attached to his person, and
the papal nuncio, saluted him. The solicitude of Clement XI for the Stuarts had only regard to
the interests of the Holy See, for the Pontiff did not believe they could ever be re -installed on the
throne of Great Britain, and he appeared so ardent in maintaining their interests only to excite dis
turbances in the three kingdoms and call off the attention of the powers to that quarter, whilst he
was preparing to seize Sicily or the Milanese, or even the kingdom ot Naples, which excited his
covetousness."
The revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Lou1s XIV of France in 1685 had driven a million
of Huguenots with their families to England, Holland, and America, and William of Nassau and
Prince of Orange (the grandson of William the Silent and great-grandson of Col1gny, the Huguenot
Admiral of France, slain at the massacre of St. Bartholomew) was called to the throne, with the
Protestant daughter of James II as Queen, and they were jointly crowned as W1ll1am I I I and
Mary II, King and Queen of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Colonial Dependencies. In after
years, Pope Bened1ct XIV in 1747 elevated to the purple Henry Bened1ct, the second son of the
First Pretender, as the Cardinal of York, who died at Rome in 1807 — the last of the Stuarts.
During the middle portion of the eighteenth century, while the Continental wars were in full
activity, Freemasonry continued to thrive in spite of the devastation of war and the hostility of
nations. The thunders of the Vatican against it in the fulmination of the bulls of Pope Clement
XII and his successors, threatening excommunication, confiscation of property, imprisonment, and
death to all who belonged to the hated and persecuted Order, failed to crush the spirit or destroy
the bonds of fraternity which bound it together. During this period English Freemasonry remained
comparatively inactive or was engaged in dissensions and bitterness of strife ; its power for good was
rendered inoperative, the true spirit of Freemasonry emasculated, and the two Grand Lodges of
England were like tired and exhausted eunuchs, who had become worn out in a boxing or wrestling
match in the arena and were no longer capable of doing each other harm. Each changed its lectures
and formula repeatedly, and English Freemasonry stood still. It has been well and truly stated by
a most distinguished Masonic writer that at this time "it became envious and suspicious of the higher
degrees. It refused to recognize them as Masonic or to form any connection with them, or with the
Royal Arch of Dermott, framed from the Royal Arch of Enoch or Solomon. // never had any
object after the struggle of the Stuarts had ended. But Scottish Freemasonry, on the contrary, engaged
in its long controversy with royal and Pontifical despotism, and became the apostle of free thought,
free speech, and free conscience."
At the beginning of the eighteenth century there were thirty-four counties in England without
a printer. The only press in England north of the Trent was at York. As to private libraries
there were none deserving the name. Until now man was wandering in the midst of thick darkness—
the truth appeared to him but as a doubtful light — in a morbid atmosphere. In the eighteenth
century priestly influence is annihilated and the reason of mankind develops itself in a prodigious
manner; while philosophy enlightens the minds of all and mankind recovers its rights, but after most
tremendous struggles in blood and carnage, in both the Old and the New World. The sacred love
of liberty, that divine sentiment the lightnings of which despots had restrained, was reanimating all
hearts. The planting of Freemasonry upon the continent of Europe set the whole philosophic world
ablaze, and it was moving almost in a meteoric shower upon the minds of men ardently searching
for liberty and the truth. The house of the Stuarts used it as far as possible in the bonds of a
newly created fraternity among fresh adherents, but as soon as their objects were understood by men
of keen foresight and perception they ceased to follow after the false lights, which ere long ceased to
glow and their efforts to use it were made in vain. The Jesuits seeing that papal bulls of excommu
nication, confiscation of property, imprisonment, torture, and death failed to arrest its progress, then
to destroy it inveigled themselves into it and manufactured degrees and rites almost innumerable to
confuse the fraternity and divert the life-giving stream into useless channels, to be dissipated and lost
in the desert of vain ideas and hopeless anticipations. The unsatisfactory termination of the Master
Mason's degree in a historic sense created a desire for further knowledge in the finishing of King
Solomon's Temple after the death of the master builder, over which a veil of mystery was hung, the
neophyte not being fully able to discern the spiritual sense and symbolism of the third degree. With
the Great Light before him the seeker of knowledge and truth is still groping in fog, endeavoring
to brush the mists aside, to get a fair view of the retrospective past and that which is in the future
beyond.
That which is called Ancient Craft Masonry had already, so far as its progenitors and promoters
were concerned in England, served its purpose, was tied to the throne and interests of the house of
Hanover, and all further progress except on those lines was stopped. So-called "landmarks" were
set up, and borrowed, misappropriated, and applied the language of St. John the Evangelist in the
closing of his Revelation: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book
of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and
from the things which are written in this book." Yet the first Grand Lodge of England, or the
Moderns, violated its own landmarks, changed the names and positions of the pillars, and its ritual ;
expelled the seceders, who organized a Grand Lodge of their own, which conferred new degrees,
manufactured by Ramsay and others, imported from France ; and, after a period of sixty years, both
unite in organizing the present Grand Lodge of England, in 1813. To elucidate the history of the
Temples of Solomon, of Zerubbabel, and of Herod, the traditions, legends, and instructions in the
Blue Lodge, there is neither time nor opportunity, for " Masonry is a progressive science," and not
an inert, inoperative, passive, and immobile institution.
Soon after Freemasonry was introduced into France by Lord L>erwentwater, really in the
interest of the house of the Stuarts, philosophers and scholars from all over Europe who were
admitted to the fraternity saw that the meagre curriculum of its ritual was but of a primary or
kindergarten nature. The chief thing, however, was the right of conscience in the reading and inter
preting the Great Light of Masonry each for himself, and the Bible was a free book. Wherever a
Masonic Lodge was organized and its altar set up there was the Holy Bible, in this sense following
directly in the path and field of the great Reformation. While not teaching any form of religious
belief, the Order of Freemasonry at once became the first great Bible society of the world. Protest
antism and Roman Catholicism might clash in fierce contests without, but the voice of sect had no
place in a Masonic Lodge, where the silent and invincible Word of God, the mighty and everlasting
truth, uttered for itself without creed, " ' I Am that I Am, and my word shall not return unto me
void,' saith Jehovah," and the Great Light must shine. In this respect Freemasonry became a
passive bulwark of defense to Protestantism without declaration, a partial asylum to the Hebrew, and
The dying King exhorts his son to persecute all dissenters from the "Faith."
a neutral ground where men of opposite religious and philosophic opinions might meet, leaving their
particular notions and prejudices outside, having the Bible for their guide and the grand doctrine of
the "Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man," with the Golden Rule — "Whatsoever ye
would that men should do unto you do ye even so unto
them, and love thy neighbor as thyself" —to measure and
lay out their work. In other words, the Bible for authority
was per se the substitute for the Pope, with a sublime,
trusting faith in God and the immortality of the soul,
being all that was and is required by Freemasonry, leav
ing the conscience to be drawn to the Infinite by the supe
rior power of the celestial magnet of the Holy Spirit,
while to the true, Christian Mason the cross will remind
him of the words spoken by Him "who spake as never
man spake," "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men
unto me.
When M1chael Ramsay commenced his speculative
Masonry in Paris he carried with him beyond doubt
from his native Scotland some remains of the ancient
myths, legends, and fragments of Masonic and chivalric
history from Kilwinning and elsewhere, which he sought
to make use of first in Holland and then in France,
where, becoming the tutor of the children of James I I
and of the Pretender, he changed outwardly at least
his religion from that of the Protestant to the Roman
Catholic But mysticism, the passion play, and the
religious dramas enacted in the papal church presented
a field for his inventive talent, in which also he found many Jesuit and other collaborators
and competitors, until there seemed to be as many rites and degrees of Freemasonry as there are
visible stars in the heavens. They were all built up from the same foundation, that of the Blue
Lodge, which in its essentials ever remained the same, like the Ten Commandments, as a constitu
tion and a base of all the statutory and sanitary laws in the Mosaic dispensation. The history of
the Jewish race—its progress and autonomy as a nation, its fall and the destruction of its temples of
worship, its legends and myths in common with its half-kindred, the descendants of Ishmael— furnished
material, added to the Egyptian, Indian, and Grecian religions, out of which, with science and philos
ophy, to mold them in as a composite speculative system, each according to the phantasm of the
inventor, with the tales of the Crusades thrown in, like fragments of colored glass in a kaleidoscope,
to give brilliancy to the invention. In spite of Ramsay's apostacy from the Protestant faith, he was
nevertheless a Scotchman, mingled with his countrymen abroad, and retained in part some of the
tenets of his early Protestant training, while there still lingered in his memory the tradition of the
destruction of the Order of the Temple and the Scottish remnant which aided Robert Bruce in the
defense of Scotland at the battle of Bannockburn. He was now in Paris, where the Order was first
destroyed. Says Mackay: "He had while in Holland become acquainted with P1erre Po1ret, one
of the most celebrated teachers of the mystic theology which then prevailed on the Continent. From
him Ramsay learned the principal tenets of that system, and it is not unreasonable to suppose that
he was indoctrinated with that love of mystical speculation which he subsequently developed as the
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIM. 725
inventor of Masonic degrees and as the founder of a Masonic rite. In 17 Io he visited the celebrated
FENELON, Archbishop of Cambray, of whose mystical tendencies he had heard, and met with a cordial
reception. The archbishop invited RAMSAY to become his guest, and in six months he was converted
to the Catholic faith. FENELON procured for him the preceptorship of the Duc de Chateau-Thierry
and the Prince de Turenne. As a reward for his services in that capacity he was made a Knight
of the Order of St. Lazarus, whence he received the title of Chevalier, by which he was usually
known. He was subsequently selected by JAMES III, the Pretender, as the tutor of his two sons,
CHARLEs Edward and HENRY, the former afterward the Young Pretender, and the latter the Cardinal
York. For this purpose in 1724 he repaired to Rome. But the political and religious intrigues of
that court became distasteful to him, and in a short time he obtained permission and returned to
France. In 1728 he visited England and became an inmate of the family of the Duke of Argyle.
He had already acquired so great a literary reputation that the
University of Oxford conferred on him the degree of Doctor
of Laws. He then returned to France and resided for many
years at Pointoise, a seat of the Prince of Turenne, where he
wrote his ‘Life of Fenelon' and a ‘History of the Viscount
Turenne. During the remainder of his life he resided as in
tendant in the prince's family, and died May 6, 1743, in the fifty
seventh year of his age. No one played a more important part
in the history of Freemasonry in the eighteenth century than the
Chevalier RAMSAY, and the influence of his opinions and teachings
is still felt in the high degrees which have been adopted by the
various rites into which Masonry is now divided."
We have already given that which related to the Royal Arch
and that of the Knights Templar in part, which were the compo
sition and inventions of RAMSAY, whom
-
| -
we have mentioned as having been con
*
verted to the Catholic faith by FENELON, |+ ..
the Jesuit Archbishop of Cambray. In

reference to FENELON, Chancellor #
D'AGUESSEAU said: “He is a gossip, * .
simple and artful; open and deceit-
ful; modest and ambitious;
sensitive and indifferent; cap
able of desiring everything,
and of despising everything;
always agitated, always tran
quil; mixing in nothing, taking
part in everything; a sulpician,
a missionary, even a Jesuit and
a courtier, all at once; fit to
play the most brilliant parts,
fit to live in obscurity; com
petent for all things, and yet
still more competent for him- THE QUEEN DR1ED HIER TEARS AND 5AD
self; a versatile genius who
• • "Now
NO . v/ ILLSTUDY
*T- REVENOE!"
knows how to assume all characters without ever losing his own, and at the bottom of which is a
fruitful and graceful imagination." Du Cormen1n adds, " He was cowardly, hypocritical, and perse
cuting"; and he says further: "What will appear still more extraordinary than the intimate friendship
between the Archbishop of Cambray and the Abbe Dubo1s, was his affiliation with the Templars.
All historians agree in saying that Fenelon was received as a Knight of the Temple in i6gg, a period
at which he was already in possession of his see, and that on the day of his joining the Order he
pronounced the usual oath, which contains a full and entire adhesion to the doctrine of pantheism ; it
is this: 'God is all which exists — each part of that which exists is a part of God, but is not God.
Immutable in His essence, God is mutable in His parts, which, after having existed under the laws
of certain combinations, more or less complicated, revive under the laws of new combinations. All is
uncreated.' Thus, then, Fenelon — that devoted servant of the Holy See, that intrepid defender ot
pontifical authority, that fierce apostle of Jesuitism, that bitter Catholic — was not even a Christian!
He died at the age of sixty-four years, on the 7th of January, 1 7 1 5, at the time when Lou1s XIV,
to assure the triumph of the Society of Jesus, was preparing to force Parliament to register the edicts
which assimilated the refusal to accept the bull 'Unigenitus' to heresy, and rendered the guilty liable
to be burned. He was also preparing to restore the heated chambers, which under his predecessors
had put to death so many victims, and he would certainly have executed this criminal design if death
had not delivered France of him."
This Order of Knights Templar was the spurious and pretended successor to the real one, and
which existed under a forged and pretended charter of Larmen1us and statutes constructed by an
Italian priest named Bonan1, under the direction of Ph1l1p of Orleans, the Regent of France during
the minority of Lou1s XV. Fenelon being dead, Ramsay proceeded with his inventions, and to
counteract the evils of the pretended Order of the Temple in Paris invented for his system the
Templar Kadosh degree, which after his death was incorporated in 1754 by the Chevalier de Bonne
v1lle into the Rite of Perfection. The first part of the degree being severed from the latter, became
the true Trinitarian Knights Templar degree, and with the Rose Croix, which was taken to England,
Scotland, and Ireland, adopted in the Athol Grand Lodge at York, upon which the Baldwin and all
other Encampments were organized, and in the manner already stated came to America, which, with
the Webb Templar manufactured degree, was welded and fused, from which the American Knights
Templar system arose and reached its prominent position in the Masonic world to-day. In 1747 the
Young Pretender, four years after the death of his tutor Ramsay, established a Chapter of Rose Croix
in the town of Arras, in France, with the title of Chapitre Primordial de Rose Croix. The charter
of this body is now extant in an authenticated copy deposited in the departmental archives of Arras.
In it the Young Pretender styles himself King of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland, and, by
virtue of this, Sovereign Grand Master of the Chapter of Heredom, known under the title of the
Eagle and Pelican, and, "since our sorrows and misfortunes, under that of Rose Croix." From this
we infer that the degree had formerly been known as Knight of the Eagle and Pelican, a title which
it still retains ; that it was at that date introduced into France by the Young Pretender, who borrowed
it from the Rosy Cross of the Royal Order of Scotland, of which, because as the King of Scotland
is the Hereditary Grand Master, he, by virtue of his claim to the throne, assumed the Grand Master
ship. Hence it is probable that the Rose Croix degree has been borrowed from the Rosy Cross of
the Royal Order of Heredom, but in passing from Scotland to France it greatly changed its form
and organization, as it resembles in no respect its archetype, except that both are eminently Christian
in their design.
This degree became diffused through numerous rites of Masonry, but became the eighteenth
of the Rite of Perfection, the eighteenth afterward of the Council of Emperors of the East and West
and of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the seventh of the French or Rit Moderne, the third
of the Royal Order of Scotland, the twelfth of the Elect of Truth, the seventh of the Phlalethes, and
went with the Templar Kadosh to England and became the sixth of the degrees conferred by the
Encampment of Baldwin at Bristol, England. This now brings us to
THE RITE OF PERFECTION.
In 1754 the Chevalier 1>e Bonnev1lle established a Chapter of the high degrees at Paris, in
the College of Jesuits of Clermont, hence called the Chapter of Clermont. The system of Masonry
he there practiced received the name of the Rite of Perfection, or Rite of Heredom. The College
of Clermont was, says Rebold, the asylum of the adherents of the house of the Stuarts, and hence
the rite is to some extent tinctured with Stuart Masonry. It consisted of twenty -five degrees, as
follows: 1, Apprentice; 2, Fellow Craft; 3, Master; 4, Secret Master; 5, Perfect Master; 6, Intimate
Secretary; 7, Intendant of the Building; 8, Provost and Judge; 9, Elect of Nine; 10, Elect of
Fifteen; 11, Illustrious Elect Chief of the Twelve Tribes; 12, Grand Master Architect; 13, Royal
Arch; 14, Grand Elect Ancient Perfect Master; 15, Knight of the Sword; 16, Prince of Jerusalem;
17, Knight of the East and West; 18, Rose Croix Knight; 19, Grand Pontiff; 20, Grand Patriarch;
21, Grand Master of the Key of Masonry; 22, Prince of Libanus ; 23, Sovereign Prince Adept Chief
of the Grand Consistory; 24, Illustrious Knight Commander of the Black and White Eagle; 25,
Most Illustrious Sovereign Prince of Masonry, Grand Knight Sublime Commander of the Royal
Secret.
Four years later this Chapter of Clermont gave way to the Council of Emperors of the East
and West. These degrees, so far as they go, were of course the same. The distinguishing features
of this rite is that Freemasonry was derived from Templarism, and that consequently every Freemason
is a Knight Templar. It was there that the Baron Von Hund was initiated, and from it through
him proceeded the Rite of Strict Observance, although he discarded the degrees and retained only
the Templar theory. The Rite of Perfection, with its degrees and divisions, was but a series of traps
organized by the Jesuits for the purpose of discovering the true animus of men at the last in their
real sentiments toward the papacy in the Templar Kadosh degree and disposition toward the house
of the Stuarts; and the real head was the Young Pretender, Charles Edward. His project having
failed and the prospect of his ever regaining the throne of Scotland and England becoming hopeless,
the Rite of Perfection was but lukewarmly maintained, as political events in the world were soon to
assume remarkable changes. The Baron Von Hund, after receiving the degrees of the Rite of Per
fection and seeing it on the wane, went to work and borrowing from it constructed the Rite of Strict
Observance, and it was divided into seven degrees: 1, Apprentice; 2, Fellow Craft; 3, Master; 4,
Scottish Master; 5, Novice; 6, Templar; 7, Professed Knight. He took the first half of the Tem
plar Kadosh degree of the Rite of Perfection for his Templar degree, leaving out the Kadosh. This
was after Von Hund returned to Germany and had been appointed a deputy from the French
authority to disseminate the high degrees in that country ; but he took advantage of the knowledge
gained, and it is said proceeded to formulate the Templar Rite of Strict Observance. Rob1son says
that "while Von Hund was in Paris he there became acquainted with the Earl of Kilmarnock and
some other gentlemen who were adherents of the Pretender, and received from them the new degrees,
which had been invented, so it is said, for political purposes by the followers of the exiled house of
Stuart." "While he resided in Paris," says F1ndel, "he received some intimations of the Order of
Knights Templar in Scotland. The legend, which it is unnecessary to say has been deemed fabu
lous, is given to us by Clavel ('Hist. Pitton,' p. 184), who tells us that 'after the execution of
Jacques De Molay, P1erre d'Aumont, the Provincial Grand Master of Auvergne, accompanied by
two Commanders and five Knights, escaped to Scotland, assuming during their journey, for the pur
pose of concealment, the costume of operative masons. Having landed on one of the Scottish islands
they met several other companions Scottish Knights, with whom they resolved to continue the exist
ence of the Order, whose abolition had been determined by the Pope and the King of France. At
a Chapter held on St. John's Day, 131 3, d'Aumont was elected Grand Master, and the Knights, to
avoid in future the persecutions to which they had been subjected, professed to be Freemasons and
adopted the symbols of that Order. In 1361 the Grand Master transported his see to the city of
Aberdeen, and from that time the Order of the Temple spread under the guise of Freemasonry
throughout the British Islands and the Continent.'"
The question is not now as to the truth or even the probability of this legend. Baron Von
Hund accepted it as a historical fact. He was admitted at Paris to the Order of Knights Templar
(Ramsay's), Clavel says by the Pretender, Charles Edward, who was the Grand Master of the
Order. Robeson intimates that he was inducted by the Earl of Kilmarnock, whose signature was
attached to his diploma. Gad1cke says that he traveled over to Brabant to the French army and
was there made a Templar by high chiefs of the Order; and this statement may be reconciled with
that of Rob1son, for the high chiefs of Gad1cKe were probably the followers of the Pretender, some
of whom were likely to have been with the French army. Ragon also asserts that "the Templar
system of Ramsay was known in Germany before the foundation of the Chapter of Clermont, whence
Von Hund derived his information and his powers; that it consisted of six degrees, to which Von
Hund added a seventh ; and that at the time of Von Hund's arrival in Germany this regime had
Baron Von Marshall as its head, to whom Von Hund's superiors in Paris had referred him."
This seems to be the correct version of the affair, and so the Rite of Strict Observance was not
actually established but only reformed and put into more active operation by Von Hund. Continuing
the line of descent, we come to the
COUNCIL OF EMPERORS OF THE EAST AND WEST.
In 1758 the Rite of Perfection having become dormant it was revived in Paris in a Chapter
called the Council of Emperors of the East and West. The members assumed the titles of Sov
ereign Prince Masons, Substitutes General of the Royal Art, Grand Superintendents and Officers of
the Grand and Sovereign Lodge of St. John of Jerusalem. Their ritual, which was based on the
Ramsay Templar system of the Rite of Perfection, consisted of 25 degrees: 1 to 19, the same as
that rite; 20, Grand Patriarch Noachite; 21, Key of Masonry; 22, Prince of Lebanon; 23, Knight
of the Sun ; 24, Kadosh ; 25, Prince of the Royal Secret. It granted warrants for Lodges of the
high degrees, appointed Grand Inspectors and Deputies, and established several bodies in the interior
of France, among which was a Council of Princes of the Royal Secret at Bordeaux. In 1763, the
Jesuits seeing that these degrees had passed beyond their control now, for the purpose of destroying
them and Freemasonry with them altogether, if possible, induced a tool of theirs, one P1ncema1lle,
the Master of the Lodge La Candeur at Metz, to publish an exposition of these degrees in the
serial numbers of a work entitled "Conversations Allegoriques sur la Franche-Maconnene." In 1764
the Grand Lodge of France offered him 300 livres to suppress the book. P1ncema1lle accepted
the offer but continued the publication, which lasted until 1 766.
Between the years 1 760 and 1 765 there was much dissension in the rite. A new Council of the
Knights of the East was established at Paris in 1760 as the rival of the Emperors of the East and
West. The controversies of these two bodies were carried into the Grand Lodge, which in 1766
was compelled for the sake of peace to issue a decree in opposition to the high degrees, excluding
the malcontents and forbidding the symbolical Lodges to recognize the authority of these Chapters.
But the excluded Masons continued to work clandestinely and to grant warrants. From that time
until its dissolution the history of the Council of the Emperors of the East and West is but a history
of continuous disputes with the Grand Lodge of France. At length in 1781 it was completely
absorbed in the Grand Orient and has no longer an existence. Before it ceased to have an exist
ence it had granted and delegated powers to propagate the rite in other countries, and we therefore,
to preserve the connection, give the following :
In 1758, the year of their establishment in France, the degrees of this Rite of Heredom, or
of Perfection, as it was called, were carried by the Marquis de Bernez to Berlin and adopted by the
Grand Lodge of the Three Globes. Three years afterward, on August 27, 1 761 , the Deputies
General of the Royal Art, Grand Wardens, and officers of the Grand and Sovereign Lodge of St.
John of Jerusalem, established at Paris (so reads the document itself), granted a patent to Stephen
Mor1n, by which he was empowered "to multiply the sublime degrees of High Perfection and to
create Inspectors in all places where the sublime degrees are not established." Thory, Ragon,
Clavel, and Lenn1ng say this patent was granted by the Grand Council of Emperors of the East
and West ; others say by the Grand Lodge ; Dalcho says by the Grand Consistory of Princes of the
Royal Secret at Paris. Bro. Albert P1ke, who has very elaborately investigated the question, says
that "the authority of Mor1n was a joint authority of the two then contending Grand Lodges of
France and the Grand Council, which is what Dalcho calls the Grand Consistory. From the Grand
Lodge he received the power to establish a symbolic Lodge, and from the Grand Council or Consis
tory the power to confer the higher degrees. Not long after receiving these powers Mor1n sailed
for America and established bodies of the Scottish Rite or of Perfection in St. Domingo and Jamaica.
The first Deputy Inspector -General appointed by Stephen Mor1n under his commission from the
Emperors of the East and West was Henry A. Francken, who received his degrees and appoint
ment at Kingston, Jamaica. The date is not known, but it must have been between 1762 and 1767.
Francken soon repaired to the United States, where he gave the appointment of a deputy to Moses
M. Hayes at Boston, and organized a Council of Princes of Jerusalem at Albany. He was the first
propagator of the high degrees in the United States."
After appointing several deputies and establishing some bodies in the West India Islands,
Mor1n is lost sight of. Nothing is known of his subsequent history or of the time and place of
his death. Ragon, Thory, and Clavel say that Mor1n was a Jew; but Mackay says, "As these
writers have judaized all the founders of the Scottish Rite in America, we have no right to place
any confidence in their statements. The name of Mor1n has been borne by many French Christians
of literary reputation, from Peter Mor1n, a learned ecclesiastical writer of the sixteenth century, to
Stephen Mor1n, an antiquary and Protestant clergyman, who died in 1700, and his son Henry, who
became a Catholic and died in 1728."
As we have already stated, the Monk of Eisleben of Germany was the great pioneer and
torch -bearer of the Reformation to bring out the Great Light which had been hidden and concealed
in the monasteries of Europe for centuries. When Mart1n Luther released the Bible from its
chains in his monastery and from the fetters of a dead language not understood by the common
people, and it was given to the world literally on the wings of the printer's press, he prepared the
way to unlock the treasuries where the wisdom and knowledge of the centuries had been imprisoned
73O FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
for ages and came forth liberated and disenthralled. The myths and legends of history and tradition,
with the arts, sciences, and philosophy that burst forth from their prison cells like birds just out from
their cages, by natural instinct had to look around for a place to perch for safety, and after two
centuries it became at last firmly secured under the protecting wings of the Black Eagle of Germany
in the person of FREDERICK the Great. He saw what the Jesuits had done in the collating of
degrees, formulating others, and combining the whole in the Rite of Perfection, that in the outcome
the unwary might be caught at last in the Templar Kadosh degree. Not that there is anything
improper in the degree itself, but the spirit manifested by the one who received it would show his
real animus toward the papal power which put the Templars to death and robbed them of their
possessions, and by this test thus mark their victims for destruction; for the Jesuits everywhere were
pursuing a deadly still hunt for the blood of the real Knight Templar, wherever he might be found,
where Rome controlled the religion of the state.
That we may understand the Masonic character of FREDERICK the Great, we give the following:
In the year 1778, during our American Revolution for independence, FREDERICK the Great of Prus
sia, the friend of WASHINGTON, whom he greatly admired as a patriot and a Freemason, to whom he
sent the present of a sword (as did also the Earl of Buchan of Scotland), and for whom Fredericks
burg, Virginia, was named, found trouble in his own dominions, which he promptly suppressed. The
Superior of a Dominican Convent at Aix-la-Chapelle (Father GREINEMAN) and a Capuchin Monk
(Father SCHIFF) were trying to excite the lower classes against the Lodge of Masons at that place,
which had been reconstituted by the mother Lodge at Wetzlar. When FREDERICK the Great heard
of this he wrote the following letter to the instigators, dated February 7, 1778:
“Most Reverend Fathers—Various reports, confirmed through the papers, have brought to my
knowledge with how much zeal you are endeavoring to sharpen the sword of fanaticism against quiet,
virtuous people called Freemasons. As a former dignitary in this honorable body I am compelled as
much as it is in my power to repel this dishonoring slander, and remove the dark veil that causes
the temple we have erected to all virtues to appear to your vision as a gathering point for all vices.
Why, my most reverend Fathers, will you bring back upon us those centuries of ignorance and bar
barism that have so long been the degradation of the human reason—those times of fanaticism upon
which the eye of understanding cannot look back but with a shudder—those times in which hypocrisy,
seated on the throne of despotism with superstition on one side and humility on the other, tried to
put the world in chains and commanded a regardless burning of those who were able to read? You
are not only applying the nickname of masters of witchcraft to the Freemasons, but you accuse them
of being thieves, profligates, forerunners of anti-Christ, and admonish a whole nation to annihilate such
a cursed generation. Thieves, my most reverend Fathers, do not act as we do and make it their
duty to assist the poor and the orphans; on the contrary, thieves are those who rob them sometimes
of their inheritance, and fatten on their prey in the lap of idleness and hypocrisy. Thieves cheat,
Freemasons enlighten humanity. A Freemason returning from his Lodge, where he has only listened
to instructions beneficial to his fellow-beings, will be a better husband in his home. Forerunners of
anti-Christ would in all probability direct their efforts toward an extinction of divine law. But it is
impossible for Freemasons to sin against it without demolishing their own structure. And can those
be a cursed generation who try to find their glory in the indefatigable efforts to spread those virtues
which constitute them honest men?—FREDERIC."
In his own country of Germany the Rite of Perfection under FREDERICK the Great, freed from
the intrigues and power of the Jesuits, continued to flourish, and he gave it its Grand Constitutions
in 1762, which on October 25th of that year were finally ratified at Bordeaux, France, and proclaimed
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 73*
for the government of all the Lodges of sublime and perfect Masons, Councils, Colleges, and Consist
ories, of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, over the two hemispheres. This was done with the
consent and approval of the Grand Consistory of Berlin, of which Freder1ck the Great was the
Grand Commander and the Supreme Chief of the Scottish Rite or of Perfection. But he seeing the
success of the War of the American Revolution for liberty and independence, a new nation born and
established on the western shores of the Atlantic, whose independence had in 1783 been acknowledged
by the mother country of Great Britain and a treaty of peace made and declared ; and knowing what
influence Masonry had exerted in producing that result, and the new American nation with an immense
continent behind it with a vast future before it, resolved upon a change and an augmentation of the
Rite of Perfection. Thus, after a period of twenty -four years, he reconstructed and reorganized it
upon a new basis, and to prevent its control from again falling into the hands of the Jesuits and to
bring into it also the history of the Teutonic Knights during the Crusades, that Order now being
composed of Protestants, he added and interlaced eight other degrees to it, named the new and
reformed system
THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY,
and established the Grand Constitutions, which were ratified and signed at Berlin on May 1, 1786.
By these Constitutions of 1 786 he resigned his authority, and his Masonic prerogatives were deposited
with a Council in and for each nation, to be composed of Sovereign Grand Inspectors-General of the
thirty -third and last degree of legitimate Freemasonry, limited in number to that of the years of
Chr1st on the earth.
On August 17, 1786, Freder1ck the Great died. In France the Rite of Perfection was con
densed into seven degrees, called the Rit Moderne, or the Modern French Rite, which was composed
as follows: 1, Apprentice; 2, Fellow Craft; 3, Master; 4, Elect; 5, Scotch Master; 6, Knight of
the East ; 7, Knight Rose Croix. Bro. Francken instituted a Lodge of Perfection of the fourteenth
degree at Albany, N. Y., on December 20, 1767, nine years before the Declaration of Independence,
and conferred the degree of Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret (then the twenty -fifth degree, but
now the thirty-second) upon a number of Brethren. This body after its creation remained compara
tively dormant for many years, and its original warrant, books of record, and patents of Brethren
were fifty- five years after its establishment discovered and brought to light in 1822 by the late Bro.
G1les Fonda Yates. This was the first body of the Rite of Perfection planted on the continent of
North America. From its ritual and material no doubt it aided Thomas Sm1th Webb to formulate
his system of degrees in the Royal Arch Chapter, to appropriate the fifteenth and sixteenth degrees
entire, to make his Red Cross degree as he did, and, from the Rose Croix and other material with
his own invention, to make his American Knight Templar degree, for he resided at Albany in the
interim and prepared his system there. Bro. Yates by due authority revived the Lodge of Perfec
tion and placed it under the superintendency of a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, as required
by the old Constitutions of 1762, and such Grand Council was subsequently opened in due form in
that city. Bro. Moses M. Hayes in 1781 appointed Bro. Da Costa as Deputy Inspector -General
for South Carolina, Bro. Solo.mon Bush for Pennsylvania, and Bro. Behrend M. Sp1tzer for Georgia,
which appointments were confirmed by a council of Inspectors -General on June 15, 1781, two years
before the close of the Revolutionary War. After the death of Bro. Da Costa, Bro. Joseph Myers
was appointed by Bro. Haves to succeed him. Before Da Costa died, he, in accordance with the
Constitutions of 1762, established a sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection in Charleston, S. C, where
for the first time in the United States of America were the degrees from the fourth to the fourteenth,
inclusive, actually worked ; for in this country the three symbolic degrees are under the control and
government of the Grand Lodges by which they were established, their authority duly recognized by
all legitimate Scottish Rite Brethren who have remained true and loyal in their allegiance to the sov
ereign powers of Ancient Craft Masonry, which in turn appoints representatives to and receives from
the regular legitimate Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in various
countries of the world and are in amity with them.
On February 20, 1788, a Council of Princes of Jerusalem was duly constituted at Charleston,
S. C, and the officers installed by Bros. Behrend M. Sp1tzer and A. Frost. The researches into
the early history of the planting of the Scottish Rite or that of Perfection in this country prove that,
notwithstanding the appointment of Inspectors -General in the several States, the rite was worked in
Charleston, S. C, only, and to the zeal of our Charleston Brethren (the most of whom were of
Huguenot descent), to their constant application to the Scottish Rite, are we indebted for the founda
tion of the first real bodies of the rite in America and the parent of all legitimate bodies of the rite
in existence. In 1796 a Council of Knights Kadosh (now of the 30th degree) was organized in
Philadelphia by Brethren who had fled thither from the West Indies. This Council soon after became
extinct through the return of its founders, and in 1797 a Chapter of the Rose Croix (of the 1 8th
degree) was founded in New York City. The condition of France and of French Freemasonry was
in constant ebullition and trouble, through the machinations of the Jesuits. In the terrible upheaval
and revolution in 1798 of that people everything civil, judicial, political, and Masonic were in a state
of unutterable confusion, conflict, and chaos. The Rite of Perfection in a mutilated and sickly con
dition continued to exist in the French West India Islands, where remnants of the bodies were
scattered. The Constitutions of 1 786 established by Freder1ck the Great, as well as the rituals of
the eight additional degrees which constituted the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freema
sonry, had been received by the Brethren at Charleston, S. C. Although the Revolutionary War in
America had been successful and the United States had been established on a sure foundation with a
constitutional government, yet it was in its infancy. In some portions Freemasonry under different
and several Grand Lodges, the inheritors of their English Grand Lodge progenitors, was still unset
tled, and a hostile feeling manifested itself for many years. There were two opposing Grand Lodges
in South Carolina, one the Ancients and the other the Moderns. In this state of affairs the Brethren
of the Rite of Perfection in Charleston found themselves between two fires, and without a supreme
head to their own rite existing anywhere; and, as related by Sir Walter Scott, in "Quentin
Durward," one of the Waverley Novels, in the reply made by Quent1n Durward to Charles, Duke
of Burgundy, when he said, "And that finally, when I did avail myself of that imputed character, it
was as if I had snatched up a shield to protect myself in a moment of emergency and used it, as I
surely should have done for myself and others, without inquiring whether I had a right to the
heraldic emblazonments which it displayed."
So it was with the Brethren at Charleston, S. C. They were in possession of the Grand
Constitutions of 1786 as well as 1762, together with the rituals of the new rite formed as the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite, and the new rite and Grand Constitutions of 1786 became their shield
of protection and defense, by their appropriation and adoption, which no power then on earth existed
to dispute their right to them ; and the first parent Supreme Council now existing, which was formed
agreeably to the Constitutions of 1786, was that founded at Charleston, S. C, on May 31, 1801, by
Bros. John M1tchell and Freder1ck Dalcho—the former a colonel in the American Army, and the
latter a Protestant clergyman and a most distinguished writer. And so was formed the first
C H A PT E R XXV.
ANCIENT AND ACCEDTED SCOTTISH RITE or FREEMASONRY:
SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE THIRTY-THIRD AND LAST DEGREE – “ANCIENT AND
ACCEPTED Scottish RITE OF FREEMASONRy" – (MOTHER Council

OF THE WORLD), AT CHARLESTON, S. C., MAY 31, 1801.
ITS CURRICULUM.
£ H IS Supreme Council, though composed of but two Inspector-Generals in

the beginning, became the mother and grandmother of all other legitimate Supreme
Councils that were brought into existence after it was first established, and which
with itself are the only legal authority of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of
Freemasonry in America or elsewhere. [THOMAS SMITH WEBB and HENRY Fowle
~~~ - . of Boston, JoHN SNow of Providence, and THOMAs LowNDEs of New York—they
) (T.4.
-
A :
four only – organized themselves into the General Grand Encampment of Knights
of the United States, and adopted a constitution for themselves and all Grand and
*. s:Bördinate Encampments or Commanderies thereafter constituted under its authority. This
was done at New York on June 20, 1816. They had the Supreme Council of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite for an example to follow, though they had twice the number to start with.
It had two and they four.]
In 1802 the Supreme Council at Charleston conferred the 33d degree on Bros. Count DE GRAssE
TILLEy, HACQUET, and DE LA HOGUE, and these Brethren by its authority of Letters Patent, dated
February 21, 1802, established the Supreme Councils of France and those of the French and English
West India Colonies. The Supreme Council of France was duly installed by Ill... DE GRAssE TILLEy
on December 22, 1804, at Paris, in the hall known as the Gallery of Pompeii, situated in the Rue
Neuve des Petits Champs. This Supreme Council was the first and only one established in France,
and it was afterward divided into two branches, one called the Supreme Council of France and the
other the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient of France. These two bodies are still in existence,
but the former only is in relation of comity with the mother Supreme Council (which created it) and
all the other regular Supreme Councils of the world. Ill... Bro. DE GRAssE TILLEY also established
the Supreme Councils of Italy, Naples, Spain, and the Netherlands. Article V of the Grand Consti
tutions of 1786 provides that there shall be only one Supreme Council of the 33d degree in each
nation or kingdom; two in the United States of America, as distant as possible one from the other;
one in the British Islands of America, and one also in the French Colonies.
The first Supreme and mother Council of the World, having commenced its labors on May
31, 1801, at Charleston, S. C, its own jurisdiction extended over the whole of the United States of
America until August 5, 18 13, when the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States was established by the former
through its special proxy and representative, Emmanuel de la Motta. This Supreme Council, whose
M.\ P.\ S.\ Grand Commander was Bro. Dan1el D. Tompk1ns, Vice-President of the United States,
replaced the Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, which had been
established by the same authority August 6, 1806. Subsequently in after years the seat of the
Northern Supreme Council was removed to Boston. Its jurisdiction embraces all the northern or
northeast quarter of the United States east of the Mississippi River, excepting the small eastern frac
tion of Minnesota, and embraces the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Wisconsin, and Delaware. All the rest of the States and Territories were reserved by the Supreme
Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, which remained undisturbed and unaffected
by the acts of secession of the Southern States which formed the Southern Confederacy during the
late Civil War.
The Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America created
the Supreme Council of England and Wales in March, 1846, and this body in its turn created the
Supreme Councils of Scotland and the Canadian Dominion, the Southern Supreme Council creating
the Supreme Councils for Ireland, Mexico, and others on the American continent. The labors of the
two Supreme Councils of the United States and their subordinates have never ceased, and from the
first days of their creation up to the present time both have enjoyed the rights and privileges of
Supreme Councils as the regular constituted and administrative heads of the Ancient and Accepted
Rite, each in its respective jurisdiction ; and whenever an attempt has been made to invalidate their
authority and prerogatives it has been met with a denunciation of the individuals or bodies encroach
ing upon their rights. Therefore, since August 5, 18 13, the provisions of Article V of the Constitu
tions of 1786 have been complied with, and there are in the United States of America, consequently,
but two regular Supreme Councils. They have ever preserved and enforced their authority, and they
have never failed to discountenance all attempts against an authority which rightfully ad initio et de
jure et de facto belongs to them. It was impossible for a third Supreme Council to be established
in the United States of America without violating the Constitutions of 1786, and without which, as
already stated, neither the 33d degree nor a Supreme Council can exist. It was an unwise measure
to have established a second Supreme Council in the United States, as subsequent events have proved.
It was a strange historic coincidence that the very year that saw Blue Masonry in England of the
two Grand Lodges there consolidated into one body that Scottish Freemasonry in the United States
should have even amicably divided into two separate organizations, each Supreme Council altering
and amending its own constitutions and statutes, changing and making alterations of its ritual, destroy
ing the beauty, harmony, and uniformity of the work.
In 18 1 3 there were no railroads or steamboats, and the distances being so great, difficult
modes of conveyance, accompanied with loss of time and great expense in traveling to and from the
place of meeting, and the country again at war with Great Britain, it was at that time considered a
good reason for establishing a second Supreme Council ; and it will be a happy day for the rite when
both Supreme Councils shall again be consolidated into one national Supreme Council of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the United States of America, with a representative
government established upon the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, which are emblazoned
upon its banners and which it professes to teach. But for its self-preservation as the Royal and
| -
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The
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Military Order of the House of the Temple, and that its progressive Freemasonry was rescued
from the hands of the Jesuits and its weapons turned against them by FREDERICK the Great,
who gave its Grand Constitutions in 1762 and 1786, its system and autonomy of govern
ment cannot be fundamentally disturbed. Scottish Freemasonry, from its foundation to the
top of its loftiest spire, is the Temple of Civil and Religious Liberty, teaching and prac
ticing the true principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. “It has the old Knights Templar
for its models, the Rose Croix for its fathers, and the Johannites for ancestors.” It is the
perpetuator of the school of Alexandria, heir of all the ancient initiations; depository of the
secrets of the Apocalypse and the Sohar; the object of its worship is Truth, represented by the
Light; it tolerates all creeds and professes but one and the same philosophy. The allegorical object
is the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon; its real object is the reconstruction of social unity by
the alliance of reason and faith in accordance with knowledge and virtue, with initiation and tests by
means of degrees; and, we may add, to preserve the natural liberties and rights of man–corporeal,
intellectual, and spiritual—against all usurpations of royalty and priestly power. Said that implacable
enemy of Freemasonry and the mouthpiece of Pope PIU's VI, the Abbe BARRUEL, in 1797, charging
the Freemasons with revolutionary principles in politics and with infidelity to the Roman Catholic
religion, seeking to trace the origin of the institution to those ancient heretics the Manicheans and
through them to the old Knights Templar, against whom he revives the old accusations of PHILIP
the Fair and Pope CLEMENT V: “Your whole school and all of your Lodges are derived from the
Templars. After the extinction of their Order a certain number of guilty Knights, having escaped
proscription, united for the preservation of their horrid mysteries. To their impious code they added
the vow of vengeance against the kings and priests who destroyed their Order and against all religion
| papal] which anathematized their dogmas. They made adepts who should transmit from generation
to generation the same mysteries of iniquity, the same oaths, and the same hatred of the God of the
Christians [the Pope and of kings and priests [papists]. These mysteries have descended to you,
and you continue to perpetuate their impiety, their vows, and their oaths. Such is your origin.
The lapse of time and the change of manners have varied a part of your symbols and your frightful
systems, but the essence of them remains; the vows, the oaths, and the conspiracies are the same."
So far as our hatred of temporal and spiritual tyranny being taught as toward such monsters
as PHILIP the Fair, Pope CLEMENT V, and the treacherous Knights of Malta, with persecution and
the tortures of the Inquisition, the burning of DE MoLAY (the last Grand Master of the Templars)
and his fellow Knights at the stake, are concerned, the fanatical Abbe BARRUEL was correct. Arch
bishop DUPANLOUP, in his book against Freemasonry, after quoting all the anathemas of the Popes
and the declarations of other Church authorities in 1876, said, “A Catholic who becomes a Freema
son deserts the temple of the living GoD to work at the temple of an idol." What a vast number of
idolaters there are in the Christian and civilized world! But they are chiefly those who make their
god of dough into a myriad of wafers with a stamp of the crucified SAVIOR upon them, and then
with their blind followers become cannibals and eat the god of their own creation. They are not
like the Freemasons who, obeying the voice of their Most Wise and Divine Master in partaking of
the bread and the wine in the celebration of the Passover, “As oft as ye do this, do it in remem
brance of Me.” It is a memorial service and not a logical cannibalism. But this is a digression.
Of the legitimate Supreme Councils in the world duly recognized by each other in the sustain
ing of fraternal relations, they are the following, with the dates of their constitution: Southern
Jurisdiction, U. S. A., May 31, 1801; France, September 22, 1804; Northern Jurisdiction, U. S. A.,
August 5, 1813; Belgium, March 11, 1817; Ireland, June 11, 1825; Brazil, April 6, 1826; Peru,
ALBERT PIKE, 33°, late Sov. Grand Commander S. C., S. J. U. S. A.
November 2, 1830; New Granada, 1833; England, Wales, and Dependencies, March, 1846; Scotland,
1846; Uruguay, 1856; Argentine Republic, September 13, 1858; Turin of Italy, 1848; Colon, Cuba,
1855; Venezuela, 1864; Mexico, April 28, 1868; Portugal, 1842; Chili, May 24, 1862; Central
America, May 27, 1870; Hungary, November 25, 1871 ; Greece, June 24, 1872; Switzerland,' March
30, 1873; Canada, October, 1874; Rome of Italy, January 14, 1877; Egypt, 1878; Spain, 1879;
Tunis, May 11, 1880. The following Supreme Councils have been formed but have not received
formal recognition and the courtesy of an exchange of representatives: Naples of Italy, Dominican
Republic, Turkey, Palermo of Italy, Florence of Italy, and Luxembourg. To several of the Supreme
Councils the Grand Lodges of the maritime States of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts appoint repre
sentatives to and receive representatives from, they being also Grand Lodges and governing the Blue
degrees. But in the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Dominion of Canada the
government of the symbolic Lodges and the control of the Blue degrees remain with the Grand
Lodges which are sovereign in their jurisdictions. In our own country, in both the Southern and
Northern Jurisdictions, there has been much annoyance in the past from spurious and clandestine
individual impostors and the bodies created by them, which we will briefly refer to. There was one
Joseph Cerneau, a French jeweler, born at Villeblerin, France, in 1763, who in the beginning of the
nineteenth century (1806) removed from the French West Indies to the city of New York, where in
18 1 2 he invaded the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of Charleston, S. C, which then governed
the whole of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the United States, and he established a
spurious body under the title of "Sovereign Grand Consistory of the United States of America, its
Territories and Dependencies." This Masonic charlatan, who claimed the right to organize bodies of
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, was expelled and his pretensions denounced in 181 3 by the
legal Supreme Council sitting at Charleston, S. C. Cerneau and his adherents gave much trouble
in the Scottish Rite for many years and the bodies which he had formed were not entirely dissolved
until long after the establishment of the legal Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction, and by
his fraudulent successors and to the harm and disgrace of Masonry in some form or other it has
continued in some portions of the country to this day to disturb the harmony of the Order. This
impostor, with the old Rite of Perfection which had ceased to exist, consisting of twenty-five degrees,
established clandestine bodies not only of that rite but of Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar
in New Orleans, as he had previously in New York ; and by hocus pocus jugglery shifted and
changed the names of his bodies from time to time, as suited his pleasure, and by mere dicta per se
alone declared himself and his coadjutors Sovereign Grand Inspector -Generals of the 33d degree.
A clandestine Lodge of Fellow Craft Masons might with equal propriety resolve themselves into a
Grand Lodge of Master Masons, without ever having even clandestinely been raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason at all. Afterward, unfortunately, the Northern Supreme Council for a few
years was divided into two factions, of which the impostors took advantage, and one of these factions
compromised with, healed, and affiliated some of the dupes of these frauds, took them in, and when
the schism or breach was afterward healed, the Northern Supreme Council for a time was infected
with an unhealthy absorption by an unwise compromise which was made with the best of intentions
for the good of Freemasonry. Some of the healed frauds violated their oaths, broke their plighted
sworn faith, repeated their nefarious practices, were expelled, and, with additional Masonic knowledge
gained and degrees regularly conferred upon them, while they had more Masonic stock in trade to do
business on than they had before, they proceeded to establish new bodies of clandestine Scottish Rite
Masonry, quarreled among themselves and again divided into several so-called Supreme Councils,
spreading confusion among the Craft.
Joseph Cerneau had been a member of several Masonic bodies in the West Indies. He had
a patent from Math1eu Dupotet, certifying that he had received the degrees of the Scottish Rite of
Heredom, and authorizing him to confer the degrees up to the twenty-fourth and organize bodies in
the northern part of Cuba, and to confer the twenty-fifth on one person in each year, the twenty-fifth
being then the highest degree of that Rite of Perfection, and the highest Cerneau had received
according to his patent. Cerneau had his patent from Dupotet, who had his from Germa1n
Haoûet, who had his from Du Pless1s, who had his from Prevost in 1790, who had his from
Francken. As stated, what authority he had was outside of the United States. He had but
twenty-five degrees, was not in possession of the eight other, including the thirty -third, and invaded
the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council at Charleston, S. C, which then embraced the whole of the
United States, by issuing a warrant for a Grand Consistory in New York City on October 28, 1807,
which was not fully organized until the autumn of 1808. It organized the Grand Encampment of
Knights Templar of New York on January 22, 18 1 4, whose subordinates were: Ancient Encamp
ment, New York; Temple Encampment, Albany; Montgomery Encampment, Stillwater. The first
official proceedings show that on the day mentioned the Sovereign Grand Consistory "decreed the
establishment of a Grand Encampment of Sir Knights Templar and Appendant Orders for the State
of New York, and immediately proceeded to its formation by choosing the Grand Officers thereof"
from among the members of the Consistory. Not a single Commandery had requested such action,
nor had a single Knight Templar, as such. It was the voluntary action of an alien body, which in
itself had no such authority as it assumed to exercise. A warrant of recognition was issued in 18 16
to Columbia Commandery of New York and a warrant for a new Commandery at New Orleans the
same day. Cerneau had also established a spurious and clandestine body of the Rite of Perfection
in the latter city. We quote from the records: "On the 4th day of May, 1816, a meeting of the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of New York was called to act upon an application by a
collected body of Sir Knights Templar, Royal Arch Masons, and members of the Sovereign Grand
Council of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret for the State of Louisiana, sitting at New Orleans,
praying that a constitutional charter be granted them, etc They had previously to this application
elected and installed their officers. The charter, by resolution, was granted them, and it was also
Resolved, That the Ill.\ Bro. Joseph Cerneau having been designated by the Louisiana Encampment,
be and is hereby acknowledged and accredited as such."
Just one month and seventeen days afterward (June 20-1, 1816), the General Grand Encamp
ment of Knights Templar of the United States was established in New York by four men only, as,
already stated, who were self-appointed delegates, so to speak, viz., Thomas Sm1th Webb, Henry
Fowle, and John Snow of Boston and Providence, and Thomas Lowndes of the Cerneau Grand
Encampment of Knights Templar of New York, and representing also the Cerneau Temple Encamp
ment of Albany and Montgomery Encampment of Stillwater, N. Y. So from the very beginning
this Cerneau fraud was interwoven into the fabric of the General Grand Encampment of Knights
Templar of the United States, as well as the Cryptic Rite so called, or the side degrees of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Royal and Select Masters, Lowndes creating Columbia Council,
No. 1, of Royal Masters, he not then being in possession of the ritual of the Select Master's degree.
Says Past Grand Master Hopk1ns, in the Grand Encampment proceedings for 1889, page 192:
"What authority Joseph Cerneau had for conferring the Orders of Knighthood and constituting
Commanderies, and whence he derived his authority, has not been ascertained. No authority to
confer the Orders of Knighthood is contained in his patent; at least there is no such authority in
the patent of July 15, 1806, granted to Math1eu Dupotet. If he had any other patent, or if he
74Q FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
himself had ever received the Orders of Knighthood, no evidence of the fact has been found." If
Past Grand Master Hopk1ns had been posted he would have had no difficulty in understanding it.
If Joseph Cerneau, as a Deputy Inspector-General for the old Rite of Perfection (25th degree), had
possessed the legal right to have conferred its degrees in the United States at the time he did, and
had not invaded the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council at Charleston which already occupied the
territory, he would not have required any special patent or authority to confer the Knight Templar
degree, as it was a part of the Kadosh degree of that rite. As he had no legal authority to enter
the United States to propagate that rite, and it was an invasion of jurisdiction to establish it as he
did, it was of course clandestine and so declared. But he did what the Supreme Council of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite did not do, and there is a new question which presents itself.
The Supreme Council at Charleston, in the re -arrangement of the Kadosh degree, dropped the first
part of the degree or concluded not to work it, and did as the Dermott Grand Lodge of England
did at York, incorporating it into his system from the Rite of Perfection introduced from France in
1757, and in declaring Cerneau's Consistory at New York clandestine probably supposed that in doing
so disposed of the whole matter. But it did not, and Cerneau no doubt learning in some way or
other that as the authority of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which declared him an
impostor and his work clandestine, did not work the first or Templar part of the Kadosh degree,
saw an opening for himself and his Consistory by detaching, the Templar part of the Kadosh degree,
and established the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of New York on the segment of the
Kadosh degree. The first constitution of this Grand Commandery made its membership consist of
officers and members of the Grand Commandery and delegates from such subordinates under its
jurisdiction as might recognize its authority. It also provided that the Grand Master should be
admitted as a member of the Supreme Council without fee, that the Commanders of subordinates
should be entitled to the degree of Prince of the Royal Secret, and the members of the Consistory
be admitted free of charge. Thus the reciprocity of these two branches of clandestine Masonry was
made complete, which was quite natural, as they were composed of the same individuals.
This Cerneau Consistory did just what the Supreme Council at Charleston should have done
in the first place by in effect keeping the Templar degree active within its bosom, as the first part
of the Kadosh, which it failed to do, and in this respect Cerneau got ahead of it and even further,
for Thomas Lowndes was the delegate from the Cerneau Grand Commandery of New York to the
convention of the four individuals who organized the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar
pf the United States a little more than six weeks afterward; and what is more surprising than all,
is, that at that convention the Cerneau delegate (Lowndes) was the only one really in possession
of the Templar degree. The other three (Webb, Fowle, and Snow) only had a Templar degree,
which, as the late Bro. Albert P1ke said, "was manufactured by Thomas Sm1th Webb out of whole
cloth." They adopted a constitution for the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the
United States first, ratified, subscribed to it, installed officers under it, and left the matter of the ritual
and degrees to be adjusted afterward. Webb had previously obtained possession in some way at
Albany, N. Y., of the ritual of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, or had access to it, "and taking
the 15th and 16th degrees bodily," as P1ke says, "and putting them together made one degree of
them and called it the Red Cross degree." It was this degree alone, which is entirely Hebrew and
Persian in drama and history of events 536 years before Chr1st, upon which Boston Commandery was
first organized in 1802, and St. John's Commandery, No. 1, at Providence, R. I., was organized on
August 23, 1802, with Webb's manufactured Knight Templar degree. In the archives of this St.
John's Commandery, No. 1, is said to be the original manuscript of Webb's Templar degree. This
n-n-r
|_
|
Sovereign Grand Commanders of the Supreme Councils of the Southern and Northern Jurisdictions
of the United States of America, the Republic of Mexico, and Dominion of Canada.
THOMAS H. CASWELL, ISAAC H. STEARNS,
Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council, Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council,
Southern Jurisdiction, U.S. A. Dominion of Canada.
Constituted May 31, 18oz. Constituted May 11, 1880.
PORFIRIO DIAZ, HENRY L. PALMER,

Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council, Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council,
* Republic of Mexico. Northern Jurisdiction, U.S. A.
Constituted April 25, 1868. Constituted August 5, 1817.
will account in a great measure for Webb's strenuous earnestness in the organization of the National
Encampment, and, with three other individuals, getting the control in the start, and willingness to
accept the representative of the Cerneau Grand Commandery of New York in its organization for his
own situation and that of the bodies of his own creation upon his own made rituals. He was becom
ing desperate and apprehensive lest they might not be recognized as legitimate after the other and
more regular Commanderies of Knights Templar came out from under the folds of the Lodges of
the Ancients, under whose authority they claimed to be organized or were appendant to.
We will now revert to the Supreme Council for
the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. In
the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction the rite suf-
fered severely from the misfortunes incident to
the late Civil War. Its treasury was exhausted in
Masonic charity, its records and rituals lost
and burned in the con- flagration of Charleston
(the birthplace and home of the late Bro. Albert
Gallat1n Mackay, 33° its Secretary-General) and
other cities, and at the close of the war but few
bodies had any existence, and the Brethren who had
not died were scattered and left impoverished, so
that it seemed almost impossible to resuscitate the
rite in that portion of the jurisdiction. There is
something inexpressibly sad and touching as we
read the records of the last two meetings of the
Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of
the United States, held just previous to the late
Civil War and those immediately following it —
thatof March 28-31, 1860, held at Washington City,
D. C. Of the nine active members who assembled
then but one survives, the good, noble, and beloved
Bro. Fred. Webber, 33°, Secretary - General. The
ALBERT G. MACKAY, 33°, late Sec'y Gen'l.
last act of that session was to pay a pilgrimage
to Mt. Vernon, escorted by Washington Commandery of Knights Templar, and hold a Lodge of
Sorrow in honor of the memory of George Wash1ngton, the Father of his Country, a little more
than a year before the flames and explosions of the Civil War were to burst forth over the land.
The session of April 1, 1861, was held at New Orleans, when twelve of the off1cers and active mem
bers were present, of whom only one is now living, Bro. Fred. Webber. At the session of Febru
ary, 1862, at Charleston, only four were present and all are dead. War was then raging in all its
fury, Freemasonry being apparently dead, and silence prevailed in all the valleys; while tears flowed
in that dark hour from the eyes of men unused to weep. The Southern Supreme Council did not
meet again until after the close of the war, and then in the Masonic Hall in Charleston, S. C, on
November 17, 1865. Only six members were present and all have crossed over the river.
The Northern Supreme Council was then sundered in twain, and imposters and frauds were
like jackals gorging themselves on the battlefield upon the bodies of the slain. "Ardet ut vivat"
(she burns that she may live) was once a motto of the old Knights Templar, and the phcenix was
again to rise from the ashes of the funeral pyre ; for with indomitable energy and zeal of its Grand
Commander, Albert P1ke, 33°, who had during two and a half years of the war been engaged in
rewriting and restoring its rituals — whose matchless scholarship in ancient lore and profound knowl
edge of the ancient mysteries and philosophy, aided by that other most illustrious Mason, the Moses
and lawgiver of the fraternity of Freemasons around the globe, Albert Gallat1n Mackay, 33°, the late
Dean and Secretary-General of the Southern Supreme Council, assembling like Zerubbabel and Hagga1
with a few others at the ruins of their Temple at Jerusalem — commenced the reconstruction of the
rite at Charleston, S. C, upon the old foundations which remained undisturbed. Though the temple
and city were destroyed, yet their jurisdiction of the holy empire remained intact. Without money
and means they devoted themselves to the work. That portion of the jurisdiction which before had
been comparatively unoccupied had happily escaped the ravages of war, and the black cloud of sorrow
and desolation which covered the southern and eastern portions of their jurisdiction, still moistened
with blood and wet with the dew of tears of the sorrowing and afflicted, had a silver and even a
golden lining when lifted by the fresh breezes from the Pacific shores, borne across the Sierras and the
crest of the Rocky Mountains to the woe-stricken hills and valleys of the South. The work of recon
struction and propagation was a most herculean task to attempt or accomplish, and in the midst of
it there arose opposition and bitter controversy from ignorance and prejudice which continued for
many years until it was happily allayed, the error acknowledged by those other Brethren who wantonly
assailed the rite, but who afterward became its most vigorous and ardent defenders.
On the Pacific Coast the late IIl.\ E. H. Shaw, 33°, Active Inspector- General for the State
of California, aided by Ill.\ Thomas H. Caswell, 33° (now Grand Commander of the Southern
Supreme Council), in 1866-70 established twenty bodies of the rite in California, including the Grand
Consistory, of which the writer became the Grand Registrar, and since that time Inspector- General
Caswell has established two other bodies of the rite in California, besides doing a very large amount
of work in advancing the interests of the rite on the Pacific Coast; and, as the late Grand Com
manders P1ke, Batch elder, and Tucker passed away, he by seniority in rank and next in line,
became the Grand Commander of the Supreme Council in 1895, a worthy successor to such eminent
and distinguished Masons and Commanders. In Oregon in the same period the late Ill.\ John C.
A1nsworth, 33°, then Active Inspector -General of that State, aided by the late E. H. Shaw, 33°
established six bodies of the rite. The latter also established four bodies of the rite at Virginia City,
Nev., in 1867, and in 1871 one at Salt Lake City, Utah. The writer, as the deputy of the late
IIl.\ E. H. Shaw, 33°, constituted one body at Hamilton, White Pine County, Nev., in 1871, and
as the deputy of Ill.\ Thomas H. Caswell, 33°, one body at Eureka, Cal., in 187 1. As the deputy
of the Southern Supreme Council in 1872, he established fifteen bodies of the rite at Seattle,
Olympia, Port Townsend, and Port Gamble, on Puget Sound, in the then Territory but now the
State of Washington. In 1874-5 he assisted in the organization of two bodies of the rite at Carson
City, Nev., and was installed Master of both. In October, 1883, he assisted in organizing three
bodies of the rite in Oakland, Cal., of which he became a charter member and the Commander of the
Council of Kadosh, and was for several years the Wise Master of Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix,
of which bodies he is a Life Member. As the deputy of the late Ill.\ Charles F. Brown, 33° and
of the Grand Consistory of California, the writer in 1883 constituted three bodies of the rite in Los
Angeles, Cal., and visited and instructed the various bodies of the rite in and on the borders of the
State of California. During the last thirty -one years he has been a charter member and officer of
no less than nine bodies of the rite, a member and officer of four others, and, as Deputy Inspector-
General, has constituted twenty -one other bodies of the rite in California, Nevada, and Washington,
making thirty-five bodies in all, consisting of one Grand Consistory, 320 one subordinate Consistory,
320, six Councils of Kadosh, 30° nine Chapters of Rose Croix,

18° six Councils of Princes of Jerusalem, 16c, and twelve
Lodges of Perfection, 14°, with which as a member and officer

he has been identified ; while he has participated in the initia
tion of many hundreds of Master Masons into the rite, upon a
large proportion of whom he has himself officially conferred all
the degrees, from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive. As a recogni
tion of the long sixteen years of services previously rendered
to the rite the Southern Supreme Council, by unanimous vote
at its session in October, 1884, elected him a Knight Com
mander of the Court of Honor and to receive the 33d degree
as an honorarium and an Honorary Member of that Supreme
Council, which was duly conferred upon him by Ill.\ Thomas
H. Caswell, 33°, now Grand Commander, and since which
time, as Acting Grand Marechal of Ceremonies, on several
occasions he has assisted the Grand Commander in conferring
the thirty-third degree.
The vacancy caused by the resignation and death of
the late Ill.\ Charles F. Brown, 33°, Active Inspector-
General, also of California, was filled in 1893 by the election
Secret Master. of Ill.\ W1ll1am Frank P1erce, 33° Past Grand Master of
the Grand Consistory of California, since which time he has by
virtue of his office established four Lodges of Perfection, one Chapter of Rose Croix, one Council of
Kadosh, and two Consistories, and by his zeal and energetic devotion to the rite advanced its progress
and interests to a most gratifying condition in the Golden State.
At the time of the Triennial Conclave of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar
of the United States, held in San Francisco in August, 1883, the Grand Consistory of California
welcomed no less than 480 Scottish Rite Brethren of the thirty-second degree, visitors to the Pacific
Coast borne upon its register, while the utmost spirit of courtesy and fraternity prevailed ; and dele
gations from California Commandery, No. 1, and Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, visited the
Scottish Rite headquarters at the Palace Hotel, which were returned by the Grand Consistory in full
uniform, accompanied by the Second Regiment Band.
The see of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States is nom
inally at the place of its foundation, which is Charleston, S. C, but its headquarters is really at
Washington City, D. C, where it has been for a third of a century. It owns its own House of the
Temple, which belongs to all the members of its jurisdiction alike, with the grandest Masonic Library
and the rarest and most valuable books to be found in the world, the gift of the late Grand Com
mander Albert P1ke, the rebuilder and restorer of the ancient mysteries of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite— the sage, philosopher, scholar, lawyer, poet, and the most renowned Mason of modern
times—linking the present with the past ; the only man on earth who took up the gauntlet thrown
down by Pope Leo XIII and smote the brazen face of the papacy with a mailed hand squarely on
its frontlet between the eyes as the champion of Freemasonry, and the rights of free conscience, the
natural heritage of all mankind. His reclothed and incomparable ritual of the degrees of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite — the legend, the morals, and dogma — are a curriculum for the Masonic
student and scholar, a compendium of knowledge beyond price ; and he who has the time, the means,
FIFTY YEyáRS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 745
and the capacity to acquire and retain the same, will become possessed of the exhaustless treasures
of the dowry of Truth, the daughter of ALMIGHTY GOD.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite confers no degrees but what are strictly and legit
imately its own, and its doors are open to every worthy, intelligent Master Mason, who is seeking
for knowledge and light, who is willing to use the sword when necessary in defense of the trowel in
the building of the Temple of Civil and Religious Liberty, where the principles of liberty, equality,
and fraternity are inculcated and where the loftiest truths of science and philosophy are taught and
demonstrated, and the religion of humanity without creed and politics without party are most studiously
cultivated: a ladder like that in JACOB's dream, where the Christian, the Jew, the Mohammedan, the
Brahmin, and the Buddhist Brothers, inspired by the angels of their better natures, may climb to its
summit, view the Infinite, and hold communion with the All-Father, if he so desires, without encroach
ing upon the rights and privileges of his Brother Mason. It is this spirit of toleration which the
rite inculcates, and like the bee gathers honey from every flower for the common hive, yet carries a
weapon to defend itself when attacked in its course by the oppressor, the thief, and the robber in
every land.
Before giving further history of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, it is proper at this
time to state the requisite qualifications to receive the degrees, an outline of each, and what they
teach, so far as they can be made known outside the arcanum in which they are conferred. To
receive the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite it is only necessary to be a Master
Mason in good standing, in the United States, the three degrees of Entered Apprentice Mason,
Fellow Craft, and Master Mason having been conferred by proper authority under the jurisdiction
of the Grand Lodges whose sovereignty over those degrees is fully recognized and respected;
they are accepted and counted in the scale of the
thirty-three degrees. In some countries the Supreme
Councils are the Grand Lodges under whose authority the
symbolic degrees are also conferred. In the United States
the degrees of the Scottish Rite are conferred in regular
legally constituted bodies at or in the vicinity of the appli
cant's residence, if there be any; or they are conferred by
communication by Active Inspector-Generals of the 33d
degree of that rite, or by their duly appointed deputies, who
are authorized to communicate them and create members
at large, as nuclei for others, to be afterward constituted

into bodies when there are a sufficient number, the fees
being paid into the treasury of the Supreme Council. While
it may be considered a large number of degrees, yet the
lessons and catechism to be learned are very short, not
averaging over five questions and answers to a degree in
order to be perfect. The patent or diploma will at all
times admit the lawful possessor to any body of the rite
which he is entitled to visit by virtue of the rank of the
degree to which he has attained. The following is the scale
of degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of
Freemasonry, designated as follows: Perfect Master.–Part I.
Scale of Degrees of the Anc1ent and Accepted

Scott1sh R1te of Freemasonry.
The Ineffable Degrees. — The Ineffable degrees pertain

to King Solomon's Temple only, and commence where the
mutilated Master Mason's degree leaves off. There are eleven
degrees which are conferred in a Lodge of Perfection, begin
ning at the brow of Mt. Moriah and ending with the dedi
cation of King Solomon's Temple, with the final instructions
to the workmen, enabling them to travel in other countries
to be received with honors and entrusted with other work.
These degrees are : 40, Secret Master ; 5°, Perfect Master ;
6°, Intimate Secretary; 70, Provost and Judge; 8°, Intendant
of the Building; 9°, Knight Elect of the Nine; 10°, Illustrious
Elect of the Fifteen; 11°, Sublime Knight Elect of the
Twelve; 120, Grand Master Architect; 130, Royal Arch of
Solomon; 140, Perfect Elu, or Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime
Mason. The 4th and 5th degrees have relation to the proper
tribute due to the memory of the third Grand Master of the
Temple ; the 6th, 7th, and 8th degrees, to supplying the place
made vacant by the death of the architect of the Temple,
Perfect Master.—Part II. in keeping the record of the plans agreed upon by the
two kings, the adjustment of the accounts and demands
of the workmen, the settlement of disputes, and the resumption of work upon the Temple; the 9th
and 10th degrees, to the faithful administration of justice, which never tires or sleeps; the
11th degree, the rewarding of the faithful and true for bringing offenders to justice, and the regula
tion of the equitable collection of the revenues of the realm; the 12th degree, the science of archi
tecture, the use of all the instruments and their morals, and the science of astronomy, with geometry
and the lofty lessons to be learned in the starry heavens above us; the 13th degree, the fortunate
discovery of that which has been lost, but still unknown to the discoverers; the 14th degree, the
preparation of the heart, mind, and body, by consecration to the service of true Freemasonry, and
to receive, with the fullest and most ample explanations, the great treasure and reward on the com
pletion of the Temple, which is delivered by the two kings to the patient, discreet, and faithful work
man, which will enable him in all his journeys through life to be welcomed and received as a true
Brother, earn his wages and the bread for himself and his family, and contribute to the relief of his
fellows.
[From the 6th and a portion of the 14th degrees, with other matter added, the side degree
of Select Master was made; and from the 13th and 15th degrees, with a change of history applied
to the second Temple, Ramsay made the Royal Arch of Zerubbabel, which Dermott engrafted upon
his seceding Grand Lodge of the Ancients, which in a slightly modified form is now the Royal Arch
conferred in England ; and in this country, remodeled by Webb, is the Royal Arch of the American
Rite.]
Second Temple Degrees. — The following are the Second Temple series: 15°, Knight of the
East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle; 160, Prince of Jerusalem. These two degrees are founded
upon the history of the two reigns of the Persian monarchs, Cyrus and Dar1us; the destruction of
the Temple of Solomon by Nebuzuradan; the captivity of the Jews, who were carried away into
Babylon ; the decrees of these two kings permitting the rebuilding of the Temple by Zerubbabel,
the restoration of the holy vessels, and the release of the Jews from captivity, with the hindrances
and opposition from the Samaritans—all serving to symbolize the destruction of the Order of Knights
Templar, which was ruined, scattered, and proscribed, and of a country which has lost its liberties
and the difficulty of regaining them — teaching to Freemasons, as Brethren, the lessons of patience
and perseverance under affliction and trials, and never to despair in their efforts to regain that which
through treachery, persecution, oppression, and robbery, whether of liberty or possessions, they like
the old Knights Templar may have lost. The history of these degrees will be found in full in the
first book of Esdras, in the Apocrypha in the Bible, which is dramatized from it, and furnish the
foundation upon which they are constructed.
[These two degrees were taken bodily by Thomas Sm1th Webb from the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite, telescoped or consolidated by him, miscalled the Red Cross degree, and placed by him
in the American Commanderies of Knights Templar, without leave or license. They are entirely
Jewish and Persian in history and drama, and the events occurred 536 years before the crucifixion
of Chr1st, as already stated.]
''Knight of the East. — The fifteenth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. It
is substantially the tenth degree, or Knight of the Red Cross of the American Rite."— Mackay's
Enc, p. 415.
"Knight of the Red Cross. — Webb, or whoever else introduced it into the American system,
undoubtedly took it from the sixteenth degree, or Prince of Jerusalem, of the Ancient and Accepted
Rite. It has within a few years been carried into England under the title of the Red Cross of
Babylon. In New Brunswick it has been connected with Cryptic Masonry. It is there as much
out of place as it is in a Commandery of Knights Templar."—Mackay's Enc, p. 418.
"Babylonish Pass. — A degree given in Scotland by the
authority of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter. It is also called
the Red Cross of Babylon, and is almost identical with the
Knight of the Red Cross conferred in Commanderies of
Knights Templar as a preparatory degree."— Mackay's Enc,
p. 99.
"Embassy. —The embassy of Zerubbabel and four other
Jewish chiefs to the Court of Dar1us, to obtain the protection
of that monarch from the encroachments of the Samaritans,
who interrupted the labors in the rebuilding of the Temple,
constitutes the legend of the sixteenth degree of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite, and also of the Red Cross degree
of the American Rite, which is surely borrowed from the
former."— Mackay's Enc, p. 250.
The Spiritual Temple Degrees. — 170, Knight of the
East and West; 180, Knight of Rose Croix (Rosy Cross).
[The 15° and 160, embraced in the Council of Princes of
Jerusalem, are now, with the 17° and 180, in the Southern
Jurisdiction, conferred in the Chapters of Rose Croix.] The
1 70, or Knight of the East and West, portrays the history,
life, and doctrines of St. John the Baptist, and his sad fate
like that of the master builder of King Solomon's Temple,

who fell a victim and a martyr to the principles of virtue,
integrity, and truth; and also the history and teachings of
St. JoHN the Evangelist, who in his gospel declared that “in
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD,
and the Word was GOD," and whose rapturous vision of the
New Jerusalem on the Isle of Patmos, in which he was told

to “weep not, behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath
prevailed,” made him the Knight of the West, to proclaim
the truth in revelation, as ST. JoHN the Baptist had been the
Knight and Herald of the East, at the head of the Order of
the Essenes, to declare the approach of “One that cometh
after him and who is preferred before him.” The 18°, or
Knight Rose Croix, portrays the history of Him who came
to elevate His race and to be the reformer and redeemer of
men—one whom all liberal-minded men, regardless of creed,
Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason will readily admit was unjustly and inhumanly put to death,
Or Perfect Elu. as a victim to satisfy the clamors of a fanatical mob, at
the instigation of a hierarchy that was false to its race and content to willingly serve under the
foreign yoke of a conqueror, to pay tribute to its power, that priestly authority might control the
destiny of its own people whom it was willing should be kept in subjection that they might, with a
rod of iron, rule over the hearts and consciences of men: a hierarchy that finds to-day its counterpart
at the Vatican in Rome. In the Rose Croix degree no violence is done to any man's religious faith,
while the Christian may draw its lessons more closely to heart than others; yet the grand principles
of Toleration, Humanity, and Fraternity are taught, in which all good men may recognize CHRIST as
4 4
a most wise master builder and one endeared to us as “our elder Brother," who has taught us to say
“Our Father which art in Heaven," and “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you do ye
even so unto them, and love thy neighbor as thyself.”
The Historic, Philosophic, and Chivalrous Degrees.—19°, Grand Pontiff; 20°, Grand Master of
all Symbolic Lodges; 21°, Noachite or Prussian Knight; 22°, Prince of Libanus or Knight of the
Royal Axe: 23°, Chief of the Tabernacle; 24°, Prince of the Tabernacle; 25°, Knight of the Brazen
Serpent; 26°, Prince of Mercy or Scottish Trinitarian; 27°, Knight Commander of the Temple;
28°, Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept; 29°, Grand Scottish Knight of St. Andrew; 30°, Knight
Kadosh, of the Black and White Eagle, or Knight Templar.
The 19th degree relates to the Apocalyptic Vision or Revelation of ST. JoHN the Evangelist
and the hoped-for millennium, when there shall be a perfect union of mankind under the benign sway
of toleration and charity. In this degree it is plainly to be discerned that ST. JoHN the Evangelist
had been initiated into the ancient mysteries, which his revelations followed in parallel lines; and what
has always been a mystery and a puzzle to Christians generally and to biblical scholars in the main,
is made so clear, so lucid, and apparent that this degree gives the most profound satisfaction to the
Masonic searcher after the truth. The 20th degree teaches the full arcana of the Grand Oriental
Chair, inculcating the most pious reverence for the Deity, knowledge, science, philosophy, charity, gen
erosity, heroism, honor, patriotism, justice, toleration, and truth. The 21st degree portrays the history
of the Knights Crusaders, who returned to Europe from the wars in the Holy Land to find them
selves and their kindred stripped of their properties by the rapacity, cunning frauds, and forgeries of
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 749
the monks, and the punishment meted out to those cowled thieves and robbers who plundered the
estates of the living and dead, the absent defenders of the faith in Palestine, and turned old men,
women, and children out upon the highways to starve and perish by the roadside. The 22d degree
relates to the work upon Mt. Lebanon and the preparation of the timbers and woodwork for the
Temple; the dignity of labor, that in Freemasonry rank and nobility go for naught, and that he who
will not work and share equally with his fellows of the Craft shall not eat. The 23d and 24th
degrees relate to the history of the formulation of the ceremonies of the Jewish religion in the setting
up of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the doctrine and laws given by Moses, who was well
versed in all the knowledge of the Egyptians. The 25th degree portrays the sufferings of the Chil
dren of Israel, who were bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness, and the raising up of the brazen
serpent by Moses, that those who looked upon it might live, in which the profoundest doctrines are
taught of life and death, to lead men away from their evil passions, and to look for help and relief
from above. The 26th degree particularly treats of mercy, charity, and loving kindness, of toleration,
and that men are not to be persecuted and tortured on account of different creeds or faiths, all of
which is set forth by recounting the sufferings and woes inflicted for religious differences of opinion
in the ages that are past. The 27th degree relates to the Crusades under HENRY VI, Emperor of
Germany, son of FREDERICK BARBARossA, aided by all the knighthood and chivalry of Europe, joined
by PHILIP AUGUSTUs of France and RICHARD COEUR DE LION of England, which went to the Holy
Land in 1191, and became the Teutonic branch of the Order of the Temple, known as the Knights
of St. Mary, where they established a hospital on Mt. Zion for the reception of pilgrims. These
Teutonic Knights afterward gave protection to the persecuted Templars, subsequently to MARTIN
LUTHER, and became the defenders of the great Reformation. The lessons taught are to defend the
honor of Freemasonry, to uphold its banners and
vindicate its principles; to love, revere, and preserve
liberty and justice, and to favor, sustain, and defend
the oppressed, without neglecting the sacred duties of
hospitality. The 28th degree treats of astronomy,
science, and philosophy, and inculcates the full exer
cise of intelligent reason and faith in the reading of
the great book of Nature, with a well-grounded trust
in the wisdom and mercy of the Creator. The 29th
degree portrays the history and valor of the Scottish
division of Knights Templar or Grand Scottish Knight
of St. Andrew; the inculcation of a spirit of humility,
patience, and self-denial, with charity, clemency, and
generosity, based upon virtue, truth, and honor, and
to resist all oppression, whether it proceed from tem
poral or spiritual authority, and to recover that which
was lost through persecutions, robbery, and death,
inflicted by those powers which destroyed the Order
of the Temple and plundered it of its lawful pos
sessions, giving a portion as a reward to their
enemies, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem or
Knights of Malta. The 30th, or true Knight Prussian Knight.–Oath of Teutonic Knights
Templar degree, Knights Kadosh or of the Black on their Return from the Crusades.
and White Eagle. Kadosh means holy. Kadosh Kadoshim is Hebrew for the Sanctum Sanctorum, or
Holy of Holies of the Temple. It relates to the history of the Order of the Temple, their woes,
confiscation of property — a portion of which was bestowed upon their enemies, the Knights of St.
John of Jerusalem or Knights of Malta — their sufferings, banishment, destruction, and death, and
bears the same relation to the Knights Kadosh that the 3d degree does to the Master Mason, the
9th degree to the Knights Elect of the Nine, and the 18th degree to the Knights Rose Croix, with
this difference, that it is vastly more profound in its depth of meaning and more determined in its
aims and objects. It is the areopagus and citadel of Freemasonry. It neither attacks nor defends
any man's creed or religious faith, but it determinedly maintains the rights of conscience, freedom of
speech, and free government. The horrors of the past committed by crowned and mitred tyrants
like Ph1l1p the Fair of France and Pope Clement V, crushing out the souls of men, burning them
at the stake or torturing them in the dungeons of the Inquisition, and trampling liberty in the dust,
are neither forgotten nor forgiven so long as oppression and wrong from temporal and spiritual despots
are permitted to exist and curse the sons of men. Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are its cardinal
tenets, with the warning ever in view that eternal vigilance, education, and enlightenment are the life
and guarantees of liberty. These are the avengers of the martyred De Molay, the last Grand Master
of the Templars, and his Brethren who were burned at the stake on March 18, 1313, and all the
victims of that terrible power that for centuries has cursed the earth and is a continuous menace to
the rights of man. The Jesuits once were in the possession of these degrees, and the Kadosh degree
was used by them as the last trap into which the candidate was led, to ascertain and discover if
possible his true animus toward the papacy and to learn if he was a descendant of the Templars or
a Huguenot in secret, and if so, he was marked for a victim to be boycotted in business, persecuted
and proceeded against, according to the conditions of the times and the powers they possessed.
When it was learned that the Kadosh were the true descendants and successors of the Knights
Templar in disguise they changed the name to that of Knights of the Black and White Eagle, refer
ring to the colors of their beauseant. And when finding that they could no longer in safety work
the Kadosh degree under the new name they then worked in the 9th degree, or Knight Elect of the
Nine, which symbolized the same thing.
The first part of the original Kadosh degree was what is now, with the ritual modified and
somewhat changed, the Knights Templar degree. The Knights Templar who survived the persecu
tions and massacres of their Order retained the Christian faith, which was essential to their existence,
though disguised or mixed with other Orders. But in order to be revenged upon their enemies —
Ph1l1p the Fair, Pope Clement V, and the treacherous Knights of Malta — they took a solemn oath
to carry out, though it might not be literal in its methods, yet in effect by any and every lawful
means, in aiding the Reformation, and Luther, Knox, and others, and in spirit it has carried it out
in every country where conscience has been fettered and liberty enchained or stifled. No one under
the inflexible rule of the real Order of the Temple, or "Poor Fellow Soldiers of King Solomon's
Temple or of Jesus Christ," could be admitted and created a Knight Templar unless he was of noble
blood, the remnant of Knights Templar after the battle of Bannockburn, Scotland, June 24, 1314,
and after having been created by Bruce, at Kilwinning, Knights of the Rosy Cross and Knights
Grand Crosses of St. Andrew of Scotland, they are said to have created the Order of Knights
Kadosh, to be composed of themselves and those they saw proper to admit to their fellowship and
confidence, after having tested their patience, fidelity, and courage. And as they could no longer be
known as Knights Templar, they chose the name of Kadosh, which is Hebrew, the better to conceal
their identity for personal safety, and to be retained in remembrance of the holy house of the Temple
on Mt. Moriah near where the Order of the Temple was founded. It is greatly to be regretted
that their true name of Knights Templar was not retained to the end; but being sensitive and proud
of their blood, achievements, and history, they preferred to let the true name or title go down in
honor and be concealed by the adoption of a new one (Knight Kadosh), not dreaming that other
persons of another and future age and another land across the Atlantic Ocean (not then discovered)
should presume to take their names and titles and consolidate them with those of their enemies, the
Knights of Malta, unwarrantedly use emasculated portions of their work, and ignorantly but innocently
flaunt their insignia and banners before the world, without lineage of blood or lawful inheritance of
their ancient rights, honors, and privileges, and without carrying out the objects and purposes of the
old and true Knights Templar, as faithfully delineated by their true successors, the Knights Kadosh,
in the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by its regular and legally
constituted authorities. Happily, however, the error is being condoned and compensated for in a
measure by the swelling of the ranks of the Scottish Rite by those who have received the consol
idated Webb and Cerneau Templar degree. As Napoleon once said, "If you prick a Russian you
bleed a Tartar," so it may be said with nearly equal truth, if one should happen to prick an intelli
gent Knight Templar of the American Rite, who has attained any distinction at all, he would find
that he was drawing the blood of a Rose Croix Knight or of a Knight Kadosh of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the parent of all true Masonic knighthood, chivalry, and
philosophy.
In connection with this subject the writer disclaims any hostility to a rite long established,
with which he is himself connected and when it is too late to remedy the original wrong or correct
the error, but he believes in the motto "Magna est veritas et prevalebit" and that in writing the
history of Freemasonry impartially and unbiased "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"
should be stated clear from the fountain head— "nothing extenuated and naught set down in malice."
Compensation is being made by the manly, chivalric, and Masonic support being given by the Grand
Lodges, Grand Royal Arch Chapters, and Grand Commanderies of American Knights Templar in
recognizing the legality and regularity of both the Southern and the Northern Supreme Councils of
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, which so far as they are concerned at the
present day is ample atonement for the infringement and wrongs perpetrated nearly a century ago by
Webb, Lowndes, and coadjutors, for which their ignorant and innocent successors are in no wise to
be held responsible.
Consistorial and Judicial Degrees. — 31°, Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander; 32° Master
of the Kadosh, or Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.
The 31st degree is the highest judicial degree, and in it the Supreme Council and the Con
sistory sits as a Supreme Court, in which all appeals are heard and the trials of all cases had above
the 1 8th degree of the rite. The lessons taught in the ritual are of the highest order of justice, in
which Moses and lawgivers of the ancient nations are represented and cited, and it is the most
august tribunal held in Freemasonry to teach the loftiest principles of truth, equity, and justice.
The 32d degree teaches the ancient truths and philosophy of our Aryan ancestors, as they
have come down to us drained through the Alexandrian school of science, and the Zoroastrian doc
trines; the fundamental principles of the Mosaic and Christian dispensations, the resurrection of the
body, and the immortality of the soul, with all the symbolism of our ancient Brethren left us as
monuments to guide us in our investigation and search after truth.
The symbolic plan of organization and division of the Masonic army, with the headquarters of
its chiefs arranged geometrically with the mystic numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, are thus classified: No. 1
752 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CAUFORNIA.
represents unity or the sun, the ancient symbol of the Creator, the source of life, light, heat, or God ;
No. 3, the trinity of creation — the father, the mother, and the son — also the three highest officers
who constitute a Master Mason's Lodge; No. 5, the five senses with which man is endowed, the
five orders of architecture, and the five points of fellowship upon which the Fellow Craft Mason
whose Lodge consists of five and from which he is raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason ;
No. 7, the seven liberal arts and sciences, the seven planets represented in the seven golden candle
sticks or candelabrum ; the seven prismatic colors in the rainbow, the symbol of the first covenant
made by God with man ; the seven days of the week, and the seven who compose the Entered
Apprentice Lodge. Besides the foregoing other explanations are taught at the proper time, which
brings the searcher after the hidden truth face to face with the splendid images of the Prophet
Ezek1el and the Apocalypse of St. John the Evangelist, which the old Knights Templar sought in
the secret reading of the Great Light for themselves and which was the real pretext for charging
them with heresy ; but if the printing press had been invented and brought into action at that time,
they would have anticipated the Reformation under Mart1n Luther, Melanchthon, and Zw1ngle
fully two hundred years before.
In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction the degrees of the Council of Kadosh are embraced
within the Consistory and the 32d degree, being directly connected with the representation of the
campaigns of the Crusades with the Saracens, requiring the skill of the athlete and adroit to delineate
the drama represented ; while the ritual of the Southern Jurisdiction is more intellectual, historic, and
philosophical, and does not require the experts of a gymnasium and acrobats to represent its physical
development to the sacrifice of the intellectual. The rite in the Southern Jurisdiction has a higher
culture for its initiates, and seeks to instruct and not to astonish and amuse. The refined scholar,
as well as the robust and athletic, can find food in both jurisdictions for thought as well as to enlarge
the porosity of his cuticle in sudorific physical exercise.
In the Northern Jurisdiction Councils of Deliberation are held in each State of all the bodies
from the 14th to the 32d degree, inclusive, presided over by a deputy for the State (who is an Active
Inspector -General of the 33d degree and of that Supreme Council), in which all local legislation is
presented and acted upon, to be afterward approved, amended, or annulled by that Supreme Council.
In some of the States until recently there have been Grand Consistories governing the lower bodies,
but they have nearly all surrendered the charters as Grand Bodies and are now merely Consistories
without any powers of supervisional government.
THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE THIRTY-THIRD AND LAST DEGREE OF

THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY (THE
MOTHER COUNCIL OF THE WORLD) FOR THE SOUTHERN JURISDICTION
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
j3° Grand Master of the Kadosh, or Sovereign Grand Inspector -General of the Royal and
Military Order of the House of the Temple.
The 33d degree is conferred in the Supreme Council of the rite, which is the governing body
over all and which prescribes its laws and statutes for the various divisions into which the organized
bodies are divided. The active members are limited to thirty -three, including the officers, who for
their respective States are relatively the Grand Master of the rite and who hold their offices during
good behavior and their good standing in their Blue Lodges as Master Masons, and no longer.
Honorary Inspector -Generals are those who are elevated to the degree, but they have no other
powers than those specifically delegated to them, or they are appointed to act upon committees or as
deputies to propagate the rite by communicating the degrees and establishing bodies. In all other
respects they are like delegates from Territories to Congress, with the right to a voice but not to a
vote. [In the Northern Supreme Council the active members are sixty-six, or just double the number.]
In the Southern Supreme Council there is what may be called the vestibule, the Court of
Honor, which is composed of two grades or ranks, and each active and emeritus member of the
Supreme Council is ex-officio a member of both grades. The first grade is that of Knight Commander,
which is conferred for general meritorious services supposed to have been rendered to the rite, and
is conferred upon Brethren of the 32d degree, upon the recommendation of Grand Consistories or by
the Active Inspector -Generals of their respective States. The second or higher grade is that of
Knight Grand Cross, which, with the jewel, is conferred upon Brethren of the 32d or honorary 33d
degrees for extraordinary service and merit in the rite. Both of the grades of honor are reserved
OFFICE OF THE SOV. GRAND COMMANDER, SUPREME COUNCIL, S. J., WASHINGTON, D. C.
and cannot be conferred upon any Brother who may ask for them. When conferred it is an act of
gratuity and appreciation of services rendered. It is necessary to have the rank of Knight Com
mander of the Court of Honor in order to be eligible to receive the 33d degree.
In the Southern Supreme Council there are 27 Active Members, with 6 vacancies to fill.
There are 406 Honorary Members of the 33d degree, of which 33 are from California ; and there
are 13 Knights Grand Crosses of the Court of Honor, of which California is represented by 1.
There are 792 Knights Commanders of the Court of Honor, of which 76 are from California. So
at the present time the State of California is represented in the Supreme Council by 2 Active
Inspector -Generals, with the Sovereign Grand Commander and the Grand Sword Bearer; 33 Hon
orary Inspector -Generals of the 33d degree, 1 Grand Cross, and 76 Knights Commanders of the
Court of Honor, or 112 directly connected with the Supreme Council itself.
754 FIFTY YEx4RS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
There are 3 Grand Consistories—Louisiana, Kentucky, and Japan—with a membership of 562,

and 33 Consistories of the 32d degree, with a membership of 4636, or a total of 5198. There are
39 Councils or Preceptories of Knights Kadosh, with a membership of nearly 6000; 51 Chapters of
Rose Croix, with a membership of nearly 6000; 84 Lodges of Perfection, with a membership of
nearly 7000, all under the jurisdiction of the Southern Supreme Council. The following have been
the Grand Commanders and the life terms which they have served in the Southern Supreme Council:
JoHN MITCHELL, 33°, 1801 to 1823; FREDERICK DALCHO, 33°, 1823 to 1844; ALEXANDER. McDoNALD,
33°, 1844 to 1855; JoHN HENRY HONOUR, 33°, 1855 to January, 1859, when he resigned; ALBERT
PIKE, 33°, from January, 1859, until his decease, April 2, 1891; JAMES CUNNINGHAM BATCHELOR, 33°,
from October, 1892, until his death, July 28, 1893; PHILIP CROSBY TUCKER, 33°, from October, 1893,
until his death, July 9, 1894; THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL, 33°, from October 26, 1895, the present
incumbent. The three latter were Lieutenant and Acting Grand Commanders during the interims
SUPREME COUNCIL CHAMBER, S. J., WASHINGTON, D. C.
between the date of the deaths of their predecessors and the elections at the next regular meetings
of the Supreme Council. The following are the present officers and Active Members of the Southern
Supreme Council, also the Honorary Members and the Grand Cross for California:
Blective Officers—THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL, Grand Commander, California; ERASMUS THEO
DORE CARR, Grand Prior, Montana; SAMUEL EMERY ADAMS, Grand Chancellor, Minnesota; MARTIN
CoLLINs, Grand Minister of State, Missouri; FREDERICK WEBBER, Secretary-General, Kentucky;
GILMOR MEREDITH, Treasurer-General, Maryland; RICHARD J. NUNN, Grand Almoner, Georgia;
SAMUEL MANNING TODD, Grand Auditor, Louisiana.
Appointed Officers—RUFUs EBERLE FLEMING, Grand Constable, North Dakota; BUREN RoPINsoN
SHERMAN, Grand Chamberlain, Iowa; JAMEs RUDOLPH HAYDEN, Second Grand Equerry, Washington;
ADOLPHUS LEIGH FITZGERALD, Grand Standard Bearer, Nevada; WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE, Grand Sword
Bearer, California; Henry Moore Teller, Grand Herald, Colorado; W1ll1am Reynolds S1ngleton,
Hon. 33°, Grand Tyler, District of Columbia.
Active Members—Theodore Sutton Pary1n, Iowa; James Dan1el R1chardson, Tennessee;
John Freder1ck Mayer, Virginia; Nathan1el Lev1n, South Carolina; George Flem1ng Moore, Ala
bama; Frank M1lls Foote, Wyoming; Iry1ng Wash1ngton Pratt, Oregon; James A. Henry,
Arkansas; Aust1n Beverly Chamberl1n, Texas; W1ll1am Allen McLean, Florida; James Wake
f1eld Cortland, North Carolina.
Emeritus Members—George B. Waterhouse, North Carolina; John McCraken, Oregon;
W1ll1am Roberts Bown, Nebraska; John Lonsdale Roper, Virginia; Robert S. Innes, Minnesota;
Thomas A. Cunn1ngham, Maryland; Eugene Gr1ssom, North Carolina; Harry R. Comly, Montana;
Robert Carroll Jordan, Nebraska.
Honorary Members in California—George John Hobe, San Francisco, July 26, 1876; Theo-
LIBRARY OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL, S. J., WASHINGTON, D. C.
dore Henry Goodman, San Francisco, October 18, 1882; Edw1n Allen Sherman, Oakland, January
10, 1885; Nathan Weston Spauld1ng, Oakland, January 10, 1885; Charles Medley Dougherty,
Oakland, January 10, 1885; S1las Montgomery Buck, Eureka, January 10, 1885; Charles E. Stone,
Marysville, June 8, 1885; James Bestor Merr1tt, Oakland, January 16, 1887; Charles Edw1n G1l-
lett, Oakland, January 16, 1887; W1ll1am Monroe Petr1e, Sacramento, January 16, 1887; W1ll1am
Abraham Dav1es, San Francisco, December 2, 1887; Ralph De Cla1rmont, San Francisco, October
22, 1890; Samuel W. Rosenstock, San Francisco, January 19, 1891 ; Reuben Hedley Lloyd, San
Francisco, January 19, 1891 ; Samuel Wolf Levy, San Francisco, January 19, 1891 ; George Patter
son, Oakland .December 22, 1892; W1ll1am Henry Dan1ell, Northampton, Mass., December 22,
1892; Henry Augustus Cl1ne, San Francisco, March 12, 1893; Col. James Grafton Carlton Lee,
U. S. A., San Francisco, January 9, 1894; Leroy Dermott Fletcher, Oakland, February 15, 1894;
Charles Lew1s Patton, San Francisco, March 4, 1894; Flor1n Lesl1e Jones, Pasadena, December
9, 1895; FREDERICK SYLVESTER LANGDON, Los Angeles, December 9, 1895; CHARLEs AUGUST WILLIAM
WAGNER, San Francisco, September 9, 1897; EDMUND CLEMENT ATKINSON, Sacramento, December 26,
1897; CHARLEs ERNEST GREENE, San Francisco, December 26, 1897; THADDEUs BENNING KENT, San
Francisco, December 26, 1897; LIPPMANN SACHS, San Francisco, December 26, 1897; EDWARD RICH
ARDs H EDGES, Stockton, December 26, 1897; WEBB NICHOLSON PEARCE, Oakland, December 26,
1897; SIMON CONRADI, Los Angeles, February 24, 1898.
A nights Grand Crosses—GEORGE JoHN HOBE, 33°, San Francisco, October 19, 1880; WILLIAM
SCHUVLER. Moses, 32°, San Francisco, Past Ven.'. Grand Master.
Knights Commanders 32°–JoHN HENRY TITCOMB, San Francisco, October 23, 1884; WILLIAM
ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, San Francisco, October 23, 1884; HARRY Hollis, San Francisco, October
23, 1884; CHARLEs DExTER PIERCE, Oakland, October 20, 1886; HENRY WOLFSOHN, San Francisco,
October 20, 1886; AARON JONATHAN MESSING, Chicago, October 20, 1886; HENRY SAYRE ORME, Los
Angeles, October 20, 1886; EUGENE CORMENY, Oakland, October 19, 1892; HARRY JosepH LASK, San
Francisco, October 18, 1893; PETER CHRISTIAN MILLER, San Francisco, October 18, 1893; CHARLEs
WELLs RANDALL, Oakland, October 18, 1893; JoHN LUKE PAVOKOVICH, Los Angeles, October 18, 1893;
CHARLEs C. VAN VALKENBURGH, Hanford, October 18, 1893; JoHN GARwooD, Stockton, October 23,
1895; DAVID WALTER STANDIFORD, Oakland, October 23, 1895; WILLIAM PARKER BROOKs, San Fran
cisco, October 23, 1895; TREAT PERRY CLARK, San Francisco, October 23, 1895; CYRUs MOODy
PLUMMER, San Francisco, October 23, 1895; WILLARD CHOATE WELCH, San Francisco, October 23,
1895; DAMIEN EDMONT FORTIN, Oakland, October 23, 1895; JoHN MARTIN, Oakland, October 23,
1895; CHARLEs HENRY TwoMBLY, Oakland, October 23, 1895; GEORGE HENRY HABEL, Los Angeles,
October 23, 1895; IsAAC ALEXANDER. McMILLEN, Los Angeles, October 23, 1895; CHARLES BYRON
NICHOLs, Sacramento, October 23, 1895; AUGUST LOUIS OTT, Oakland, October 19, 1897; WILLIAM
THOMAS HAMILTON, Oakland, October 19, 1897; ALBERT HUMPHREY MERRITT, Oakland, October 19,
1897; GEORGE DICKSON METCALF, Oakland, October 19, 1897; GEORGE CoopFR PARDEE, Oakland,
October 19, 1897; JoHN LESLIE MONROE SHETTERLEY, San Francisco, October 19, 1897; WILLIAM
JAcob SMITH, San Francisco, October 19, 1897; CHARLEs WILLIAM CoNLISK, San Francisco, October
19, 1897; CHARLEs JoHN HAGUE, San Francisco, October 19, 1897; TIMOTHY HoPKINS, San Francisco,
October 19, 1897; FRANK KOENIG, San Francisco, October 19, 1897; CHARLEs JosepH WILLETT, Pas
adena, October 19, 1897; HENRY HARRISON MARKHAM, October 19, 1897; RICHARD BELCHER, Marys
ville, October 19, 1897; NoRMAN HENRY CONKLIN, San Diego, October 19, 1897; MELANCHTHON JOHN
CURTIs, Sacramento, October 19, 1897; JAMES FREDERICK DRAKE, Redlands, October 19, 1897; WILL
IAM LUNDBERG, Los Angeles, October 19, 1897, NILES PEASE, Los Angeles, October 19, 1897;
GEORGE SINSABAUGH, Los Angeles, October 19, 1897.
[By way of parenthesis, we will here briefly mention that the Supreme Council of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States, of
which HENRY L. PALMER, 33°, is the Sovereign Grand Commander, has 48 Active Members (less 18
of its full number of 66), 2 Emeritus Members, and 649 Honorary Members, or a total of 699 mem
bers of the 33d degree. There is no Court of Honor. There are 32 Consistories of the 32d degree,
with 22,406 members; 58 Chapters of Rose Croix of the 18th degree, with 22,899 members; 63
Councils of Princes of Jerusalem of the 16th degree, with 23,464 members; and 80 Lodges of Per
fection of the 14th degree, with 26, 187 members. These subordinate bodies are represented in each
State in a Council of Deliberation, presided over by a deputy, who is an Active Member of the
Supreme Council. All legislation of State local character is there acted upon, and all laws passed
by such body have to be approved by the Supreme Council, as all Territorial legislation has to be
approved by Congress before becoming laws in active operation.]
CHA P T E R XXVI.
ANCIENT AND ACCEDTED SCOTTISH RITE or FREEMASONRY.
ORGANIZED BODIES OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE IN CALIFORNIA.
HE first steps taken by the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction to occupy
its territory in California was on Thursday, April 4, 1861, by the election of Bro.
MILTON S. LATHAM as a Sovereign Grand Inspector-General and Active Member for
California. This session was held at New Orleans. Bro. LATHAM at that time was
United States Senator from California at Washington. [Bro. JoHN C. AINsworth
of Oregon had been elected to receive the 33d degree and Honorary Inspector
General, and to be the deputy for Oregon, on the day previous, and Bro. A. T. C.
PERSON, 33°, Active Member for Minnesota, was authorized to confer the 33d degree
upon him. The War of the Rebellion breaking out eleven days afterward and his public
duties as United States Senator, prevented Bro. LATHAM from entering upon the work of
propagating the Scottish Rite in California, and his election as Active Inspector-General for
this State was made to lapse by reason of the war and his non-fulfillment of its duties. [Our
late Bro. Hon. JoHN C. BURCH, when in Congress from California, received the degrees from the
4th to the 32d, inclusive, from Bro. ALBERT PIKE, Sovereign Grand Commander, shortly previous.]
The first Master Mason to receive the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in
California was Bro. Frederic Faxon of Sonora, from Bro. Perez SNFL, 33°, in 1865, a deputy of
the Southern Supreme Council, which appointment he had held from the year 1827. As he was
then an old man of 78 years, with a prudent regard for the rituals and important documents in his
possession, he conferred the degrees upon Bro. FAxoN, so that they might be in proper hands and
in time be sent to the Supreme Council, which was afterward done.
At the close of the Civil War the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction met at
Charleston, S. C., on Thursday, November 16, 1865, and there were only four members present,
and there being no quorum, adjourned until the next day, Friday, November 17, 1865, when there
were six present. In his address at that time, Bro. ALBERT PIKE, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander,
said: “I shall propose the election of an Inspector-General for California and one for Oregon. The
Ill. . Brother whom I will propose for California, already possessing the 32d degree, will be present
7.58 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MY18ONRY IN Cyå LIFORNIyá.
to receive the 33d, and on his return to the Pacific Coast will engage zealously in the work of
propagating the rite, and can convey the rituals to the Inspector-General for Oregon.” On Saturday,
November 18, 1865, Bro. MACKAY proposed Bro. EBENEZER HAMILTON SHAw, 32°, as an Active
Member of this Supreme Council for California, who was unanimously elected. He had received the
32d degree in New York, Northern Jurisdiction. Bro. SHAw was then introduced and invested with
the dignity of the 33d degree and rank of Sovereign Grand Inspector-General for California and an
Active Member of this Supreme Council. Bro. SHAw did not immediately return to California, but
remained in the East until the Supreme Council met at Washington, D. C., on April 16, 1866,
when at that session he proposed for Honorary Membership Bro. ALEXANDER G. ABELL of California,
who with eleven others was elected on April 18, 1866, and on Saturday, April 21st, Bro. SHAw was
authorized to confer the 33d degree on Bro. ABELL, he then to be appointed a Special Deputy for
California. Thus the first steps were taken by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction for
establishing the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite on the Pacific Coast, and as this was five years
before there was railroad communication across the continent the travel was mostly by sea via the
Isthmus of Panama. Bro. SHAw returned to California by steamer. As he was but a novice himself
in Masonry, he never having filled an office before, he was like a man put in charge of an empty
theater without actors, for the first time, who knew nothing about it and was told to run it. While
on the steamer coming out he had for a fellow-passenger Bro. Roland GAIR BROWN, a member of
California Lodge, No. 1, and for many years a resident of Oakland. He conferred upon him, as
well as he knew how, the degrees from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, while en route, and with his
assistance and studying the rituals (which were partly in cipher) together, he made himself some
what acquainted with the work.
On his arrival in San Francisco he found the spurious CERNEAU fraud already on the ground,
established by the Atwood Supreme Council of New York, and the Supreme Council for the State
of California constituted, but in a state of “innocuous desuetude.” Some of the most prominent
citizens, army officers and others, had been duped and deceived by this clandestine intruder and
impostor. This had to be brushed away by denouncing it, and the most of its victims applied for
and received the legitimate rite from Bro. SHAw before he commenced his regular work. He com
municated the degrees to Bro. HENRY FAIRFAx WILLIAMS, making him a 32d, as well as others, and
then he conferred the 33d degree upon Bro. ALEXANDER G. ABELL, who was made a Special Deputy
Inspector-General; and with his assistance, on August 4, 1866, he organized California Lodge of
Perfection, No. 1, the first regular body of Scottish Rite Masonry on the Pacific Coast, with Bro.
WILLIAM M. RUNDELL as Th. . Puissant Grand Master. The other officers and the members' names
are not given in his report, and as this body did not do any work to speak of it remained dormant.
Pacific Lodge of Perfection, No. 2.—The degrees were conferred by Bro. E. H. SHAw, 33°,
Active Inspector-General, upon twelve Brethren at Marysville, and on September 8, 1866, a meeting
was held and the following Brethren were chosen as officers: WILLIAM C. BELCHER, T. P. G. Master;
EDMUND T. WILKINS, S. G. Warden; CHARLEs E. STONE, J. G. Warden; subsequently, A. A.
MCALISTER, Orator; C. V. D. HUBBARD, Almoner; JAMES FRED EASTMAN, Sec.; PETER DECKER,
Treas.; ANDREw J. BINNEy, M. of Cer.; NoRMAN D. RIDEOUT, S. G. Exp.; W. T. SMITH, J. G. Exp.;
S. J. S. Rogers, G. C. of G.; J. G. BRIGGs, Tyler. On November 4, 1870, the charter was received,
and the officers elected under it were NorMAN D. RIDEOUT, T. P. G. Master; ANDREW J. BINNEy,
S. W.; WILLIAM FLETCHER, J. W.; A. A. MCALISTER, Orator; S. J. S. Rogers, Almoner; JAMES FRED
EASTMAN, Sec.; PETER DECKER, Treas. On November 5, 1870, W. L. LAWRENCE was appointed G.
M. of Cer.; CHARLEs FAULKNER, S. Exp.; JoHN PATTON, J. Exp.; G. W. CARPENTER, Capt. of the
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 7.59
Guard; J. G. BRIGGs, Tyler; and the officers so elected and appointed were duly installed by Ill.'.
Bro. E. H. SHAw, 33°.
Palestine Lodge of Perfection, No. 3.—At Sacramento, on August 7, 1867, Ill... Bro. SHAw
organized Palestine Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, with the following officers: THOMAs Ross, 33°, T.
P. G. Master; JoHN W. Rock, 32°, S. W.; WILLIAM PETRIE, 32°, J. W.; LEONARD Goss, 32°,
Orator; HoRACE ADAMs, 32°, Almoner; L. K. HAMMER, Sec.; WillIAM F. KNOx, 32°, Treas.;
JosLAH R. HEATH, 32°, M. of Cer.; C. WATERHOUSE, 32°, S. Exp.; HENRY W. BRAGG, 32°, J. Exp.;
J. W. M. SMITH, 14°, Capt. of the Guard; PETER ZACHARIAs, 32°, Tyler. Also at Sacramento, on
the same day (August 7, 1867), Damascus Council of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 1, with the following
officers: WILLIAM F. KNox, M.. Ill. Tarshatha; JoHN W. W. Rock, M. V. H. P.; J. R. HEATH,
Ill.". Scribe; LEONARD Goss, Orator; P. S. LAwson, Almoner; L. K. HAMMER, Sec.; H. W. BRAGG,
Treas.; E. L. VANDENBERG, G. M. of Cer.; WILLIAM M. PETRIE, V. G. C. of T.; HoRACE ADAMs,
V. G. C. of H.; REUBEN KERCHEVAL, V. G. C. of G.; PETER ZACHARIAs, V. G. Tyler. Members—
THOMAS Ross, WILLIAM H. HILL, GEORGE H. WINTERBURN, CoLUMPUs WATERHouse. Also at Sacra
mento, on the same day (August 7, 1867), Alpha Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1, with the following
officers: LEONARD Goss, M. W. M.; WILLIAM M. PETRIE, S. W. E. L. VANDENBERG, J. W.; WILL
IAM F. KNOx, Orator; J. R. HEATH, Almoner; L. K. HAMMER, Sec.; H. W. BRAGG, Treas.; JoHN
W. ROCK, M. of Cer.; P. S. LAwsON, S. Exp.; HoRACE ADAMs, J. Exp.; REUBEN KERCHEVAL, Guard
of Temple; PETER ZachARIAs, Tyler. Members–THOMAS Ross, WILLIAM H. HILL, GEORGE H.
WINTERBURN, COLUMBUs WATERHOUSE.
At Grass Valley, on November 3, 1867, Ill. Bro. SHAw constituted Bethlehem Lodge of Per
fection, No. 4, with the following officers: E. W. RoBERTs, T. P. G. M.; REUBEN LEACH, S. G. W.;
CHARLEs W. SMITH, J. G. W.; WILLIAM McCoRMICK, Orator; WILLIAM WATT, Almoner; BRIscoE
H. PRICE, Sec.; JAMEs GLUVAs, Treas.; CHARLEs MARSH, M. of Cer.; RoBERT WATT, S. G. Exp.;
RUSSELL PARKHURST, J. G. Exp.; JoHN M. MINER, G. C. of G.; JAMEs DoDs, Tyler. Members—
THOMAS H. CASWELL, PHILIP SELDNER, PETER BANNER, ORLANDO STODDARD. Also at Grass Valley,
on the same day (November 3, 1867), Mt. Moriah Council of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 2, with the
following officers: WILLIAM McCoRMICK, M.. Ill... Tarshatha; THOMAS H. CASWELL, M. V. H. P.;
RUssELL PARKHURST, Ill.. Scribe; CHARLEs MARSH, S. W.; E. W. Roberts, J. W.; REUBEN LEACH,
Orator; WILLIAM WATT, Almoner; BRIscoE H. PRICE, Sec.; JAMEs GLUyAs, Treas.; JoHN M. MINER,
G. M. of Cer.; CHARLEs W. SMITH, V. G. C. of T.; ROBERT WATT, V. G. C. of H.; ORLANDO
STODDARD, V. G. C. of H.; JAMEs DoDs, V. G. Tyler. Members—PHILIP SELDNER, PETER BANNER.
Also at Grass Valley, on the same day (November 3, 1867), Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 2,
with the following officers: WILLIAM McCoRMICK, M. W. M.; THOMAs H. CAswÉLL, S. W.; RussFLL
PARKHURST, J. W.; CHARLEs MARSH, Orator; E. W. RoBERTs, Almoner; BRISCOE. H. PRICE, Sec.;
JAMEs GLUVAs, Treas.; RoBERT WATT, M. of Cer.; JoHN M. MINER, S. Exp.; JAMEs DoDs, J. Exp.;
REUBEN LEACH, Tyler.
At Placerville, on November 8, 1867, Ill... Bro. E. H. SHAw constituted Kilwinning Lodge
of Perfection, No. 5, with the following officers: IsAAC S. TITUs, T. P. G. M.; JAMEs F. KINGSLEy,
S. G. W.; BENJAMIN DORE, J. G. W.; DANIEL GELwicks, Orator; RoBERT CHALMERs, Almoner; R. J.
VAN VoorhIES, Sec.; GEORGE CHALMERs, Treas.; A. J. CHRISTIE, M. of Cer.; JoHN THEISON, S. Exp.;
John SNEIDER, J. Exp.; JAcob P. TURNER, G. C. of G.; ELLE ELLEN, Tyler. Members— RoBERT
BELL, A. A. VAN VOORHIES, ALEXANDER CHALMERS, BENJAMIN MEACHAM, LEVI. A. GRAHAM. Also at
Placerville, on the same day (November 8, 1867), he constituted Libanus Council of Princes of Jeru
salem, No. 3, with the following officers: IsAAc S. TITUs, M.. Ill.'. Tarshatha; JAMEs F. KINGSLEy,
76o FIFTY YEARS OF MY18ONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
M. V. H. P.; BENJAMIN DORE, Ill.". Scribe; ALEXANDER CHALMERs, S. W.; BENJAMIN MEACHAM, J.
W.; DANIEL GELWICKs, Orator; RoBERT CHALMERs, Almoner; R. J. VAN Voor.HIES, Sec.; GEORGE
CHALMERs, Treas.; ANDREw J. CHRISTIE, M. of Cer.; JoHN THEISEN, G. C. of T.; JoHN SNEIDER, G.
C. of H.; JACOB P. TURNER, G. C. of G.; ELLE ELLEN, Tyler. Members— RoBERT BELL, LEvi A.
GRAHAM, ALEXANDER A. VAN Voor.HIES. Also at Placerville, on the same day (November 8, 1867),
St. Paul Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 3, with the following officers: IsAAC S. TITUs, M. W. M.;
JAMES F. KINGSLEy, S. W.; BENJAMIN DORE, J. W.; DANIEL GELwICKs, Orator; RoBERT CHALMERs,
Almoner; R. J. VAN VoorhIES, Sec.; GEORGE CHALMERs, Treas.; A. J. CHRISTIE, M. of Cer.; JoHN
THEISEN, S. Exp.; JoHN SNEIDER, J. Exp.; JACOB P. TURNER, G, of T.; ELLE ELLEN, Tyler. Mem
bers—ROBERT BELL, BENJAMIN MEACHAM, ALEXANDER A. VAN Voor.HIES, ALEXANDER CHALMERs.
At San Francisco, on July 8, 1868, Ill. Bro. SHAW organized Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfec
tion, No. 6 (now No. 1), which was chartered July 13, 1868, the first four officers being named in
the charter, and all of the following officers and members signed the petition for and are named in
the charter: Officers—BENJAMIN H. FREEMAN, T. P. G. M.; WILLIAM T. REYNOLDs, S. W.; GEORGE
T. GRIMES, J. W.; THOMAS KYLE, Orator; JoHN G. ANDRESEN, Almoner; ADOLPH.Us A. HoBE, Sec.;
Moses HELLER, Treas.; JoHN W. SHAEFFER, M. of Cer.; A. D. McDoNALD, S. Exp.; JAMEs L. BLAIKIE,
J. Exp.; HENRY M. BEACH, Capt. of Guard; E. W. RoBERTs, Tyler. Members—A. T. MITCHELL,
HENRY G. PERRY, WASHINGTON AYER, ROLAND G. BROWN. Of these nine have died. Yerba Buena
Lodge of Perfection's history will be mentioned further on in this work. Also at San Francisco, on
the same days (July 8th and 13, 1868), he constituted Yerba Buena Council of Princes of Jerusalem,
No. 4, with WILLIAM T. REYNOLDs, M. . Ill.'. Tarshatha, GEORGE T. GRIMES, V. H. P.; BENJAMIN
H. FREEMAN, Scribe; THOMAs Ky LE, Orator; and other officers. [This body was subsequently merged
in Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix. Also at San Francisco, on the same days (July 8th and
13, 1868), he constituted Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 4 (now No. 1), with the follow
ing officers and charter members: Officers–GEORGE T. GRIMEs, W. M.; BENJAMIN H. FREEMAN, S.
W.; WILLIAM T. REYNOLDs, J. W.; THOMAs Kyle, Orator; JoHN G. ANDRESEN, Almoner; ADOLPHUs
A. HoBE, Sec.; Moses HELLER, Treas.; JoHN W. SHAEFFER, M. of Cer.; A. D. McDoNALD, S. Exp.;
JAMEs A. BLAIKIE, J. Exp.; HENRY M. BEACH, G. of T.; EDWARD W. RoBERTs, Tyler. Members—
WASHINGTON AYER, HENRY G. PERRy, Roland G. BROWN, A. F. MITCHELL, all of whom signed the
petition and are named in the charter. [Further mention of Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix
will be made later on. Also at San Francisco, on the same day (July 8, 1868), and the charter
dated September 17, 1868, he constituted Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1, with the
following officers and members: Officers—THOMAs KyLE, Com.; HENRY M. BEACH, Prior; JoHN W.
SHAEFFER, Preceptor; BENJAMIN H. FREEMAN, Chancellor, who were the officers named in the charter;
WILLIAM T. REYNOLDs, Orator; JoHN G. ANDRESEN, Almoner; ADOLPHUs A. HoBE, Rec.; Moses
HELLER, Treas.; A. D. McDoNALD, M. of Cer.; GEORGE T. GRIMES, Turcopilier; JAMEs L. BLAIKIE,
1st Deacon. Members—WASHINGTON AYER, HENRY G. PERRY, ROLAND G. BROWN, A. F. MITCHELL.
All the above signed the petition for the charter. [The rest of the history of Godfrey de St. Omar
Council of Kadosh, No. 1, will be found further on.]
At Stockton, with the assistance of Bro. THOMAS H. CASWELL, in 1869, Ill. . Bro. SHAw
organized Hartley Lodge of Perfection, No. 7, with the following officers and members: Officers—
WILLIAM A. DAVIES, T. P. G. M.; GEORGE A. SHURTLEFF, S. W.; ELIAs A. STOCKTON, J. W.;
HENRY GRIssIM, Orator; JoHN SEDGwick, Almoner; LEwis M. CUTTING, Sec.; MINORD S.
THRESHER, Treas.; JAMEs M. DANIELs, M. of Cer.; JoHN R. S. JACKsoN, S. Exp.; FRANK STEwART,
J. Exp.; ALEXANDER BURKETT, Capt. of Guard; THOMAs DRIVER, Tyler. Members—EDWIN A. RoDGERs,
ALVIN B. PRESTON, STEPHEN WING, JoHN SCHRECK. -
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At Sacramento, on May 13, 1869, Ill... Bro. E. H. SHAw constituted /acques de Molay Council
of Kadosh, No. 2, with the following officers and members: Officers—LEONARD Goss, V. E.'. Com.,
GEORGE H. WINTERBURN, 1st Lieut.-Com.; Powell S. LAwsON, 2d Lieut.-Com.; WILLIAM F. KNOx,
Chancellor; WILLIAM H. HILL, Orator; HENRY W. BRAGG, Almoner; LUTHER K. HAMMER, Rec.;
CoLUMBUs WATERHOUSE, Treas.; J. R. HEATH, M. of Cer.; WILLIAM M. PETRIE, Turcopilier; JoHN
W. Rock, Draper; REUBEN KERCHEVAL, 1st Dea.; HoRACE ADAMS, 2d Dea.; E. L. VANDENBURGH,
Bearer of the Beauseant; PETER ZACHARIAs, Sentinel. Member, EDWIN A. SHERMAN.
At Vallejo, in 1870, he constituted Naval Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, with the following
officers and members: Officers—John M. BROWNE, T. P. G. M.; ALEXANDER. H. HICHBORNE, S. W.;
NATHANIEL G. HILTON, J. W.; SAMUEL G. HILBORN, Orator; RICHARD J. FALLs, Almoner; FRANK
W. CUSHING, Sec.; ABRAM Powell, Treas.; E. T. STARR, M. of Cer.; ISAAC HoBBs, S. Exp.; S. L.
HAAs, J. Exp.; GEORGE P. PLAISTED, Capt. of Guard; THOMAs J. CROWLEY, Tyler. Members—
PHILIP HICHBORNE, JAMEs PHILLIPs, WILLIAM H. TRIPP, J. L. CHAPMAN, E. A. WILLATs, E. T.
THURSTON, H. K. S.Now, JoHN FARNHAM, BENJAMIN TITUs.
At Petaluma, in 1870, he constituted Khurum Lodge of Perfection, No. 9, with the following
officers: OsCAR V. WALKER, T. P. G. M.; EDWARD J. NoRRIs, S. W.; EDWARD DREYFUss, J. W.;
R. M. PRESTON, Orator; J. F. MAGUIRE, Almoner; CHARLEs C. Polk, Sec.; A. J. PIERCE, Treas.;
JAMEs WANDs, M. of Cer.; H. F. TAFT, S. Exp., L. C. MALLETT, J. Exp.; ALEXANDER LACKEY, Capt.
of Guard; JAMES SINGLEY, Tyler.
There had now been constituted two Councils of Kadosh, four Chapters of Rose Croix, four
Councils of Princes of Jerusalem, and nine Lodges of Perfection in California during the four years
since the first Lodge of Perfection was established, and most of the members of the rite had received
the degrees to the 32d, inclusive. The bodies, nevertheless, languished; but few had even the sem
blance of paraphernalia to work the degrees, and a spirit of apathy prevailed among the members,
especially those belonging to the so-called York Rite. Officers of the Scottish Rite bodies would be
elected to and accept office in both rites, and as no man can serve two masters well at the same time,
especially where there is jealousy and outspoken hostility against the Scottish Rite, the efforts of the
zealously disposed were paralyzed, and in one locality at least, if not more, those who took the
degrees and assumed office did so to have the mere honor of possessing them, even to the very
highest, and the rite was thus controlled by them and made no progress whatever. In one locality
the by-laws of a Lodge of Perfection fixed the fees for the degrees from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive,
at $150, or six times the amount the charter members had paid for them, and the sum which they had
paid to receive the degrees from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, which at the same ratio for others to receive
the same degrees would cost them $960. It was openly avowed by one Brother that when a Lodge
of Perfection was constituted in a city in the interior they never intended that it should do any work,
for fear that it should do an injury to the other rite, and it never met. When this policy and
spirit was understood and the bodies did not increase in membership, the senior Active Inspector
General, to meet the ever-pressing financial needs and demands of the Supreme Council, continued
to communicate the degrees independent of the bodies already constituted, which also created dissat
isfaction to that extent that the members of the rite who were bearing the burdens of keeping the
bodies alive demanded the creation of the Grand Consistory of California as a governing and repre
sentative body of the rite in this State, or else they would cease to labor and permit the bodies to
expire. With a Grand governing body within the State at their back as a citadel from which to
defend the rite, instead of a single individual with the powers of a Grand Master not of their own
selection and whose office is for life, they saw no other source of relief, and after a careful, calm
deliberation, they drew up a petition for the charter of the Grand Consistory of California, which
was granted on October 12, 1870, and the day following it was duly constituted, inaugurated, and
consecrated in Ample Form by EBENEZER H. SHAw, 33°, Active Inspector-General for California, as
the “Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32d Degree,
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the State of California," and dedicated
it as the Grand Priory of the Kadoschim of this State to works of charity and beneficence, to the
cause of enlightenment and liberty, and to the service of the country and humanity, invoking for it
the favor and protection of GoD, “from Whom all glories and all blessings are."
The following officers were then duly installed with the customary ceremonies: WILLIAM T.
REYNoLDs, V., Ill... Grand Commander-in-Chief; JoHN M. BROWNE, Ill... First Lieut.-Commander, or
Grand Seneschal; WILLIAM A. DAVIES, Ill.". Second Lieut.-Commander, or Grand Preceptor; LEONARD
Goss, Ill... Grand Constable; CHARLES MARSH, Ill. . Grand Admiral; WASHINGTON AYER, Ill. . Grand
Minister of State; HoRACE H. HUBBARD, Ill. . Grand Chancellor; WILLIAM C. BELCHER, Ill. . Grand
Hospitaler and Almoner; EDw1N A. SHERMAN, Ill. . Grand Registrar; OsCAR V. WALKER, Ill. Grand
Keeper of the Seals and Archives; MILTON S. LATHAM, Ill. . Grand Treasurer; A. A. McALISTER,
Ill... Grand Primate; JoHN W. HARVILLE, Ill. . Grand Marshal of Ceremonies; THOMAS KYLE, Ill. .
Grand Expert; S. G. HILBORN, Ill.'. Grand Assistant Expert; GEORGE A. SHURTLEFF, Ill. Grand
Beausenifer; E. W. ROBERTs, Ill. . Grand Bearer of the Vexillum Belli; ALVIN B. PRESTON, Ill. .
Grand Master of the Guards; ANDREw J. BINNEy, Ill... Grand Chamberlain; DANIEL M. HosMER,
Ill... Grand Steward; R. J. VAN VoorhIES, Ill. . Grand Aid-de-Camp; IRA C. ROOT, Ill. . Grand
Tyler. Members—EBENEZER H. SHAw, 33°, Active Inspector-General; THOMAS H. CASWELL, 33°,
Active Inspector-General; ISAAC S. TITUs, 33°, Honorary Inspector-General. Adjunct Members–
JoHN M. MINER, CHARLEs H. DEWEY, JoHN THEISEN, PoweLL S. LAwson, JAMEs DoDs, E. A. WILLATs,
REUBEN KERCHEVAL, EUGENE DEWEY, CHARLEs F. BROWN, ALEXANDER. D. McDONALD, of whom nine
teen are dead.
At that time the statutes of the Supreme Council made three divisions or classes of members:
1st, the Active, composed of the twenty-one officers and the 33ds; 2d, the Adjuncts, who stood in
the same relation to the Grand Consistory as the Honorary Inspector-Generals do to the Supreme
Council; 3d, the Honorary Members, who stood in the same relation as the members of the Court
of Honor. As the returns with the dues to the Supreme Council were of the Actives or officers of
the Grand Consistory only, the Supreme Council saw that it was depriving itself of considerable
revenue, and for financial reasons, if for no other, it abolished these irritating, useless distinctions,
and all the members of the Grand Consistory were placed upon the same level, which should have
been the condition in the first place. All of the subordinate bodies heretofore named (excepting
California Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, which was deemed to have surrendered its charter to the
Supreme Council prior to the organization of the Grand Consistory), were duly represented and
enrolled, and returns made. It was not until June 26, 1871, that the Grand Consistory of California
was prepared to confer the 31st and 32d degrees, when on that date, with a full corps of officers,
members, and visitors, to the number of thirty-five, the following six Brethren were admitted and
created Grand Inspector - Inquisitors Commanders of the 31st degree and made Sublime Princes and
Masters of the Royal Secret of the 32d degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free
masonry in due and ancient form: CLEMENT A. HELMERING, AUG. F. EISEN, DAVID W. LAIRD, JoHN
KEHOE, WILLIAM T. GARRATT, and MARCUs WUNSCH, which was the first time these degrees were
conferred in full upon the Pacific Coast. The first five of these Brethren, or all but one, have gone
up higher to receive their last sublime degree in that Grand Lodge above.
As the deputy of Ill.'. THOMAs H. CAswÉLL, 33°, Active Inspector-General, and by direction
of WILLIAM T. REYNOLDs, 32°, as Grand Commander-in-Chief, the writer, then Grand Registrar of
the Grand Consistory, proceeded to Eureka, Humboldt County, Cal., and on November 29, 1871,
communicated the degrees and established Myrtle Lodge of Perfection, No. 10, with the following
officers: SILAs M. BUCK, T. P. G. M.; CHARLEs W. LoNG, S. W.; JoHN S. MURRAy, J. W.; JoHN
A. WATSON, Orator; DAVID U. LINDSAY, Almoner; JoHN S. MURRAy, J.R., Sec.; RICHARD M. BRETT,
Treas.; NATHANIEL FROST, M. of Cer.; JoHN C. SCHMIDT, S. Exp.; JUSTU's E. WYMAN, J. Exp.;
WILLIAM J. McNAMARA, Capt. of the Guard; JoHN GRUEN, Tyler; the Master and Wardens receiving
the degrees to the 32d, inclusive, as per instructions.
On January 15, 1874, the charters of Palestine Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, Damascus Council
of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 1, Alpha Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1, and of /acques de Molay
Council of Kadosh, No. 2, were revoked. Kilwinning Lodge of Perfection, No. 5, at Placerville,
in 1872 was declared extinct. Zibanus Council of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 3, and St. Paul Chapter
of Rose Croix, No. 1, were removed from Placerville to Stockton and there became extinct. At the
session of the Grand Consistory on January 10, 1877, Naval Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, surrendered
its charter; and on January 9, 1878, the charter of Bethlehem Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, which
had been removed from Grass Valley to Nevada City, was revoked, no meetings having been held
or returns made. On January 8, 1879, for like reasons the charter of Khurum Lodge of Perfection,
No. 9, at Petaluma, was revoked.
On July 2, 1883, Bro. ALBERT PIKE, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Coun
cil, while in San Francisco, having conferred the degrees upon several Master Masons, constituted
Pythagoras Lodge of Perfection, No. 11, with the following officers and members, which were enrolled
by the Grand Consistory as of its obedience: Officers—RALPH DE CLAIRMONT, V.'. Master; MARTIN
S. MEYER, S. W.; GEORGE WALTER, J. W.; CARL E. RoHTE, Orator; JoséPH FREDERICKs, Almoner;
LUDwig G. C. ScHUMACHER, Sec.; LEO VON HOFEN, Treas.; ALEXANDER BRUCK, M. of Cer.; HANs
G. KUHL, S. Exp.; NICHOLAS DIMMER, J. Exp.; JULIUS LEvy, Capt. of the Guard; ANTON KRIEG,
Tyler. Members—GASTON E. BACON, FRANz KoRBEL, BENJAMIN K. MICHAELs, JoHN W. SHAEFFER,
GEORGE A. WoLTERs, HERMANN B. Zweig. This Lodge of Perfection was organized to work in the
German language, but it failed, and on December 11, 1884, the Grand Registrar was notified of its
dissolution on November 19th previous. The lights from no less than fifteen subordinate bodies had
gone out, and two were still flickering and glimmering, ere long to go in the same discouraging way.
Bro. ALBERT PIKE, 33°, the Sovereign Grand Commander, with the assistance of Bros. THOMAs
H. CASWELL, 33°, CHARLEs F. BROWN, 33°, and JAMEs S. LAWSON, 33°, Active Inspector-Generals
(three of whom are dead), had in July and August, 1883, conferred the degrees from the 4th to the
32d, inclusive, upon a class of twelve Brethren at Oakland, and went away without organizing any
bodies. There were already nineteen Scottish Rite Brethren in Oakland at that time. The class
of new Brethren proposed to petition for a charter for a Lodge of Perfection only. But at a general
meeting called of members of the rite in Oakland, thirty-one Brethren on October 2, 1883, united
in a petition to the Grand Consistory for charters for Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 12, Gethsemane
Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 5, and De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2, to be established at Oak
land. The charters were duly granted on October 12, 1883, and on the 24th following, the Grand
Consistory of California, Bro. DAVID McCLURE, 33. V.'. Grand Master, constituted the following
named bodies in the Masonic Temple at Oakland and installed the officers in due form:
De Molay Council of Kadosh, Mo. 2.—Officers – EDWIN A. SHERMAN, Com.; NATHAN W.
SPAULDING, First Lieut.-Com.; JAMEs B. MERRITT, Second Lieut.-Com.; JosLAH W. DoDGE, Chancellor;
FIFTY YEyáRS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 765
MAYLON W. UPTON, Orator; JEREMIAH E. WHITCHER, Almoner; LERoy W. ALLUM, Rec.;

ANTHONY CHABOT, Treas.; W.M. FRANK PIERCE, M. of Cer.; JoHN A. BENSON, Turcopilier; WILLIAM
T. HAMILTON, Draper; Robert A. HUGHES, First Deacon; EDWARD H. MoRGAN, Second Deacon;
ALPHEUs F. WILLIAMS, Bearer of the Beauseant; CHARLEs F. BURNHAM, Bearer of the 1st Standard;
JAMEs R. GLovER, Bearer of the 2d Standard; CHARLEs E. GILLETT, Lieut. of the Guard. Members—
JoHN C. AINsworTH, 33°, GEORGE W. AINsworth, JASON J. BRAMAN, JOHN M. BUFFINGTON, CARROLL
Cook, STEPHEN T. GAGE, DANIEL W. G.E.LwICKs, C. L. HoopFR, JoHN H. JACOBSON, ALPHEUs KEN
DALL, JoHN H. McNEE, MALACHI T. McNEELY, Louis F. REICHLING, GRANT I. TAGGART, ten of
whom have since died.
Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 5.— Officers—John M. BUFFINGTON, Wise Master;
JoliN A. BENSON, V. S. W.; CHARLEs F. BURNHAM, V. J. W.; MAYLON W. UPTON, Orator; CAR
ROLL Cook, Almoner; LEROy W. ALLUM, Sec.; ANTHONY CHABOT, Treas.; W.M. FRANK PIERCE, M.
of Cer.; EDWARD H. MoRGAN, S. Exp.; AMASA W. BISHOP, J. Exp.; RoRERT A. HUGHES, G. of T.;
CHARLEs E. GILLETT, Sentinel. Members—John C. AINsworth, 33°, GEORGE W. A.INsworth, JASON
J. BRAMAN, Josiah W. DoDGE, STEPHEN T. GAGE, DANIEL W. GELwicks, WILLIAM T. HAMILTON, C.
L. Hooper, JoHN H. JAcobsoN, JoHN H. McNEE, MALACHI T. McNEELY, JAMEs B. MERRITT, LOUIs
F. REICHLING, EDWIN A. SHERMAN, NATHAN W. SPAULDING, W. F. SouTHARD, GRANT I. TAGGART,
JEREMIAH E. WHITCHER, ALPHEUs F. WILLIAMs, nine of whom have since died.
Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 12.—Officers—John A. BENSON, V. . Master; JAMEs B. MER
RITT, S. W.; THOMAs J. O'KEEFE, J. W.; EDw1N A. SHERMAN, Orator; JEREMIAH E. WHITCHER,
Almoner; LERoy W. ALLUM, Sec.; ANTHONY CHABOT, Treas.; RoBERT A. HUGHES, M. of Cer.; JAMEs
L. GERRISH, S. Exp.; CHARLEs F. BURNHAM, J. Exp.; EDWARD H. MoRGAN, Capt. of the Guard;
CHARLEs E. GILLETT, Tyler. Members–JoHN C. AINSWORTH, 33°, GEORGE W. A.INSWORTH, AMASA
W. Bishop, JASON J. BRAMAN, JOHN M. BUFFINGTON, CHARLES CALLAGHAN, A. W. ColliNs, CARROLL
Cook, Josiah W. DoDGE, STEPHEN T. GAGE, DANIEL W. GELWICKs, JAMEs R. GLovER, WILLIAM T.
HAMILTON, C. L. HoopFR, JoHN H. JACOBsoN, ALPHEUs KENDALL, JoHN H. McNEE, MALACHI T.
McNEELY, WM. FRANK PIERCE, LOUIS F. REICHLING, NATHAN W. SPAULDING, W. T. SOUTHARD,
GRANT I. TAGGART, MAYLON W. UPTON, ALPHEUS F. WILLIAMs. Of these twelve have died.
Thus there were three new strong supporting bodies of the rite that strengthened the constit
uency of the Grand Consistory of California that was fast disappearing, and but for the support
given by these new bodies in Oakland the Grand Consistory itself would have been tottering and
become shaky. They, however, went to work, provided first-class equipment and paraphernalia for
working the degrees, and aroused a spirit of emulation in the San Francisco bodies of the rite. At
the session of the Grand Consistory on January 14, 1885, it adopted the recommendation of the V. .
Grand Master, and the writer, then the special deputy of CHARLEs F. BROWN, 33°, Active Inspector
General, was made the deputy also of the Grand Consistory and Grand Lecturer, to instruct the
bodies and scattered Brethren and to constitute new bodies of the rite. All of the bodies in the
interior of California were visited and the Brethren and officers instructed. Bro. ALBERT PIKE, 33°,
Grand Commander, and Bro. THOMAS H. CASWELL, 33°, Active Inspector-General, had visited San
Jose and Los Angeles and there communicated the degrees of the rite upon classes at those places,
but no bodies were organized, though they intended doing so. At San Jose the writer called the
Brethren together on March 10, 1885, and organized Albert G. Mackay Lodge of Perfection, No. 13,
with the following officers: HoweLL C. MooRE, V. . Master; GILEs E. McDougALL, S. W.; GEORGE
T. GRIBNER, J. W.; W. O. DIxoN, Orator; MoRRIs LADD, Almoner; HENRY W. WRIGHT, Sec.; W.M.
D. TISDALE, Treas.; WILLIAM S. McMURTRy, M. of Cer.; FRANK W. WILCox, S. Exp.; EDWARD S.
766 FIFTY YEyáRS OF My SONRY IN CALIFORNI;4.
GUPPY, J. Exp.; ADOLPH J. Koch, Capt. of the Guard; RALPH Lowe, Tyler. The degrees were
conferred for the Lodge on Bro. HENRY H. Cook, he to render the actual services of the Tyler.
There were several bankers in San Jose who had received the degrees from Bros. PIKE and CAsweLL,
and there was too much cash for the Lodge to prosper, and it did not last long afterward.
Under the authority given us we proceeded to Los Angeles, where there were some thirty-odd
members of the rite from both the Southern and Northern Jurisdictions. We called a meeting for
instruction at the hall of Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, on Saturday evening, November 29, 1885, which
was given on that evening, and the next day and evening, which was well received. However, there
was a great deal of friction, and after carefully weighing matters and in our own mind selecting the
Brethren for officers, each one selected was notified to assemble at another place on Monday evening,
December 1st, as the hall could not be had for that evening. So at the time and place appointed
we constituted the following three bodies of the rite and installed their officers in due form:
A/ugues des Payens Council of Kadosh, No. 3.—Officers—JAMEs R. DUPUy, E. . Com.; RICHARD
T. MULLARD, Prior; THOMAS E. RowAN, Preceptor; HENRY S. ORME, Chancellor; ALBERT BROwN,
Almoner; THOMAS B. CLARK, Rec.; WILLIAM ROMMEL, Treas.; ISADOR E. CoHN, M. of Cer.; MARTIN
V. BISCAILUz, Turcopilier; A. E. PoMERoy, Draper; EDWARD REID, Lieut. of the Guard; GiovaNNI
LAZZAREVICH, Sentinel.
Robert Bruce Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 6.—Officers—HENRY S. ORME, Wise Master; RICH
ARD T. MULLARD, S. W.; THOMAS E. RowAN, J. W.; JAMEs R. DUPUy, Orator; ALBERT BROWN,
Almoner; THOMAS B. CLARK, Sec.; WILLIAM ROMMEL, Treas.; ISADOR E. CoHN, M. of Cer.; A. E.
PoMERoy, S. Exp.; MARTIN V. BISCAILUz, J. Exp.; EDWARD REID, Capt. of the Guard; GiovaNNI
LAzzAREVICH, Tyler.
Aing Solomon Lodge of Perfection, No. 14.—Officers— THOMAS E. RowAN, V. . Master; RICH
ARD T. MULLARD, S. W.; ALBERT BROWN, J. W.; JAMEs R. DUPUy, Orator; HENRY S. ORME, Almo
ner; THOMAs B. CLARK, Sec.; IsADOR E. CoHN, M. of Cer.; A. E. PoMERoy, S. Exp.; MARTIN V.
BISCAILUz, J. Exp.; EDWARD REID, Capt. of the Guard; GiovaNNI LAzzAREVICH, Tyler.
To which bodies we added Bros. GEROLAMO ILLICH, GIACOMO CASTRUCCIO, THOMAS B. BROWN,
HERMAN NEIDECKEN, PATRICK A. McKENNA, JAMEs B. LANKERSHIM, DAVID BURBANK, JULIUS BRossEAU,
EDWARD F. SPENCE, JAMEs F. CRANK, WILLIAM H. PERRY, and JACOB KUHRTs, the fees amounting to
$1080, which we paid into the treasuries of those bodies, as provided in Article XII, Section 7, of
the Statutes of the Supreme Council. Thus three strong bodies were established in that city, which
greatly strengthened the rite in California and encouraged the Brotherhood elsewhere.
On January 15, 1891, the Grand Consistory revoked the charter of Hartley Lodge of Perfec
tion, No. 7, at Stockton, which, while it paid dues for both the living and the dead for twenty-one
years, and never held a meeting for work from the time it was constituted, according to its records,
yet it furnished two V.". Grand Masters of the Grand Consistory and other officers. On January
11, 1894, the Grand Consistory revoked the charter of Myrtle Lodge of Perfection, No. 10, at
Eureka, Humboldt Bay, no returns and no dues having been made or paid for three years; while
Pacific Lodge of Perfection, No. 2, at Marysville, showed but a lone, glimmering light of the only
body of the rite north of the parallel of San Francisco and Oakland. Sacramento, Grass Valley,
Nevada City, Placerville, Stockton, Vallejo, Petaluma, Eureka, and San Jose, nine cities and towns
where no less than fifteen bodies had been established, were left without so much as a penny-dip,
rush-light to show that they ever had existed.
A Lodge of Perfection had been constituted at San Diego by Active Inspector-General THOMAs
H. CASWELL, 33°, but died in its cradle and was not added to the birth and death rolls of the Grand
SPAULDING,
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768 FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIyá.
Consistory, and its name is unknown to that body; the individual members, as has been too often
the case, being satisfied themselves in receiving the degrees and having attained the figures, preferred
to remain as ciphers. The good seed sown at Los Angeles began to bear fruit. The great distance
to San Francisco and the heavy expense to reach this city, as well as local pride, caused our Brethren
of Los Angeles to take the necessary steps for the establishing of a Particular Consistory at that
place, where the 31st and 32d degrees could be conferred in full form as in San Francisco. The
consent of the Grand Consistory was cheerfully granted. A meeting was held in Los Angeles by
the Brethren of the 32d degree on September 25, 1888, at which the petition to the Supreme Council
was drawn up, signed, and officers chosen to be recommended for appointment. The Supreme Council
authorized the charter on October 17, 1888, and issued it on the 22d, naming it and the officers so
selected as follows:
Occidental Consistory.—Officers—HENRY S. ORME, Master of Kadosh; JAMEs R. DUPUy, Prior;

EUGENE GERMAIN, Preceptor; ABRAHAM E. POMEROY, Chancellor; THOMAS E. RowAN, Orator; ISADOR
E. CoHN, Hospitaler; RICHARD T. MULLARD, Registrar; EDWARD F. SPENCE, Treasurer.
This Consistory was duly constituted and the officers installed by Bro. JAMEs R. DUPUy, 32°,
on July 26, 1889, as the deputy of BB.'. THOMAS H. CAswÉLL, 33°, JAMEs S. LAwsoN, 33°, and
CHARLEs F. BROWN, 33°, Active Inspector-Generals. At this time Ill. . Bro. W.M. FRANK PIERCE, 33°,
Honorary Inspector-General, was the V. . Grand Master of the Grand Consistory of California, and
a friction was caused out of the condition of the two bodies, in which the local sovereignty of the
Grand Consistory was rendered uncertain, itself being the deputy of the Supreme Council for confer
ring the 31st and 32d degrees, and having supervision and government over the subordinate bodies
of the rite in this State. The consent of the Grand Consistory of California for establishing the
Particular Consistory in Los Angeles was, though not seen at the time it was granted, the first step
taken by itself for its own disintegration and dissolution. At the session of the Supreme Council
held at St. Louis, Bro. W.M. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, was crowned Active Inspector-General for California,
on October 19, 1893, and appointed Grand Sword Bearer, October 21, 1895. By nature a conser
vator of difficulties and a peacemaker, affable and courteous, genial and liberal in disposition, a thor
ough successful business man as a merchant, with considerable experience as the presiding officer of
Masonic bodies, both Grand and subordinate, and totally devoid of all mercenary motives and an
ardent and devoted lover of the rite, he brought to Bro. THOMAS H. CAswBLL, 33°, then Lieutenant
and now Sovereign Grand Commander, that aid and support in his advanced age (now nearly seventy
four years) which he for many years has required.
On April 3, 1895, at Sacramento, he revived the charter of Palestine Lodge of Perfection
under the name of Isaac Davis Lodge of Perfection, installed the following officers, and placed it
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Consistory of California: Officers—EDMUND C. ATKINSON, V. .
Master; CHARLEs B. NICHOLs, S. W.; WILLIAM D. KNIGHTs, J. W.; THOMAs H. B. ANDERSON,
Orator; Edwin C. Hopkins, Almoner; M. JOHN CURTIs, Sec.; A. A. VAN VoorhIES, Treas.; GIL
BERT A. OTTMAN, M. of Cer.; ELLIS FRANKLIN, S. Exp.; JAMEs F. DENHAM, Capt. of the Guard;
WILLIAM H. DAVIs, Tyler. Members—HENRY W. BRAGG, W. A. BRIGGs, WILLIAM GEARY, John T.
GRIFFITs, N. H. HAIGHT, M. S. HAMMER, T. W. HUNTINGTON, WILLIAM M. PETRIE, JoHN W. Rock,
JosepH STEFFINs, BENJAMIN WELCH, and J. B. WRIGHT. Six of these were survivors of Palestine
Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, and it became Isaac Davis Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, being named in
honor of that noble old pioneer and veteran Mason Bro. IsAAC DAVIs, 32°, who had been a member
of Palestine Lodge of Perfection, No. 3.
On December 9, 1895, Bro. W.M. FRANK PIERCE constituted and installed the officers of Delta
Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at Redlands, and placed it under the jurisdiction of the Grand Consis
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 769
tory of California, as also the other bodies hereafter named upon the dates mentioned: Officers—
JAMEs F. DRAKE, V.'. Master; E. T. PAINTER, S. W.; JoHN W. EDWARDs, J. W.; FRANK P. MESERVE,
Orator; A. G. HUBBARD, Almoner; EDw1N A. TUTTLE, Sec.; F. P. MORRISON, Treas.; HALSEY W.
ALLEN, M. of Cer.; CHARLEs H. HoBART, S. Exp.; W. C. SIMPsoN, J. Exp.; I. M. HoUGH, Capt.
of the Guard; T. B. REEDER, Tyler. Members—CLEMENT A. BROWN, CLINTON G. GAYLORD, ALBERT
W. HATCH, JACOB PoUNDSTONE, J. T. RITCHIE.
Temple Lodge of Perfection, No. 7, at Pasadena, December 11, 1895: Officers—FLORIN L.
JoNES, V.'. Master; ARTHUR H. CoNGER, S. W.; CHARLEs J. WILLETT, J. W.; WYLLYs HALL, Orator;
LA FAYETTE S. PORTER, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAY, Sec.; WILLIAM T. CLAPP, Treas.; OsCAR O.
FREEMAN, M. of Cer.; EDWARD E. GAYLORD, S. Exp.; Robert E. MoNTGOMERy, J. Exp.; ARTHUR
M. CLIFFORD, Capt. of the Guard; NEILs L. THOMPsoN, Tyler. Members—ADONIRAM M. BETTEs,
PERRY B. BoNHAM, CHARLEs W. BUCHANAN, JAMES CLARK, AMOs M. Collis, LEANDER W. FRARY,
ARTHUR GLEASON, CALVIN HARTWELL, JoHN L. HARTWELL, MILBANK JoHNSON, RICHARD J. MoHR,
JoHN E. PACKARD, MATTHEw SLAVIN, STEPHEN R. SMITH.
Constans Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, at San Diego, on December 16, 1895: Officers—ELI
T. BLACKMER, V.'. Master; NoRMAN H. CoNKLIN, S. W.; RoBERT M. PoweRs, J. W.; WILLIAM
MossholdFR, Orator; THOMAS KNEALE, Almoner; EUGENE DEBURN, Sec.; JoHN S. HARBIs.ON, Treas.;
GEORGE M. DANNALs, M. of Cer.; HENRY DAGGETT, S. Exp.; EDWARD W. BUSHYHEAD, J. Exp.; J.
A. E. THONSTRUP, Capt. of the Guard; THOMAS G. JEFFRIES, Tyler. [In the returns to the Grand
Consistory HoRACE BRADT was Captain of the Guard and JoHN D. BAss Tyler.] Members—H. R.
CoMLy, CHARLEs M. FENN, JOHN GINTY, H. B. KEELER, SIMON LEVI, Moses A. LUCE, L. S. McLURE,
ADDISON MORGAN, DAVID C. REED, PETER C. REMONDINO, JACOB D. RUSH, ARNOLD SCHNEIDER, RICH
ARD A. THOMAS, JULIUS A. E. THONSTRUP.
Temple Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 4, at Pasadena, March 16, 1896: Officers—CHARLEs J. WIL
LETT, Wise Master; FLORIN L. JONES, S. W.; ARTHUR H. CONGER, J. W.; WYLLys HALL, Orator; LA
FAyETTE S. PORTER, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAy, Sec.; WILLIAM T. CLAPP, Treas.; JoHN E. PACKARD,
M. of Cer.; Robert E. MoNTGOMERY, S. Exp.; RICHARD J. MoHR, J. Exp.; ARTHUR M. CLIFFORD,
Guard of Temple; NEILs M. THOMPsoN, Sentinel. Past Wise Master, FLORIN L. JoNEs. Members—
BENJAMIN F. BALL, NELSON. W. BELL, ADONIRAM M. BETTES, PERRY P. BoNHAM, CHARLEs W.
BUCHANAN, JAMEs CLARKE, AMOs M. Collis, LEANDER W. FRARY, OsCAR O. FREEMAN, ARTHUR
GLEASON, FRANCIS E. GRAY, EUGENE C. GRIFFITH, CALVIN HARTWELL, JOHN L. HARTWELL, FRED
ERICK V. HovEY, EDWARD T. Howe, JAMEs B. HUGHES, MILBANK JoHNSON, WALDO P. JoHNSON,
CHARLEs H. KEYES, HENRY H. MARKHAM, GEORGE D. PATTEN, LEONARD PERRIN, ANTHONY R. PIERCE,
MATTHEw SLAVIN, SAMUEL STEIN, WILLIAM L. WOODWARD.
Temple Council of Kadosh, No. 4, at Pasadena, May 2, 1896: Officers—A. H. CoNGER,
Com.; JoHN E. PACKARD, Prior; LA FAYETTE S. PoRTER, Preceptor; RICHARD J. MoHR, Chancellor;
FLORIN L. JoNES, Orator; WILLIAM T. CLAPP, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAy, Sec.; BENJAMIN F. BALL,
Treas.; R. E. MONTGOMERy, M. of Cer.; OsCAR O. FREEMAN, Turcopilier; ARTHUR GLEASON, Draper;
CHARLEs J. WILLETT, 1st Dea.; P. P. BoNHAM, 2d Dea.; LEONARD PERRIN, Bearer of the Beauseant;
JAMEs B. HUGHEs, Bearer of the 1st Standard; JoHN L. HARTwÉLL, Bearer of the 2d Standard;
CALVIN HARTWELL, Lieut. of the Guard; MILo L. THOMPsoN, Sentinel. Past Commander, FLORIN
L. Jon Es. Members—NELsoN W. BELL, ADONIRAM M. BETTEs, ARTHUR M. CLIFFORD, AMOS M.
CoLLIS, LEANDER W. FRARY, FRANCIs E. GRAY, EUGENE C. GRIFFITH, WYLLY'S HALL, FREDERICK V.
HovEy, EDWARD T. How E, WALDo P. JoHNSON, CHARLEs H. KEYES, HENRY H. MARKHAM, GEORGE
D. PATTEN, ANTHONY R. PIERCE, MATTHEw SLAVIN.
77o FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Thus adding 5 new Lodges of Perfection, 1 Chapter of Rose Croix, and 1 Council of Kadosh
to the jurisdiction of the Grand Consistory, which at its twenty -seventh Annual Meeting and fifty-
third Sitting, on January 13, 1897, had 1 subordinate Consistory (320), 4 Councils of Kadosh (300),
4 Chapters of Rose Croix (18°), and 8 Lodges of Perfection, or 17 subordinate bodies in all, with
27 Honorary 33°, a gain of 4; 1 Grand Cross; 358 of the 320, a gain of 83; 399 Kadosh (300), a
gain of 116; 436 Knights Rose Croix (180), a gain of 143; and 614 Perfect Elus (14°), a gain of
237, exclusive of suspensions, dimissions, and deaths, which, with the 7 new bodies added to the
Grand Consistory of California in two years by Bro. Wm. Frank P1erce, with 7 new presiding
officers and relatively 14 Wardens, or 21 in all, increased the constituency 237 of the 14° members,
or 383^ per cent. And now that it had a respectable constituency, the Grand Consistory, while it
proceeded to the election and appointment of its officers at the same time — having no debts, with
$6273 in its treasury and an annual income of a capitation tax from its subordinates of $1025 —
prepared for its demise, and resolved to commit hari kari as a Grand governing body of the rite in
California, after an existence of nearly a third of a century, the members, mostly residing in San
Francisco, to continue the organization as a Particular Consistory by itself.
On January 13, 1897, the following preamble and resolutions were presented and read:
Whereas, It is believed that it would be for the best interest of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite in the State of California that this Grand Consistory be reduced from a Grand to a
Particular Consistory ; therefore be it
Resolved, That this Grand Consistory surrender its charter to the Supreme Council of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, on condition
that a new Council of the rite be formed for the State of California with all the rights and powers
permitted by law to such a Council, and that a charter be issued to this Consistory permitting it to
continue its existence as a Particular Consistory, to be known as San Francisco Consistory, No. 1,
of San Francisco; and on the further condition that all the moneys, funds, property, and parapher
nalia of this Grand Consistory shall be and become the property of said Particular Consistory, for its
sole use and benefit, after it shall have received its charter.
Resolved, That Ill.\ Bro. W. Frank P1erce, 330, be and he is hereby requested to call
together a convention consisting of all the Past Grand Masters of this Grand Consistory and the
presiding officer or duly elected representative of each body of the rite in the State of California, for
the purpose of organizing a Grand Council, after the consent of the Supreme Council shall have been
obtained, to exercise all the legislative functions permitted by law to such a Council.
These resolutions were by vote adopted. The conditions connected with the resolutions did
not amount to anything, and were in violation of the laws of the Supreme Council in existence; and
as the Grand Consistory was but the local deputy of the Supreme Council for the government of the
bodies of the rite within the State and had all the powers of legislation, when it was authorized to
sit as a Grand Lodge of Perfection, Grand Chapter of Rose Croix, Grand Council of Kadosh, at
which all possessing those degrees were permitted to be present, the Grand Consistory failed to avail
itself of its own privileges and to exercise the legislative, judicial, and executive powers which had
been delegated to it, and by proposing to surrender those powers and to inaugurate a Council in a
different manner than that already provided by statute of the Supreme Council how it shall be formed,
they provided for the demise of the Grand Consistory without a funeral, and to levy upon the
estate and assets.
On Thursday, January 14, 1897, it elected and installed its officers for the last time, as follows:
Charles F. Crocker, 33°, of San Francisco, Grand Master; Webb N. Pearce of Oakland, Grand
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 771
Prior; CHARLEs W. CoNLISK of San Francisco, Grand Preceptor; CHARLEs A. WAGNER of San Fran
cisco, Grand Constable; Louis MEYER of San Francisco, Grand Admiral; CHARLEs L. PATTON, 33°,
of San Francisco, Grand Minister of State; ColuMBUs WATERHOUSE, 33°, of San Francisco, Grand
Chancellor; CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, of Oakland, Grand Almoner; GEORGE J. HoBE, 33°, of San
Francisco, Grand Registrar; LIPPMANN SACH's of San Francisco, Grand Keeper of the Seals and
Archives; SAMUEL W. LEvy, 33°, Grand Treasurer; GEORGE PATTERSON, 33°, of Oakland, Grand
Primate; JoHN L. M. SHETTERLEY of San Francisco, Grand Master of Ceremonies; FRANK KOENIG
of San Francisco, Grand Expert; DAMIEN E. FoRTIN of Oakland, Grand Assistant Expert; AUGUST
L. OTT of Oakland, Grand Beausenifer; THADDEUs B. KENT of San Francisco, Grand Bearer Battle
Flag; ALBERT H. MERRITT of Oakland, Grand Master of the Guards; ERNEST K. HEAD of San
Francisco, Grand Chamberlain; ZACHARY T. GILPIN of Oakland, Grand Steward; JoHN WILLIAMs of
Oakland, Grand Aid-de-Camp; JoHN D'ARcy of San Francisco, Grand Tyler.
On June 1, 1897, Bro. THOMAS H. CASWELL, 33°, Grand Commander, issued the following
proclamation:
Hous E of THE TEMPLE OF THE SUPREME Council of THE 33D DEGREE OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED
Scottish RITE FOR THE SouTHERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATEs,
433 THIRD STREET, N. W.
ORIENT OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
To the Inspector-Generals, Active and Honorary, and Bodies and Brethren

of all the Degrees of the Obedience of this Supreme Council:
BRETHREN–Whereas, I, THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL, 33°, Grand Commander ad vitam, did on
the 7th day of March, 1897, direct the issue of the following resolution (adopted by the Grand Con
sistory of California, at the session in San Francisco on January 13, 1897) to each Active Member
of this Supreme Council for their vote on its adoption or rejection, to wit:
“WHEREAs, It is believed that it would be for the best interest of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite in the State of California that this Grand Consistory be reduced from a Grand to a
Particular Consistory; therefore be it
“Resolved, That this Grand Consistory surrender its charter to the Supreme Council of the
A... & A. Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, on condition that a
charter be issued to this Consistory permitting it to continue its existence as a Particular Consistory,
to be known as San Francisco Consistory, No. 1, of San Francisco; and on the further condition
that all the moneys, funds, property, and paraphernalia of this Grand Consistory shall be and become
the property of said Particular Consistory, for its sole use and benefit, after it shall have received its
charter."
Now, be it known to all and singular, that said votes having been received from twenty-seven
of the members, twenty-five voting in the affirmative and two voting in the negative: It is therefore
decreed by a majority vote that the Grand Consistory shall cease to exist as such from and after
June 30, 1897, and that a Particular Consistory charter shall be issued in its stead, as provided for
in the resolution aforesaid.
Given under our hand and the seal of our arms, this first day of the Hebrew month, Sivan,
A. M. 5657, corresponding to the first day of June, A. D. 1897, and the 96th year of the Supreme
Council. God save the Supreme Counci// THOMAS H. CASWELL, 33°,
[SEAL] Grand Commander.
Attest: FREDERICK WEBBER, 33°,

Secretary-General.
It will be seen in the above proclamation that nothing is quoted of the further conditions
mentioned in the last resolution adopted by the Grand Consistory, by which it would surrender its
charter and become a Particular Consistory on condition that a convention should be called by Bro.
Wm. Frank P1erce, 33°, for the purpose of forming a Grand Council of the State in which all the
Past Grand Masters of the Grand Consistory should have the preference of membership, and then
only one presiding officer or representative from each subordinate body within the State should
compose such Grand Council, totally ignoring the past presiding officers and the Wardens or the
second and third officers of such bodies, as will be seen by the law adopted by the Supreme Council
in October, 1892, which reads as follows:
"State Councils 0/ the Rite. — In a State where no Grand Consistory exists a State Council of
the rite may be established by the Supreme Council on a petition of a majority of the chartered
bodies in such State. A State Council of the rite shall consist of all resident Active, Emeritus, and
Honorary Inspector-Generals, members of the chartered bodies of the State, together with the three
principal officers of each chartered body in the State, whose dues and fees to the Supreme Council
shall be fully paid, each of whom shall have one vote in the State Council of the rite. Such State
Council shall meet in regular session at a stated time, once each year, at such place as may be
determined at the preceding regular session. Special sessions may be held on the demand of the
majority of the members of the State Council of the rite. The State Council of the rite shall have
authority to consider matters concerning the welfare of the rite within the State and make rules and
regulations (not inconsistent with the statutes of the Supreme Council) for the government of its own
deliberations and the regulation of the bodies within the State. It may prepare memorials, petitions,
and recommendations to be submitted to the Supreme Council when in session, or to the Grand Com
mander in vacation. For its maintenance the State Council of the rite shall have authority to levy
on each of its component bodies a per capita tax not exceeding twenty -five cents each per annum.
The officers of the State Council of the rite shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary,
and a Treasurer, to be annually elected at the regular meeting by the members of the State Council
of the rite. A certified transcript of its record shall be forwarded to the Secretary -General' on the
thirty-first day of August of each year."
Such was the law of the Supreme Council at the time, and had been for nearly five years,
which in the undue haste of the Solons of the Grand Consistory was ignored, and they snared them
selves, at the same time providing for the dissolution of the Grand Consistory. Its V.\ Grand
Master, Bro. Charles F. Crocker, 33°, died at his country residence near San Francisco, on July
17, 1897, and the last public appearance of the Grand Consistory of California was to escort his
remains to their final resting place in Laurel Hill Cemetery, San Francisco, attended by the largest
Masonic funeral ever held in the State of California.
The last and fifty-fourth Sitting of the Grand Consistory of California was held in the Chapter
Hall of the Masonic Temple, San Francisco, on September 2, 1897. Upon calling the roll there
were found present the following Inspector- Generals : Wm. Frank P1erce, 33°, Active; Geo. John
Hobe, 33° Edw1n A. Sherman, 33°, Charles E. G1llett, 33°, Ralph de Cla1rmont, 33° Samuel
W. Levy, 33° Henry A. Cl1ne, 33°, Charles L. Patton, 33° Charles L. J. W. P1erce, 33°;
W1ll1am S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross. Officers—Webb N. P1erce, Grand Prior; Charles W. Con-
l1sk, Grand Preceptor; Charles A. Wagner, Grand Constable; Charles L. Patton, 33°, Grand
Minister of State; Charles E. G1llett, 33°, Grand Almoner; George J. Hobe, 33 , Grand Regis
trar; Samuel W. Levy, 33°, Grand Treasurer; John L. M. S11etterley, Grand Master of Ceremonies;
Frank Kcen1g, Grand Expert; Thaddeus B. Kent, Grand Bearer of Battle Flag; Ernest K. Head,
Grand Chamberlain; JoHN D'ARcy, Grand Tyler. Members—SAMUEL BADEN, WILLIAM G. BROWN,
HENRY BURNER, DAN J. EDGAR, CHARLEs E. GREEN, HUGO O. GREENHOOD, Joseph H. GoLDMAN,
CHARLEs J. HAGUE, HARRY HollEs, ALPHEUs KENDALI, FRANK B. LADD, WILLIAM McPHUN, MARCUs
C. MEYER, FRED. W. G. McEBUS, ROBERT MUNCH, DANIEL NORCRoss, LAMARTINE OSBORN, SOREN K.
OverGAARD, GEORGE M. PERINE, SAMUEL H. PERKINs, JAMEs N. PIKE, C. MooDY PLUMMER, JoHN C.
B. SCHLARBAUM, LOUIS SCHMIDT, WILLIAM J. SMITH, LUMAN WADHAM. Total present, 44, out of a
membership of 234.
The reading of the records was dispensed with. The Grand Prior announced the death of the
V. . Grand Master, CHARLEs F. CROCKER, 33°, and that he had appointed Bros. CHARLEs L. PATTON,
33°, THEO. H. GooDMAN, 33°, and WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross, as a committee to express
our sorrow for the loss sustained by the Grand Consistory by his death. The committee presented
the following:
To the Grand Consistory of California:
Your Committee, to whom was assigned the duty of drafting a suitable memorial on the death
of our Grand Master, beg leave to submit the following: Our Grand Master, CHARLEs FREDERICK
CRoCKER, 33°, will meet with us no more; he has exchanged the high insignia of his office on earth
for the glorious badge of immortality; yet while his place is vacant in our forum and his voice
hushed by the silence of death, he still lives in our love and memories. We entrusted him with the
signet of our Order and he kept to the landmarks of our venerable institution. He walked with us
upon the square and circumscribed his action by the compasses, while with the world at large the
rule of his life was that of an upright man. In the morning of life the flower of his manhood
reached maturity, and he was called from labor to rest in the midday of usefulness, ere the summer
of his ripening had come. Those who knew him best loved him most, and in the name of friend
ship many rejoiced in the sunshine of his good deeds. Although born to affluence and reared amid
the privileges that wealth and influence command, yet in everyday life he was unostentatious and
easy of approach. A stranger, having no knowledge of his position among men, could hold converse
with him and depart with the consciousness that he had been entertained by a gentleman. Of a quiet
and loving nature, he was a firm friend, an affectionate husband, a thoughtful and indulgent father;
and we unite with his relatives and friends in giving expression to our sincere sorrow for the sudden
ending of a life so full of bright expectations. While we shall ever honor his good name as a citizen
and cherish his character as our friend and Brother, we shall remember him as the last one of the
chief rulers of our holy house of the Temple, that now like our Brother has become a memory of
the past. CHARLEs L. PATTON, THEODORE H. GOODMAN, WILLIAM S. MOSES, Committee.
Bro. WEBB N. PEARCE then tendered his resignation as Grand Prior, and on motion the same
was accepted. Bro. CHARLEs W. CONLISK, Grand Preceptor, then assumed the chair. Bro. CHARLEs
L. PATTON moved that the dues of all members belonging to the Oakland bodies who desire to form
a Consistory in that city be remitted and that the life membership fees paid by them be refunded.
Which motion on vote was adopted. Thirty-one Brethren desiring to unite in the forming of a Par
ticular Consistory in the city of Oakland, asked for their dimits, which on vote were granted. We
having been one of the charter members, the first Grand Registrar, and Past Grand Minister of State,
and being a life member of the Grand Consistory, preferred to remain with our Brother charter
members and officers who were still living and be borne on the roll of San Francisco Consistory,
No. 1, its immediate successor.
The Acting Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Registrar were on motion instructed
to take charge of all funds, securities, paraphernalia, and other property of the Grand Consistory for
774 FIFTY YEyáRS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
the use and benefit of San Francisco Particular Consistory, No. 1. On motion, the Acting Grand
Master was instructed to have the charter of the Grand Consistory properly indorsed by the Sover
eign Grand Commander. On motion, the Grand Registrar was instructed to publish the proceedings
of this session, with a mourning page for our deceased Grand Master. No further business appearing,
the Grand Consistory of California was closed sine die, and the proceedings were signed by
CHARLEs W. CONLISK,
GEORGE J. HoBE, Grand Registrar. Acting Grand Master.
Thus closed the life of the Grand Consistory with that of one of the noblest and best men
and Masons that ever lived, its Grand Master, Bro. CHARLES FREDERICK CROCKER, 33. It is not in
the American Masonic nature to be patiently governed by a Grand Body at a distance, especially
when those who govern are not chosen immediately from among the Masonic people themselves.
Inspector-General BUREN ROBINSON SHERMAN, 33°, Active Member from Iowa, in his report as Chair
man of the Committee on Jurisprudence, in October, 1892, said: “On general principles we believe
the nearer the governing bodies can be brought to the governed — namely, the great body of the
Craft—the better for all concerned, care being taken that the machinery of government be not too
cumbersome or expensive, nor that the proper dignity of government be compromised. We are of
opinion that there should be an intermediate body between the Particular Consistories and the Supreme
Council which shall have supervisory control in the respective States, subject to the final judgment
of the Supreme Council as expressed in its orders and statutes. We recommend the adoption of the
resolution, and that it be referred to the Committee on Revision for incorporation in the statutes.
We recommend that the proposed body be styled a State Council of the rite rather than a Council
of Deliberation.” Bro. WILLIAM R. BowEN, 33°, of Nebraska, proposed the resolution, which was
unanimously approved by the committee, and it with the change of name recommended became the
law of the rite. To properly conserve the rite and maintain peace, good order, and good will, the
sooner a State Council of the rite is organized in California to take the place of the Grand Consis
tory as a local representative governing body the better will it be for the Scottish Rite in particular
and Masonry in general, and carry out in spirit at least and in good faith what was intended when
the Grand Consistory resolved to surrender its charter.
Bro, WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, Active Inspector-General for California, continued his good work
in the propagating and establishing bodies of the rite. Oakland Consistory was constituted and its
officers installed by him on September 13, 1897, as follows: Officers—WEBB N. PEARCE, K. C. C. H.,
Master of Kadosh; GEORGE C. PARDEE, K. C. C. H., Prior; CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, Preceptor;
GEORGE PATTERSON, 33°, Chancellor; JoHN WILLIAMs, Orator; DAVID W. STANDEFORD, K. C. C. H.,
Almoner; CHARLEs F. BURNHAM, K. C. C. H., Registrar; WILLIAM T. HAMILTON, K. C. C. H., Treas
urer; Z. T. GILPIN, Primate; JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, Master of Ceremonies; A. L. OTT, K. C. C. H.,
Expert; ALBERT H. MERRITT, K. C. C. H., Assistant Expert; EDWARD H. MoRGAN, Standard Bearer;
ROBERT EDGAR, Master of Guard; LERoy D. FLETCHER, 33°, Tyler. Members—CHARLEs D. PIERCE,
K. C. C. H., FREDERICK L. KRAUSE, CHARLEs L. J. W. PIERCE, 33°, JoHAN NORD, John C. B. SCHLAR
BAUM, NATHAN W. SPAULDING, 33°, MARTIN M. SAMSON, ALFRED W. BURRELL, BRAYTON E. HANDY,
ALPHEUs KENDALI, CLAYTON K. SMITH, JoHN MARTIN, K. C. C. H., DAMIEN E. FoRTIN, K. C. C. H.,
CHARLEs H. TwoMBLY, K. C. C. H., THOMAS A. PETTUS, CHARLEs W. RANDALL, K. C. C. H., GEORGE
D. METCALF, K. C. C. H.
Temple Consistory, at Pasadena, on February 25, 1898–FLORIN L, JONES, 33°, Master of
Kadosh; CHARLEs J. WILLETT, K. C. C. H., Prior; OsCAR O. FREEMAN, Preceptor; R. J. MoHR,
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776 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá.
Chancellor; H. H. MARKHAM, K. C. C. H., Orator; WILLIAM T. CLAPP, Almoner; ERNEST. H. MAY,

Registrar; BENJAMIN F. BALL, Treasurer; J. B. HUGHES, Primate; R. E. MoNTGOMERy, Master of
Ceremonies; A. M. Collis, Expert; C. HARTwÉLL, Assistant Expert; A. M. CLIFFORD, Standard
Bearer; MATTHEw SLAVIN, Master of Guard; NEILs L. THOMPsoN, Tyler.
Visalia Lodge of Perfection, at Visalia, on October 8, 1898, with the following officers:
WILLIAM KETTNER, V.'. Master; HENRY JERUSALEM, S. W.; ALFRED R. ORR, J. W.; ELLwood O.
LARKIN, Orator; CHARLEs H. KINKLER, Almoner; J. G. MARTIN, Sec.; HENRY LEVINSON, Treas.;
EDWARD McD. GRAHAM, M. of Cer.; P. S. Wools Ey, Exp.; JAMEs H. McKIE, Ass’t Exp.; CHARLEs
L. ADAMs, Capt. of Guard; F. M. RICE, Tyler.
In addition to the foregoing he had added members to and installed the officers of Pacific
Lodge of Perfection, now No. 5, at Marysville; and Arizona having been attached to California, he
reorganized Santa Rita Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, at Tucson, and removed it to Phoenix, Ariz.
PRESENT LIST OF BODIES OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND ROLLS OF OFFICERs.
THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL, 33°, of San Francisco, Sovereign Grand Commander of the
Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.
WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, of Oakland, Active Sovereign Grand Inspector-General for California.
CONSISTORIES, 32°.–San Francisco Consistory, No. 1 (late Grand Consistory of California);

organized January 13, 1898. —Officers—JoHN L. M. SHETTERLEy, K. C. C. H., Master of Kadosh;
FRANK KOENIG, K. C. C. H., Prior; FREDERICK W. G. McEBUs, Sub. Prior; CHARLEs E. GREEN, 33°,
Chancellor; CHARLEs L. PATTON, 33°, Minister of State; WILLIAM S. Moses, Kt. Grand Cross,
Almoner; GEORGE J. HoBE, 33°, Registrar; SAMUEL W. LEvy, 33°, Treasurer; HENRY BURNER,
Prelate; FRANK B. LADD, Master of Ceremonies; HENRY AsCROFT, S. Exp.; JAMEs McMULLEN, J.
Exp.; PETER C. MILLER, K. C. C. H., Standard Bearer; HENRY J. GRAUERHOLz, Steward; JoHN
D'ARcy, Sentinel. Past Grand Masters—WM. THOMAS REYNOLDs, 33°, WM. ABRAHAM DAVIES, 33°,
THEODORE H. GooDMAN, 33°, WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross, CHARLEs L. PATTON, 33, HENRY
A. CLINE, 33°. Past Master of San Francisco Consistory, No. 1, CHARLEs W. CONLISK, K. C. C. H.,
Past Grand Preceptor. Other Honorary Inspector-Generals of the 33d Degree–EDw1N A. SHERMAN,
Past Grand Registrar and Past Grand Minister of State; CHARLEs M. DAUGHERTY, RALPH DE CLAIR
MONT, SAMUEL W. RosBNSTOCK, REUBEN H. LLOYD, CHARLEs W. A. WAGNER, Past Grand Constable;
THADDEUs B. KENT, Past Grand B. B., LIPPMANN SACHS, WILLIAM FILMER. Other Knights Com
manders of the Court of Honor—JoliN H. TITCOMB, WILLIAM A. Robinson, HARRY HollEs, HARRY
J. LASK, WILLIAM P. BRooks, TREAT P. CLARK, P. G. Tyler; C. MooDY PLUMMER, WILLARD C.
WELCH, WILLIAM J. SMITH, CHARLEs J. HAGUE, TIMOTHY HoPKINs. This Consistory adds the price
of the uniform to the fee for the degrees, so that its members are equipped.
Oakland Consistory, No. 2 (recently a part of the late Grand Consistory of California); consti
tuted September 13, 1897, WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, Active Sovereign Grand Inspector-General for
California, Past Grand Master.—Officers—CHARLEs L. PIERCE, 33, Master of the Kadosh; EDWARD
MoRGAN, K. C. C. H., Prior; AUGUST L. OTT, K. C. C. H., Preceptor; NATHAN W. SPAULDING, 33°,
Chancellor; WEBB N. PEARCE, 33°, Orator; D. W. STANDEFORD, K. C. C. H., Almoner; CHARLEs E.
GILLETT, 33°, Registrar; WILLIAM T. HAMILTON, K. C. C. H., Treasurer; JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33,
Primate; Robert Wyl.IE, Master of Ceremonies; ALBERT H. MERRITT, K. C. C. H., Expert; H. A.
GLINEs, Asst Expert; ALPHEU's KENDALI, Standard Bearer; F. L. KRAUSE, Master of Guard; E.
FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIya. 777
B. SMITH, Tyler. Past Grand Masters—WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, CHARLEs
L. J. W. PIERCE, 33°. Other Honorary Inspector-Generals— NATHAN W. SPAULDING, 33°, P. G. C.;
WEBB N. : PEARCE, 33°, Past Master of the Kadosh. Other Knights Commanders of the Court of
Honor – CHARLEs D. PIERCE, CHARLEs W. RANDALL, CHARLEs H. TwoMBLY, GEORGE D. METCALF.
Los Angeles Consistory, No. 3 (formerly Occidental), chartered October 22, 1888; constituted
at Los Angeles, July 26, 1889.—Officers–GEORGE SINSABAUGH, K. C. C. H., Master of the Kadosh;
GEORGE VARCOE, Prior; PHILIP S. THOMPsON, Preceptor; FRED. A. HINEs, Chancellor; ARTHUR
BROOKMAN, Orator; HENRY S. ORME, K. C. C. H. (33° elect), Hospitaler; F. JoRDAN, Registrar;
SIMON CONRADI, 33°, Treasurer. Past Masters—HENRY S. ORME, K. C. C. H. (33° elect), JAMEs G.
C. LEE, 33° (U. S. A.). FREDERICK S. LANGDON, Honorary Inspector-General 33 . Other Knights
Commanders of the Court of Honor—John L. PAVKOVICH, GEORGE H. HABEL, ISAAC A. McMILLAN,
WILLIAM LUNDBERG, NILES PEASE.
Temple Consistory, No. 4, Los Angeles; constituted February 25, 1898.—Officers—FLORIN L.
JONES, 33°, Master of the Kadosh; CHARLEs J. WILLETT, 32°, K. C. C. H., Prior; OsCAR. O. FREE
MAN, Preceptor; R. J. MoHR, Chancellor; HENRY H. MARKHAM, K. C. C. H., Orator; WILLIAM T.
CLAPP, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAY, Registrar; BENJ. F. BALL, Treasurer; J. B. HUGHES, Primate;
ROBERT E. MONTGOMERy, K. C. C. H., Master of Ceremonies; A. M. COLLIS, Expert; C. HARTwELL,
Ass’t Expert; A. M. CLIFFORD, Standard Bearer; MATTHEw SLAVIN, Master of Guard; NEILs L.
THOMPsoN, Tyler. Past Master, FLORIN L. JoNEs, 33°. Other Knights Commanders of the Court
of Honor—CHARLEs J. WILLETT, HENRY H. MARKHAM. -
CouncILs OF KNIGHTs KADos H, 30°.–Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Knights Kadosh, No. 1,
San Francisco; organized July 8, 1868, chartered September 17, 1868.—Officers—CHARLEs L. PATTON,
33°, Preceptor; HENRY A. CLINE, 33°, 1st Sub Pre'r; JoHN L. M. SHETTERLEy, 32°, K. C. C. H., 2d
Sub Pre'r ; CHARLEs E. GREEN, 33°, Chancellor; WILLIAM G. BROWN, 32°, Orator; WILLIAM S.
Moses, 32°, Grand Cross, Almoner; GEORGE J. HoBE, 33°, Recorder; LIPPMANN SACHS, 33°, Treas.;
FRANK B. LADD, 32°, M. of Cer.; WILLIAM T. BROOKs, 32°, K. C. C. H., Turcopilier; DAN J. EDGAR,
32, Draper; CHARLEs A. WAGNER, 33°, 1st Dea.; HENRY J. GRAUERHOLz, 2d Dea.; WILLARD C.
WELCH, 32°, Bearer of Beauseant; FRANK KOENIG, 32°, K. C. C. H., Lieut. of Guard; JoHN
D'ARcy, Sentinel. Past Preceptors–THOMAS KVLE, 32° (withdrawn), HORACE H. HUBBARD, 33°
(deceased), CHARLEs F. BROWN, 33 (deceased), THEODORE H. GooDMAN, 33°, AARON J. MEssING,
32°, K. C. C. H. (withdrawn), CHARLEs L. PATTON, 33°.
Oakland Council of Knights Kadosh, No. 2, Oakland; chartered October 12, 1883, constituted
October 24, 1883.—Officers—EDWARD H. MoRGAN, 32°, Preceptor; ALBERT H. MERRITT, 32°, K. C.
C. H., 1st Sub Pre'r; ALBERT L. SMITH, 32°, 2d Sub Pre'r; RICHARD JONES, 30°, Chancellor; CHARLEs
L. J. W. PIERCE, 33°, Orator; DAVID W. STANDEFORD, 32°, K. C. C. H., Almoner; CHARLEs E. GIL
LETT, 33°, Recorder; WILLIAM T. HAMILTON, 32°, K. C. C. H., Treas.; JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, M.
of Cer.; GEORGE S. PIERCE, Turcopilier; ENos B. SMITH, Draper; HERBERT A. GLINEs, 1st Dea.;
RoBERT P. WYLLIE, 2d Dea.; EUGENE WooDEN, Bearer of Beauseant; FRANCIS F. JACKSON, Bearer
of 2d Standard; CLAYTON K. SMITH, 32°, Bearer of 3d Standard; JoHN G. WHITE, Lieut. of Guard;
EDWARD PEARCE, Sentinel; HIRAM T. DEANER, 30°, Organist. Past Preceptors—EDw1N A. SHERMAN,
33°, NATHAN W. SPAULDING, 33°, CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, WM. FRANK
PIERCE, 33°, GEORGE PATTERSON, 33°, EUGENE CORMENY, 32°, K. C. C. H., CHARLEs L. J. W. PIERCE,
33°, WEBB N. PEARCE, 33°, EDWARD H. MORGAN, 32°.
Hugues des Payens Council of Knights Kadosh, No. 3, Los Angeles; constituted December 1,
1885.—Officers—ARTHUR BROOKMAN, 32°, Preceptor; GEORGE SINSABAUGH, 32°, K. C. C. H., 1st Sub
778 FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIyá.
Preceptor; CHARLEs CAMPBELL, 32°, 2d Sub Preceptor; JAMEs R. DUPUy, 32°, K. C. C. H., Chancel
lor; CHARLEs J. WILLETT, 32°, K. C. C. H., Orator; HENRY S. ORME, 32°, K. C. C. H. (33° elect),
Almoner; John L. PAvKovICH, 32°, K. C. C. H., Recorder; SIMON CONRADI, 33°, Treas.; HENRY S.
BAER, 32°, M. of Cer.; ALBERT C. BILICKE, 32°, Turcopilier; FRED. W. SMITH, 32°, Draper; JoHN
C. CUNNINGHAM, 32°, 1st Dea.; GEORGE W. VAN ALSTINE, 32°, 2d Dea.; WILLIAM T. JEFFRIES, 32°,
Bearer of the Beauseant; WILLIAM LUNDBERG, 32°, K. C. C. H., Bearer of 1st Standard; RoBERT E.
MONTGOMERy, 32°, Bearer of 2d Standard; PATRICK M. McKENNA, 32°, Lieut. of Guard; ISAAC A.
McMILLAN, 32°, K. C. C. H., Sentinel. Past Preceptors—JAMEs R. DUPUy, 32°, K. C. C. H., JAMEs
B. LANKERSHIM, 32°, FREDERICK S. LANGDON, GEORGE F. HABEL, 32°, K. C. C. H. Withdrawn, FLORIN
L. JONES, 33°. Died, FRANK RADER, 33°.
Temple Council of Knights Kadosh, No. 4, at Pasadena; constituted May 2, 1896.—Officers—
ARTHUR H. CoNGER, 32°, Preceptor; JoHN E. PACKARD, 32°, 1st Sub Preceptor; LA FAYETTE S.
PoRTER, 2d Sub Preceptor; RICHARD J. MoHR, 32°, Chancellor; FLORIN L. JoNES, 33°, Orator;
WILLIAM T. CLAPP, 32°, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAy, 32°, Recorder; BENJ. F. BALL, 32°, Treas.;
RoBERT E. MoNTGOMERY, 32°, M. of Cer.; OsCAR O. FREEMAN, 32°, Turcopilier; ARTHUR GLEASON,
Draper; CHARLEs J. WILLETT, 32°, K. C. C. H., 1st Dea.; PERRY B. BoNHAM, 2d Dea.; LEONARD
PERRIN, Bearer of the Beauseant; JAMEs B. HUGHES, 32°, Bearer of 1st Standard; JoHN L. HART
wBLL, Bearer of 2d Standard; CALVIN HARTWELL, 32°, Lieut. of Guard; NEILs L. THOMPsON, 32°,
Sentinel. Past Preceptors—FLORIN L. JoNES, 33°, ARTHUR H. CONGER, 32°.
CHAPTERS OF KNIGHTS Rose CROIx, 18°.— Yerba Buena Chapter of Knights Rose Croix, No.
I (late No. 4), San Francisco; organized July 8, 1868, chartered July 13, 1868.— Officers—FRANK
KOENIG, 32°, K. C. C. H., Wise Master; JoHN L. M. SHETTERLEy, 32°, K. C. C. H., S. W.; HENRY
AsCROFT, 32°, J. W.; FRED. W. G. MOEBUs, 32°, Orator; WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross,
Almoner; GEORGE J. HoBE, 33°, Sec.; LIPPMANN SACHS, 33°, Treas.; WILLIAM J. SMITH, 32°, M. of
Cer.; WILLIAM P. BROOKs, 32°, K. C. C. H., S. Exp.; JosLAH EPPINGER, J. Exp.; FRANK O. ALLEN,
Capt. of Guard; JoHN D'ARcy, 32°, Tyler. Past Wise Masters—GEORGE T. GRIMES, 32° (deceased),
WASHINGTON AYER, 32°, K. C. C. H. (withdrawn), BENJAMIN MORGAN, 18° (withdrawn), JoHN H. TIT
COMB, 32°, K. C. C. H., WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross, THEODORE H. GooDMAN, 33°, GEORGE
W. RoBERTs, 18°, DAVID McCLURE, 33° (withdrawn), WILLIAM A. RoBERTSON, 32°, K. C. C. H.,
WILLIAM H. DANIELL, 33° (withdrawn), HENRY A. CLINE, 33°, FRED. W. G. MOEBUs, 32°, FRANK
KOENIG, 32°, K. C. C. H.
Gethsemane Chapter of Knights Rose Croix, No. 2 (late No. 5), Oakland; chartered October
12, 1883, constituted October 24, 1883.—Officers—FRANCIs H. E. O'DoNNELL, 30°, Wise Master;
FRANCIs F. JACKsoN, S. W.; CHARLEs H. CoweLL, J. W.; WEBB N. PEARCE, 33°, Orator; DAVID W.
STANDEFORD, 32°, K. C. C. H., Almoner; CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, Sec.; WILLIAM T. HAMILTON, 32°,
K. C. C. H., Treas.; JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, M. of Cer.; RoBERT P. WyLLIE, S. Exp.; ALBERT L.
SMITH, 30°, J. Exp.; RICHARD JoNES, 30°, Guard of the Temple; ENos B. SMITH, 30°, Tyler; HIRAM
F. DEANER, 30°, Organist. Past Wise Masters—CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°,
WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33°, WEBB N. PEARCE, 33°, CHARLEs L. J. W. PIERCE,
33°, FRANCIs H. E. O'DoNNELL, 30°, JoHN WILLIAMS, 32°.
Aobert Bruce Chapter of Knights Rose Croix, No. 3 (late No. 6), Los Angeles; constituted
December 1, 1885.—Officers—WILLIAM LUNDBERG, 32°, K. C. C. H., Wise Master; CHARLEs CAMPBELL,
32°, S. W.; PATRICK A. McKENNA, 32°, J. W.; ARTHUR BROOKMAN, 32°, Orator; HENRY S. ORME,
32°. K. C. C. H. (33° elect), Almoner; JoHN L. PAVKovICH, 32°, K. C. C. H., Sec.; SIMON CONRADI,
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. 779
33°, Treas.; WILLIAM E. PRITCHARD, 32°, M. of Cer.; Robert E. MoNTGOMERY, 32°, K. C. C. H., S.
Exp.; GEORGE W. VAN ALSTINE, 32°, J. Exp.; STANLEY RICHMOND, 32°, Guard of the Temple; ISAAC
A. McMILLAN, 32°, K. C. C. H., Sentinel. Past Wise Masters—HENRY S. ORME, 32°, K. C. C. H.
(33° elect), JULIUS BROUssEAU, 32°, SIMON CONRADI, 33°, JoHN W. FRANCIS, 30°, JAMEs R. DUPUy,
32°, K. C. C. H., FREDERICK S. LANGDON, 33°, GEORGE H. HABEL, 32°, K. C. C. H., WILLIAM LUND
BERG, 32°, K. C. C. H.
Temple Chapter Knights Rose Croix, No. 4, Pasadena; constituted March 16, 1896. —
Officers—CHARLEs J. WILLETT, 32°, K. C. C. H., Wise Master; FLORIN L. JoNES, 33°, S. W.; ARTHUR
H. CoNGER, J. W.; Wyllys HALL, Orator; LA FAYETTE S. PoRTER, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAY, 32°,
Sec.; WILLIAM T. CLApp, 32°, Treas.; JoHN E. PACKARD, M. of Cer.; RoBERT E. MoNTGoMERY, 32°,
K. C. C. H., S. Exp.; RICHARD J. MoHR, 32°, J. Exp.; ARTHUR M. CLIFFORD, 32°, Guard of the
Temple; NEILs M. THOMPsoN, 32°, Tyler. Past Wise Masters–FLORIN L. JoNES, 33°, CHARLEs J.
WILLETT, 32°, K. C. C. H.
LoDGES OF PERFECTION, 14°.— Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1 (late No. 6), San
Francisco; organized July 8, 1868, chartered July 13, 1868.—Officers—FRANK O. ALLEN, 18°, Ven.
Master; FRANK B. LADD, 32°, S. W.; FRANK C. VAN SCHAICK, 18°, J. W.; ERNEST K. HEAD, Orator;
WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross, Almoner; GEORGE J. Hobe, 33°, Sec.; LIPPMANN SACHS, 33°,
Treas.; HENRY AsCROFT, 32°, M. of Cer.; WILLIAM W. CollINs, S. Exp.; ELVIN C. McCALL, J. Exp.;
WILLIAM P. BROOKs, 32°, K. C. C. H., Capt. of Guard; JoHN D'ARcy, 32°, Tyler. Past Venerable
Masters – BENJAMIN H. FREEMAN, 33° (deceased), WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Grand Cross, GEORGE J.
HoBE, 33°, CHARLEs F. BROWN, 33° (deceased), GEORGE W. RoBERTs, 18° (deceased), PHILIP PECK,
32° (withdrawn), Rich ARD S. CoRNING, 33° (deceased), WILLIAM A. RoBERTSON, 32°, K. C. C. H.,
FRED. W. G. McEBUs, 32°, MARTIN S. MEYER, 32°, HENRY A. CLINE, 33°, CHARLEs A. WAGNER,
33°, HARRY J. LASK, 32°, K. C. C. H. (33° elect), HENRY BURNER, 32°, WILLIAM J. SMITH, 32°,
K. C. C. H., FRANK O. ALLEN, 18°.
Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 2 (late No. 12), Oakland; chartered October 12, 1883,
constituted October 24, 1883.—Officers—ALBERT L. SMITH, 30°, Ven. Master; EDWARD H. MORGAN,
32°, S. W.; ALBERT H. MERRITT, 32°, K. C. C. H., J. W.; JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, Orator; DAVID
W. STANDEFORD, 32°, K. C. C. H., Almoner; CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, Sec.; WILLIAM T. HAMILTON,
32°, K. C. C. H., Treas.; RoLLA C. Monck, M. of Cer.; JoHN G. WHITE, S. Exp.; CHARLEs H. Cowell,
J. Exp.; Robert P. WyLLIE, Capt. of Guard; ENos B. SMITH, 30°, Tyler; HIRAM F. DEANER, 30°,
Organist. Past Venerable Masters—JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, CHARLEs E.
GILLETT, 33°, ByRON C. DICK, 32°, EUGENE CORMENY, 32°, K. C. C. H., WEBB N. PEARCE, 33°,
CHARLEs L. J. W. PIERCE, 33°, GILBERT B. DANIELs, 30°, JoHN MARTIN, 32°, K. C. C. H., AUG.
L. OTT, 32°, K. C. C. H., ALBERT L. SMITH, 30°. Additional Honorary Inspector-Generals of the
33d Degree—NATHAN W. SPAULDING, EDWIN A. SHERMAN, LERoy D. FLETCHER, EDWARD R. H EDGES,
MARTIN W. KALEs, GEORGE PATTERSON. Knights Commanders of the Court of Honor—CHARLES D.
PIERCE, 32°, CHARLEs W. RANDALL, 32°, CHARLES C. VAN VALKENBURG, 32°, JoHN GARWOOD, 32°,
DAMIEN E. FoRTIN, 32°, CHARLEs H. TwoMBLY, 32°, GEORGE D. METCALF, 32°, GEORGE C. PARDEE, 32°.
King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, No. 3 (late No. 14), Los Angeles; constituted December
1, 1885.—Officers—GEORGE H. HABEL, 32°, K. C. C. H., Ven. Master; WILLIAM LUNDBERG, 32°,
K. C. C. H., S. W.; NILEs PEASE, 32°, J. W.; ARTHUR BROOKMAN, 32°, Orator; HENRY S. ORME
(33° elect), K. C. C. H., Almoner; JoHN L. PAvKovICH, 32°, K. C. C. H., Sec.; SIMON CONRADI, 33°,
Treas.; JoHN C. CUNNINGHAM, 32°, M. of Cer.; WILLIAM H. MAssER, 32°, S. Exp.; WILLIAM E.
78o FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
PRITCHARD, 32°, J. Exp.; STANLEY RICHMOND, 32°, Capt. of Guards; ISAAC A. McMILLAN, 32°, K. C.
C. H., Tyler. Past Venerable Masters—THOMAS E. RowAN, 32°, JAMEs R. DUPUy, 32°, K. C. C. H.,
FREDERICK S. LANGDON, 33°, GEORGE H. HABEL, 32°, K. C. C. H.
Isaac Davis Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, Sacramento; constituted April 3, 1895.—Officers–
EDMUND C. ATKINSON, 33°, Ven. Master; WILLIAM D. KNIGHTs, 32°, K. C. C. H., S. W.; EDWIN
C. HoPKINS, J. W.; THOMAS H. B. ANDERSON, 32°, Orator; HENRY W. BRAGG, 32°, Almoner; MEL
ANCTHON J. CURTIs, 32°, K. C. C. H., Sec.; BENJAMIN WELCH, 32°, K. C. C. H., Treas.; ELLIs
FRANKLIN, M. of Cer.; JAMEs F. DENHAM, S. Exp.; M. S. HAMMER, J. Exp.; WILLIAM F. JACKSON,
Capt. of Guards; WILLIAM H. DAVIs, Tyler. Past Venerable Master, EDMUND C. ATKINSON, 33°.
Additional Honorary Inspector-General, WILLIAM M. PETRIE, 33°.
Pacific Lodge of Perfection, No. 5 (late No. 2, and the oldest Lodge of Perfection in Cal
ifornia), Marysville; constituted September 8, 1866; revived by Bro. W.M. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, Active
Inspector-General, January 1, 1896.—Officers—CHARLEs E. STONE, 33°, Ven. Master; RICHARD BELCHER,
S. W.; JAMEs F. EASTMAN, 32°, J. W.; WILLIAM H. Stoy, Orator; S. J. S. Rogers, Almoner; THOMAs
H. KERNAN, Sec.; THOMAs B. HUTCHINs, Treas.; AUGUSTU's E. Kosby, M. of Cer.; BARNARD R.
BookMAN, S. Exp.; JAMEs H. BARR, J. Exp.; ANDREW J. BINNEy, 32°, Capt. of Guards; A. W. WHITE,
Tyler. Past Venerable Masters—NorMAN D. RIDEOUT, 32°, CHARLEs E. STONE, 33°.
Delta Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at Redlands, December 9, 1895.—Officers—JAMEs F. DRAKE,
32°, K. C. C. H., Ven. Master; E. T. PAINTER, S. W.; JoHN W. EDwARDs, J. W.; F. P. MESERVE,
Orator; A. G. HUBBARD, Almoner; EDWIN A. TUTTLE, Sec.; F. P. MORRISON, Treas.; HALSEY W.
ALLEN, M. of Cer.; CHARLEs H. HoBART, S. Exp.; W. C. SIMPsoN, J. Exp.; I. M. HoUGH, Capt. of
Guards; T. B. REEDER, Tyler.
Temple Lodge of Perfection, No. 7, Pasadena; constituted December 11, 1895.—Officers—
FLORIN L. JoNEs, 33°, Ven. Master; ARTHUR H. CoNGER, S. W.; CHARLEs J. WILLETT, 32°, K. C.
C. H., J. W.; WYLLys HALL, 32°, Orator; LA FAYETTE S. PoRTER, Almoner; ERNEST H. MAv, 32°,
Sec.; WILLIAM T. CLAPP, 32°, Treas.; OsCAR O. FREEMAN, 32°, M. of Cer.; EDWARD E. GAYLORD,
S. Exp.; RoBERT E. MONTGOMERy, 32°, J. Exp.; ARTHUR M. CLIFFORD, 32°, Capt. of Guards; NEILs
L. THOMPsoN, 32°, Tyler. Past Venerable Master, FLORIN L. JoNES, 33°.
Constans Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, San Diego; constituted December 16, 1898.—Officers—
ELI. T. BLACKMER, 18°, Ven. Master; NoRMAN H. CoNKLIN, S. W.; RoBERT M. PoweRs, J. W.;
WILLIAM J. MossholdER, Orator; THOMAs KNEALE, Almoner; EUGENE DE BURN, Sec.; JoHN S. HAR
Bison, Treas.; GEORGE M. DANNALs, M. of Cer.; HENRY DAGGETT, S. Exp.; EDWARD W. BUSHYHEAD,
J. Exp.; JULIUs A. E. THONSTRUP, Capt. of Guards; THOMAs G. JEFFERIs, Tyler. Past Venerable
Master, ELI. T. BLACKMER, 18°. Emeritus Inspector-General, HARRY R. CoMLy, 33°.
Visalia Lodge of Perfection, No. 9, Visalia; constituted October 8, 1898.—Officers—WILLIAM
KETTNER, Ven. Master; HENRY JERUSALEM, S. W.; ALFRED R. ORR, J. W.; ELLwood O. LARKIN,
Orator; CHARLEs H. KINKLER, Almoner; J. G. MARTIN, Sec.; HENRY LEVINSON, Treas.; EDWARD
McD. GRAHAM, M. of Cer.; P. S. WoolsEy, S. Exp.; JAMEs McKIE, J. Exp.; CHARLEs L. ADAMs,
Capt. of Guards; F. M. RICE, Tyler.
RECAPITULATION.—Consistories, 4; Councils, or Preceptories of Knights Kadosh, 4; Chapters
of Knights Rose Croix, 4; Lodges of Perfection, 9. Total number of bodies of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite in California, 21; total membership on the rolls in California, 676.
The success of Scottish Rite Masonry in California is chiefly due to the labors of those who
for thirty-three years have toiled from the date of its organization in San Francisco and elsewhere in
this Golden State. Some have passed away. Those who remain, with others whom it is no invid
ious distinction to mention of the San Francisco bodies, are Bros. WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, Knight
Grand Cross; GEORGE J. HoBE, 33°, CHARLEs L. PATTON, 33°, THEODORE H. GooDMAN, 33°, HENRY
A. CLINE, 33°, SAMUEL W. LEvy, 33°, FRED W.M. G. MOEBUs, 32°, JoHN L. M. SHETTERLEY, 32°,
THADDEUs B. KENT, 33°, CHARLEs W. CONLISK, 32°, CHARLEs A. WAGNER, 33°, WILLIAM P. BROOKs,
32°, HENRY BURNER, 32°, WILLIAM J. SMITH, 32°, by their long and energetic devotion in active
work in the Scottish Rite have made it a success. These have been the workers. Credit to whom
credit is due. Others by their wealth, influence, or station and official rank in the other rite of
Masonry have crossed over on the elevated drawbridges to the Scottish Rite towers which have been
SCOTTISH RITE HALL, MASONIC TEMPLE, San Francisco.
built up by the Craftsmen from below, and which have been lowered to admit those claimed to be
worthy to come in through the cabin windows and have not worked their way up from before the
mast. In Oakland JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, CHARLEs E. GILLETT, 33°, GEORGE PATTERSON, 33°,
CHARLEs L. J. W. PIERCE, 33°, WEBB N. PEARCE, 33°, ALBERT H. MERRITT, 32°, FRANCIs H. E.
O'DoNNELL, 32°, DAVID W. STANDEFORD, 32°, GILBERT B. DANIELs, 30°, ALBERT L. SMITH, 30°,
LERoy D. FLETCHER, 33°, and others, with Bro. W.M. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, now the Active Inspector
General of California, have labored with an ardor and a devotion second to none in this State; while
the financial aid given to the bodies of the Scottish Rite in Oakland in the beginning by Bros.
782 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
NATHAN W. SPAULDING, 33°, JAMEs B. MERRITT, 33°, and our deceased Brethren JoHN M. BUFFING
TON, 33°, and ANTHONY CHAMor, 33°, the great philanthropist, gave it its start, which has ever since
maintained its progress until now, with the valuable aid given by Bro. WM, FRANK PIERCE, 33°, they
are the only bodies of the rite in this State that own and occupy their own cathedral, an entire build
ing of three stories in Oakland. -
In Los Angeles Bros. HENRY S. ORME (33° elect), JAMEs R. DUPUy (33° elect), JAMEs B.
LANKERSHIM, 32°, FREDERICK S. LANGDON, 33°, GEORGE F. HABEL, 32°, THOMAS E. RowAN, 32°,
Col. JAMEs G. C. LEE, 33°, U. S. A., SIMON CONRADI, 32°, JoHN L. PAVKovICH, 33°, and others,
have made the success of the rite what it is in the Queen City of Southern California. At Pasadena,
contiguous to Los Angeles, where Bro. FLORIN L. JoNES, 33°, won his honors and rank as a 33d,
he with the other members withdrew to the town of the “Little Ford," and there established no less
than four bodies of the rite, from the Lodge of Perfection to that of the Consistory, inclusive, and
continued his zealous labors until his removal to San Francisco. At San Diego Bro. ELI. T. BLACK
MER, 18°, is Master of the Lodge of Perfection, which receives the benefit of his scholarly learning,
of his profound philosophic mind, and the higher ethics of our beloved rite, with the aid of Bro.
HARRY R. CoMLY, 33°, transferred from Montana. At Sacramento Bro. EDMUND C. ATKINSON, 33°,
is giving his best talents and experience as a Past Grand Master of the State, together with the
results of his deep penetration and learning derived from a close study of the principles and doctrines
taught in Scottish Rite Masonry, in which he is ably assisted by Bros. WILLIAM D. KNIGHTs, 32°,
TAYLOR W. HEINTZELMAN, 32°, BENJAMIN WELCH, 32°, WILLIAM M. PETRIE, 33°, and others. At
Redlands and Visalia the Lodges of Perfection are yet in their infancy, but are ready to get out of
their cradles into their cribs, and will soon be of larger growth.
In recent years the Scottish Rite has received an impetus that is forcing it ahead, and even
the conservative Pacific Lodge of Perfection at Marysville is manifesting new life. “A rolling stone
gathers no moss,” neither does a setting hen get fat; but without stones a hen could not digest her
food, neither could Pacific Lodge of Perfection rise above the accumulated mass of debris and slickens
if there had not been a good stone to have turned the current aside. Bro. CHARLEs E. STONE, 33°,
has been a true and tried stone and a corner-stone at the junction of the Yuba and Feather rivers.
As we have said before, the general welfare and progress of the rite in California for the past few
years has been due to the faithful watch, care, and oversight of our urbane, genial, liberal, and noble
hearted Active Inspector-General for California, WM. FRANK PIERCE, 33°, whose star is still in the
ascendant. * .
REMARKS IN CONCLUSION UPON THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY.
We have thus given a condensed statement and history of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry. Originally the Rite of Perfection, with twenty-five degrees, was established in
1754, compiled or rather grouped in one system by the Chevalier DE BONNEVILLE in the College of
Jesuits of Clermont at Paris; hence called the Chapter of Clermont, which there received the name
of the Rite of Perfection or Rite of Heredom. “The College of Clermont was,” says REBOLD, “the
asylum of the adherents of the house of STUART, and hence the rite is to some extent tinctured with
STUART Masonry.” The Pretender, Prince CHARLEs EDWARD, in the town of Arras in France, in
T-1747 or seven years before, established a Chapter of Rose Croix, who borrowed it from the Rosy
Cross of the Royal Order of Scotland, of which he, being hereditary King and Grand Master, also
in a changed form to symbolize the misfortunes, fall of his lost cause, and the lost hope of its resur
rection and his restoration to the throne, compared his life and fate to that of the Sav1or of the
world. The Chapter of Rose Croix authorized any three of its members, whenever they should meet
together and there was an attached friend, to confer the three first degrees of Masonry upon him,
and it was in this way that Masonry on the continent of Europe was perverted and divided, as was
intended to be by the Jesuits. When the Rite of Perfection no longer served their purposes it was
taken possession of by the Council of the Emperors of the East and West, four years afterward, in
1758, in which year the Marquis De Bernez carried the rite to Berlin. In 1759 a Council of Princes
of the Royal Secret— the highest degree conferred in that rite, the 25th—was established at Bordeaux,
D£ MOLAY HALL, SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL, Oakland.
France. On September 21, 1762, nine commissioners met and drew up constitutions for the govern
ment of the Rite of Perfection, which have since been known as the "Constitutions of 1762." Those
only pertained to the Rite of Perfection, and as they carried that of the Templar- Kadosh or 24th
degree, the ne plus ultra under these constitutions, it is highly probable that some sea voyagers who
visited Bordeaux received the Templar portion of that degree — either received or retained in their
memory its ritual — and on their return to or visitation at Boston, Mass., where in St. Andrews
Lodge or Chapter, on August 28, 1769, in Masons' Hall, " Bro. W1ll1am Dav1s came before the
Lodge begging to have and receive the parts belonging to the Royal Arch Masons, which being
read, was received, and he unanimously voted in and was accordingly made by receiving the four
steps, that of Excellent, Super Excellent, Royal Arch, and Knight Templar," and the record of that
meeting contains the first account of conferring the degree of Knight Templar that has been discov
ered in Great Britain or this country. The next was in Ireland. This part of the Templar-Kadosh
degree was no doubt thrown out as a feeler for the introduction of the Rite of Perfection, and that
part was successful, as we have already shown, by the adoption of it by the Athol or Dermott Grand
Lodge of the Ancients in 1780 at York, England, and through that source it came to the Lodges
of the Ancients established in America.
Up to the end of the 18th century the Rite of Perfection of twenty-five degrees was the only
rite worked in the French West India Islands, and it was that rite that was established by
Mor1n, Francken, Hayes, and other Deputy Inspector-Generals, either there or in the United States,
and their source was entirely French. The French Revolution in 1798 utterly destroyed all true
Masonic organization and government. Riot, anarchy, butchery, and bloodshed prevailed, until a
directory, consulate, and the empire under Napoleon the Great arose to bring order out of chaos
and new life to spring forth from the ashes of the dead. Freemasonry had fled from France to
Germany and the rest of western Europe. The Prussian King — prior to Napoleon the world's
greatest soldier and general — Freder1ck the Great, during the War for American Independence
watched its beginning and observed its triumphant close, while he greatly admired Wash1ngton and
had sent him a sword. In his latter years the Rite of Perfection had been brought into his king
dom and he had no doubt given it due investigation, and saw that in substance it was a fine system
of Freemasonry, if divested of its sinister objects for which it had been formulated by the Jesuits,
and it could be used for better and nobler purposes ; but the principles it inculcated were better
adapted to the republican soil of America than to any portions of the Old World, and to render it
more effective he caused the constitutions of a new rite to be framed embracing the Rite of Perfec
tion of twenty-five degrees, reinforced by eight others, to be known as the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, consisting of thirty-three degrees, corresponding to the number of years
of Chr1st upon earth. These constitutions are known as The Constitutions of 1786, said to be or
purported to have been made by Freder1ck II, King of Prussia. Much dispute and controversy
has been had over their authenticity and genuineness, but our late Grand Commander, Albert P1ke,
has made an elaborate and exhaustive examination into this subject and his logic and reasonings are
conclusive as to their being genuine ; still there are many doubting Thomases, who would not believe
unless they had seen Freder1ck the Great affix his signature, put their fingers into the hole of the
inkstand and then taste the ink before they would be satisfied, and even then they would not believe.
Nevertheless they are our law, but in many respects ought to be amended and some portions entirely
repealed, which inevitably will be done some time in the future, when the "obedience" of the Masonic
people of the rite becomes entirely due to themselves.
How or when these Constitutions of 1786 and the additional eight degrees to the Rite of
Perfection in the new rite came to Charleston, S. C, to enable one or two men to first establish the
rite on May 31, 1801, history is utterly silent. Freder1ck the Great had been dead fifteen years.
If the two Brethren, M1tchell and Dalcho, found these constitutions and the rituals of the additional
degrees, took them up and mutually obligated each other to form the first Supreme Council of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the world, then they were greater than Freder1ck the Great
himself, who only governed a kingdom, while theirs was the founding of an empire, of which there
is no record of how they came into possession of the means of acquiring this sovereignty ; and, like
the finding of a mine by a prospector, the title is vested in him by the right of discovery. Leaving
the question of government out entirely, the eight additional intercalary degrees added to the Rite of
Perfection furnish the internal and confirmatory evidence of the authenticity and origin of the Consti
tutions of 1786. They are almost entirely of German history, origin, and construction. The 21st
degree of Noachite or Prussian Knight is evidently connected with the Teutonic Knights of the
House of Brandenburg, which protected Mart1n Luther and became Protestant, of which Freder1ck
the Great was the lineal descendant. The 23d, 24th, and 25th degrees — Chief of the Tabernacle,
Prince of the Tabernacle, and Knight of the Brazen Serpent — are delineations and explanations of
the setting up the religion of the Hebrews in the Wilderness by Moses, the history of the Israelitish
nation in its wanderings and sufferings in the desert when bitten by serpents. In that age the Ger
mans were great students of the Bible, and as all Masonry is connected with the history of the
Jewish people, it was but natural that what is taught in those degrees was intended to act as a search
light into the inner sanctuary of that religion. The 26th degree, Scottish Trinitarium or Prince of
Mercy, was intended for the principal benefit of Scottish exiles and sojourning Knights within his
kingdom, where they had always been protected from persecution and given asylum in his dominions.
The 27th degree, or Knight Commander of the Temple, is entirely German in its construction,
and gives the history of the Teutonic Knights and other German Crusaders in the Holy Land,
during the Crusades when they fought under an excommunicated German Emperor and side by side
with the Knights Templar, to whom afterward they gave asylum and protection when they were
fugitives, fleeing from persecution, torture, and burning to death at the stake in France, and in which
a portion of the true Knight Templar Order is worked. The 28th, or Knight of the Sun or Prince
Adept, is a scientific, philosophic, and astronomic degree, and accounts for the fact that there is not
one calendared or other saint to be found among the fixed stars, constellations, or other heavenly
bodies on the celestial globe. The Copernican system does not demand a copper or a nickel as toll
for the passage of a soul on its way to heaven. The 29th degree, or Grand Scottish Knight of
St. Andrew, is preparatory to the Templar- Kadosh degree or the 30th. and is devoted to the
Scottish Templars. The 31st degree, or Grand Inquisitor Commander, is a substitute for that secret
examination which the Jesuits pursued in the torture chamber of the Inquisition, after they had
caught their victim in the last part of the Templar- Kadosh degree in the Rite of Perfection, and
after they had made him betray himself by certain acts required in which his true sentiments were
expressed. The name Inquisitor was retained, but the candidate himself is the inquisitor, and it
is self-examination and a study of the great lawgivers of the past that is to render him capable of
acting and deciding questions of justice and equity as a judge, and be prepared for that final exam
ination before the Supreme Judge of the world.
The 33d degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector-General represents Freder1ck the Great as the
Grand Commander or Grand Master of the Rite himself— his position on the tracing -board, in the
center of his encampment when in the field and in command of the symbolic Masonic army. Prior
to his death, when all supreme authority was vested in himself and with the Princes or Masters of
the Royal Secret, he formed his military Masonic court. The insignia, colors, standards, devices,
and words, although in Latin, are all German and Scottish in their combination, meaning, and symbol
ism ; and the Grand Constitutions of 1786, which combined these eight additional degrees with the Rite
of Perfection which now form the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, are as evidently authentic to
us as would be a state paper received from the Chancellor of the German Empire at Berlin, with
the signatures and all the seals attached thereto.
Freder1ck the Great was a successful military strategist and chess-player on the trestle -board
of war as well as in his palace at Potsdam, and he was a profound French scholar, a liberal, Protest
ant Christian and philosopher, and surrounded himself with the greatest men intellectually, philosoph
ically, and otherwise of that age. From expelled Jesuits like Volta1re and others he learned much.
The Jesuits could no longer divert, scatter, or control Masonry nor subdue it; and when Freder1ck
the Great took it in hand he completely rescued it, shaped its organization as the Royal and Military
Order of the House of the Temple, and provided that the sovereign power held by himself should
be deposited in the bosoms of the Supreme Councils of the nations when they should be created
after his death, and their foundation should commence in the virgin soil of the New World. And it
was so, as it appears to us.
One hundred years ago there was not a man in America that could devise such a system, and
even if it were possible there was no field for it in the distracted, disordered, and divided Masonic
mind. The rivalry between the Ancients and Moderns, few in number ; the people impoverished and
sore from the War of the Revolution for independence and on the verge of another war, either with
France or England, and the fires of political rivalry and of factions aflame, the more intense because
of the limited population everywhere — there would be as much reason to expect a duck or other
water fowl to hatch out a brood in a burning furnace and become a flock of phoenixes as for any one,
two, three, or even four men in the United States at that time to produce such a scale of degrees
with such a system of government as the Grand Constitutions of 1786 of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite. This is proved by the very fact that, beyond themselves, no immediate attempt was
made to establish it in this country ; and only a foreigner and a Frenchman would start out with it
as he did (Count De Grasse T1lley), who went first with it to the French West Indies and then
to Paris and Belgium, where he established Supreme Councils that astonished their mother at Charles
ton. When we reflect that in the whole of the United States at that time there were not more than
three times the number of people that there are now in the State of California, and not exceeding
five thousand Masons, all told, that were enrolled, and preparations being made for another war
which came only ten years later, while the whole country was in a state of irritation, with annoyances
to our commerce by pirates who swarmed upon the high seas, and ceaseless hostilities by Indians
along all the lines of our frontiers — no railroads or steamboats, but slow stages, where there were
any roads — Scottish Rite Masonry, while waiting for hostile Blue Lodges to cease their quarreling
and make peace, had to stand still until times were more propitious for its growth. Neither M1tchell,
Dalcho, nor any American Mason concocted the Constitutions of 1786. French Masons did not
formulate them or invent the additional eight degrees, for they express the Lutheran spirit and are
German in their conception and tone, and of the highest order at that. The old adage that "the
proof of the pudding is the tasting of it" will serve in this case; and here we will drop that part of
the subject.
We have given all the history in relation to the field prepared, the good seed sown, and the
fruit produced of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, which is doing so much
good in countries with less liberal forms of government than our own and encouraging the priest-
ridden and downtrodden people who have been so long under the iron heel of tyranny, superstition,
and fanaticism, to look up and hope for the time when the cowled presence of a Dominican or Jesuit
priest shall no longer darken their doors and the peoples so long cursed shall be disenthralled. This
is the mission of Scottish Freemasonry, as proclaimed by its greatest Grand Commander that ever
lived, who did more when alive to that end than an army with banners, whose words are weapons
upon thousands of tongues, will be repeated until the end of time, and millions yet unborn will bless
the name of Albert P1ke.
*
ED ITT. R. | F F"If TY Y-ARC, TIF" MA - L 7.* RY
i. | DAL: F L RNI A.
CHA P T E R XXVI I.
THE MASONIC VETERAN ASSOCATION or THE DACIFIC COAST:
THE DAST MASTERS ASSOCATION.
THE PIONEERS OF THE CRAFT ON THE COAST.
- "g: or button of their society, which had just been made by the jeweler and with which
*** they were highly pleased. We inquired what the society was, what were its objects, the
ualifications of membership, and all that could be learned about it, as it was the first time that we
had ever hard. of the term “veterans" as applied to Masons. We learned that the qualifications
were of being a aster Mason of twenty-one years, in good standing at the time of making appli
cation, and -its objects were sociability and the cultivating of acquaintance, with smoking the pipe
of Ragnity as incense to the presiding deity of good-fellowship, and once a year to have a grand
reunion and a banquet with all “ye olden time" ingredients, and incidentally to gather historical
and biographical matter, but in the main to have a good time.
The idea struck us at once that it would be a wise thing to organize a Masonic Veteran
Association for the Pacific Coast, on a broader scale, more beneficial, and useful to the Craft in
general than having an organization of what would eventually become merely an old man's fraternal
and social club; and the more we thought of it the more were we convinced not only of the practi
cability but that it was a duty devolving upon every pioneer Mason to unite and assist in the
organizing and maintaining a historical, biographical, and fraternal organization within the bosom of
the Craft upon the Pacific Coast, which had a grander field for its work than any to be found east
of the Rocky Mountains, for the pioneers of Masonry and founders of new States and Territories
were still living, well known to each other, and with a living history totally different and unknown
to those of the older States of the Union, whose fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, whose
experiences were somewhat similar to our own, had passed away long before the present generation
was born. We returned to California and Nevada, and to California again, and our public and private
duties having demanded our time and attention we were unable for several years to undertake the
contemplated movement for an organization of the desired character. No one else had in the mean
time attempted anything toward such an object, and fully six years had elapsed and there was no
effort made. Having arrived in California on May 24, 1849, belonging to various societies of Califor
788 FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
nia pioneers, and knowing nearly everybody who were Masons from those earliest times, many pass
ing away, we thought that the time had come for organization, to secure the records of those living
before it should be too late, also for the lack of veneration and regard on the part of the younger
generation toward their elder Brethren, it became necessary to unite to command and if need be
enforce respect from the thoughtless and heedless, and to teach them that the silver crown of an old,
true Brother is of greater honor than the downy mustache of a caput elephantum whose beard has
yet to grow.
During the month of November, 1878, the subject of forming this Masonic Veteran Associa
tion of the Pacific Coast was first mentioned by Bro. EDw1N A. SHERMAN to Bro. CoLUMBUs WATER
House, the Worshipful Master of Mission Lodge, No. 169, of San Francisco, who heartily concurred
in the proposed project. Soon after, Bros. SAMUEL SwiFT and DAVID W. LAIRD were approached,
who gave their consent to unite and aid in forming the association. In the early part of December,
Bros. R. H. McDoNALD and HENRY F. WILLIAMs gave their assent, which was immediately followed
by that of Bros. OTTO KLOPPENBURG, JoNATHAN KITTREDGE, and GEORGE SPAULDING, making nine in
all who united in a temporary organization on December 27, 1878 (ST. JoHN the Evangelist's Day),
to be known as “The Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast,” and the following Brethren
at the others' request assumed office until a permanent organization should be effected: ColuMBUS
WATERHOUSE, President; SAMUEL SwiFT, Vice-President; EDwiN A. SHERMAN, Secretary; DAVID W.
LAIRD, Treasurer. A Board of nine Managers was temporarily chosen, the name of Past Grand
Master N. GREENE CURTIs was added to the list, and a circular was ordered to be prepared by the
Secretary to be printed and distributed among the Craft throughout the Coast. This was accordingly
done and issued on the same date. Immediately after Past Grand Master ISAAC S. TITUS, CHARLEs
E. BLAKE, SR., PETER J. EvANs, LEOPOLD KUH, and ALEXANDER BURKETT were elected members.
A meeting was then called for permanent organization, to be held at the Palace Hotel, on
Wednesday evening, January 8, 1879, by invitation of Bro. R. H. McDoNALD, who kindly tendered
it for the meetings of the Association. The following temporary officers and members were present:
CoLUMBUs WATERHOUSE, President; SAMUEL SwiFT, Vice-President; Edwin A. SHERMAN, Secretary;
DAVID W. LAIRD, Treasurer; R. H. McDoNALD, HENRY F. WILLIAMS, JonATHAN KITTREDGE, ISAAC
S. TITUs, P. G. M., GEORGE SPAULDING, CHARLEs E. BLAKE, SR., PETER J. EvANs, LEOPOLD KUH,
OTTo KLOPPENBURG, ALEXANDER BURKETT. The meeting was called to order by the President. The
minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Bro. JAMEs M. McDoNALD being present
by invitation was by unanimous vote elected a member. On motion of Bro. HENRY F. WILLIAMs
(the first to apply for the degrees of Masonry in California), it was unanimously resolved to go into
a permanent organization and an election of officers. The permanent organization was effected and
the temporary officers were elected as the permanent officers. At this meeting Bros. CHARLEs E.
BLAKE, SR., R. H. McDONALD, and HENRY F. WILLIAMs were appointed a committee to prepare a
Constitution and By-Laws for this Association, to which Bro. JAMEs M. McDoNALD was subsequently
added, by reason of his brother's contemplated absence from the city. At this meeting remarks of
mutual congratulation were made by all upon the happy completion of the permanent organization of
the Association, commending the objects for which it had been instituted and expressing their deter
mination to do all in their power to advance its interests and secure its success.
The next meeting was held on Wednesday, January 15, 1879, at the same place, and Bros.
DAVID SCHINDLER and JOHN C. HARRINGTON were elected members. The admission fee was fixed at
$5 and the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws were instructed to insert the same in the con
stitution. The next meeting was held on Wednesday evening, January 22, 1879, at the same hour
and place as before. The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws reported progress. Petitions
were received from Bros. SAMUEL GRAVES, WILLIAM A. WILLIAMS, and WILLIAM A. KING, who were
elected members. At this meeting the Secretary was directed to enter in the records the history of
the organization from the very beginning, giving a synopsis of all that had been done in founding
this Masonic Veteran Association. The next meeting was held on Wednesday evening, January 29,
1879, at the same place. At this meeting the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws made their
report, submitting the constitution as the result of their labors. The constitution was then taken up
and adopted in part, and the remainder laid over until the next meeting. At this meeting the Asso
ciation was again honored by the presence of the venerable Brother and father in Freemasonry,
SAMUEL GRAVES, a veteran of eighty-five years of age and a Master Mason in good standing for a
period of sixty-four years. Bro. GRAVEs was by a rising vote elected the first Grand Honorary
Member of this Association. Bro. SAMUEL SWIFT, Vice-President in the chair, extended to him the
right hand of fellowship on behalf of the Association, and declared a recess of ten minutes that the
members might extend their cordial welcome and greeting to one who had for more than threescore
years honorably borne the name and upheld the character of a true Freemason. Bro. SAMUEL GRAVEs
then returned thanks for electing him to Grand Honorary membership herein and being admitted to
fellowship among us. -
The next meeting was held at the Palace Hotel as before, on Wednesday evening, February
5, 1879, pursuant to adjournment. At this meeting Past Grand Master JoNATHAN D. STEVENSON,
the first Grand Master of California, was elected a Grand Honorary Member, he being a Master
Mason of more than fifty years standing; Past Grand Master CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF was elected an
Honorary Member; Bros. WILLIAM A. KING and WILLIAM A. WILLIAMs, Active Members of this
Association. The constitution was then taken up as a whole and unanimously adopted. It having
provided for an additional elective officer, Bro. GEORGE SPAULDING was unanimously elected Marshal
of the Association. Thus on Wednesday evening, February 5, 1879, The Masonic Veteran Associa
tion of the Pacific Coast finally completed and perfected its organization by the adoption of its con
stitution, with the following named officers and members as founders of the organization: Officers—
CoLUMBUs WATERHOUSE, President; SAMUEL SwiFT, Vice-President; EDWIN A. SHERMAN, Secretary;
DAVID W. LAIRD, Treasurer; GEORGE SPAULDING, Marshal, who were also ex-officio the Board of
Managers and Directors of the Association. Active Members—RICHARD H. McDoNALD, HENRY
F. WILLIAMs, OTTo KLOPPENBURG, JONATHAN KITTREDGE, PETER J. EvANs, CHARLEs E. BLAKE, SR.,
LEopold KUH, JAMEs M. McDoNALD, DAVID SCHINDLER, JoHN C. HARRINGTON, WILLIAM A. WILLIAMS,
WILLIAM A. KING. Grand Honorary Members—SAMUEL GRAVES, JONATHAN D. STEVENSON. Hon
orary Members—Past Grand Masters CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF, N. GREENE CURTIs, ISAAC S. TITUS.
The following Declaration was adopted, setting forth the objects and purposes of this Associa
tion, and was duly subscribed to by all as follows:
DECLARATION.
“Each Brother must in virtue strive to excel,

That Brother lives twice who lives the first life well.''
We, the undersigned, Master Masons in good standing for the period of twenty-one years
and more, being grateful to the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe, who hath directed our
steps thus far along the rugged pathway of life and bountifully supplied us with more than Crafts
men's wages in the past, and being mutually satisfied and in fraternal harmony with each other, and
desirous of forming a closer bond of union and fellowship among ourselves and with other elder
Brethren of the Craft whom we may elect to become united with us, and for the following purposes
and objects, have organized and founded this Masonic Veteran Association —
" Believing true happiness, i1 understood,

Consists alone in doing good."
First—To more earnestly cultivate the moral and social virtues; to maintain a higher and more
exalted standard of the principles of true Freemasonry — "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth" — and
to unite with us those Brethren who for a period of twenty-one years and more have wrought upon
the Temple, on the mountains, and in the quarries — dispensed the charities of the fraternity with
unstinted hands ; who have grown gray and venerable in its service, and who have maintained its
honor and dignity, pure and unsullied, in the long years that have passed away ; whose escutcheons
have ever borne the noble words,
" Virtue, not rolling suns, the mind matures—

That life is long which answers life's great end;
The time that bears no fruit deserves no name;
The man of wisdom is the man of years."
Second—To gather up and preserve the fragments of Masonic history, of personal reminiscences
and experiences of the pioneer Masons of the Pacific Coast, who cheered up the heart of the cholera-
smitten and weary emigrant, tenderly buried the dead on the desert plain, and protected his Brother
from the murderous savage ; who cooled the parched lips and fevered brow of the smitten Companion
at Panama; who nursed the famished ones on the ship that floated in the long and tedious voyage
around the Horn; and from the Rocky Mountain's crest to the boundless western sea, wherever the
pioneer Craftsmen have toiled and wrought like the Masonic knights of old—in one hand the trowel
borne and the other grasping a weapon— and who have left behind them, if not everywhere a Temple,
at least a tabernacle for the wandering Mason's temporary home, with the inscription :
"All true glory rests — all praise, all safety,

All happiness — upon the Moral and Masonic Law."
That, as the pioneer Masons on this Coast are rapidly passing away, their glorious history of the
past exists mainly in the memories of those who still remain, it is our object to bind ourselves still
closer as Brethren and aid each other as we descend the hill of life, and to gather up so far as it is
possible to do so, while there is an opportunity, all that is worthy of preservation, that pioneer
Masonic history of the Pacific Coast may not be altogether lost.
Third—To secure by bequest, donation, gift, or otherwise, lands, moneys, or material, for the
purpose of establishing a Masons' Home for superannuated Brethren, and for the widows and orphans
of our deceased Brethren, who have left these wards behind them to our fraternal care and protection.
Fourth—To foster a more fraternal spirit of veneration and regard toward our honorable, aged
Brethren, among the younger members of the fraternity as well as ourselves; to show a proper appre
ciation of their worth while living, and to pay a just tribute of esteem and affection to their virtues
and memories when they shall be called from labor on earth to refreshment in the Celestial Grand
Lodge above.
---
GRAND OFFICERS OF THE MASONIC VETERAN ASSOCIATION OF THE PACIFIC COAST FOR 1899 AND 1900.
HENRY F. WILLIAMs, P. M., M. Ven. G. Pres. Edwin A. Shek MAN, 33°, Past Nat’l Pres., R. V. G. Sec. WILLIAM A. JANUARY, P. M., R. V. D. G. Pres.
HiRAM. N. RUck ER, P. G. M., R. V. G. O. CHAs. E. Mitch ELL, P. G. L., Grand Pursuivant.
WiLLIAM Sutton, P. M., Grand Steward. TREAT P. CLARK, Grand Tyler. I.Ewis AM iss SpitzER, Grand Marshal. HENRY S. LUBBock, 2d Grand Standard Bearer.
John T. APPERSoN, P. M. (Oregon), G. S. B. SAMUEL W. LEvv, 33°, Third G. S. Bearer. GEO. E. KENNEDY. P. M., Grand Steward. E. M. PR Eston, P. G. M., R. V. 2d G. Vice-Pres,
William S. Low DEN, P. S. W., First G. V.-Pres. Joseph H. WYTHE, P. G. O., Grand Chaplain. JAMES I. CoGswell, P. M., R. V. G. T.
––
GRAND VICE-PRESIDENTS AND CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES OF THE MASONIC VETERAN ASSOCIATION OF THE PACIFIC
COAST FOR OTHER STATES AND TERRITORIES.
M. W. Albert LAckey, G. V. P., Nevada. M. W. CHR1stoPHER TAYLoR. 33°, P. G. V. P., Oregon. V. W. Edwa Rd C. PARMELEE, 33°, Cor. Sec., Colo.
M. W. JAcob MAYER, 33°, G. V. P., Oregon. (The first Mason made on the Pacific Coast, deceased.) M. W. JoNAs W. BRow N, G. V. P., Idaho.
V. W. C. N. Not EwARE, Cor. Sec., Nevada. R. W. GUSTAF W11 son, Cor. Sec., Oregon. W. ELMER D. OlMSt Ed, 33°, G. V. P., Wash. M. W. CoRNELIUS HEDGES, G. V. P., Montana.
M. W. BENJAMIN TITUs, G. V. P., Arizona. V. W. ALPHEU's A. KEEN, Cor. Sec., N. M. M. W. L. N. GREEN LEAF, 33, G. V. P., Colo. V. W. Christoph ER Diehl, Cor. Sec., Utah.
M. W. SAMUEL PAUL, G. V. P., Utah. M. W. PoRF1Rio D1Az, 33°, G. V. P., Mexico,
And for the establishing, maintenance, and perpetuity of this Association, we mutually pledge
to each other our hands, our hearts, and our sacred Masonic honor.
“Brotherly love has a power

To soothe affliction in her darkest hour.”
In testimony whereof, we, the undersigned Master Masons in good standing for the period of
twenty-one years and more, assembled in the room of our Bro. R. H. McDoNALD, No. 226, fourth
floor of the Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal., have adopted the following Constitution and By-Laws
for the government of this Masonic Veteran Association, and have hereunto set our hands and sub
scribed our names, this fifth day of February, A. D. 1879.
1, R. H. McDoNALD ; 2, HENRY F. WILLIAMs; 3, OTTo KLOPPENBURG; 4, JONATHAN KITTREDGE,
5, ALEXANDER BURKETT; 6, PETER J. EvANs; 7, IsAAC S. TITUs; 8, CHARLEs E. BLAKE,
SR.; 9, LEOPOLD KUH; Io, GEORGE SPAULDING; I I, COLUMBUS WATERHOUSE; 12, SAMUEL
SwiFT ; 13, D. W. LAIRD; 14, EDWIN A. SHERMAN; 15, JAMEs M. McDoNALD; 16, DAVID
SCHINDLER; 17, JoHN C. HARRINGTON; 18, SAMUEL GRAVEs: 19, JONATHAN D. STEVENSON;
2O, N. GREENE CURTIs; 21, CHARLEs M. RADCLIFF; 22, WILLIAM A. WILLIAMs; 23, WILLIAM
A. KING.
The constitution having since the date of its first adoption been so frequently amended as to
bear but little resemblance to the original, it is not here inserted. Experience has rendered the
changes necessary on account of its expansion and growth, and its grand jurisdiction being so wide
and extensive as to embrace all the territory whose waters flow into the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska
to the Isthmus of Panama, embracing the following States, Territories, and countries: California,
Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico,
Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Philippines, Mexico, Central America, and British Columbia. While it is
an extensive territorial jurisdiction yet it does not contain more than two-thirds as many Masons as
the single State of New York, which has over eighty thousand, and where the proportion of older
Masons, by reason of the stability of population, is relatively greater. That embraced within this
jurisdiction is more nomadic and floating, with constant changes of residence, which mixes up the
entire fraternity, a large proportion of the Craft being engaged in mining from the Rocky Mountains
to the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, and from the Isthmus of Panama to the Klondyke. Its
members are bound volumes of history within themselves and the Association a circulating library
among the Craft, while from the lips of its aged Brethren wisdom and knowledge may be gathered
by those who listen and learn. Its badge is a mark of honor and faithful service which has been
duly recognized, and he who travels and wears it upon his breast will never be mistaken for a fraud,
and if one ever should become an applicant for temporary relief he will be found genuine. In the
visitations to Lodges its members everywhere receive that due fraternal attention and courtesy which
their merits deserve, and where the work of the Master and officers of a Lodge is well performed
which they have been invited to witness, just praise and commendation is given by these veterans of
the Craft, who are qualified to judge. Our duties to the sick, to the memory of the dead, and charity
to the living are never neglected, while a vast amount of good is done by its members in their own
unostentatious manner and in nowise interfering with the designs drawn upon the trestle-boards of
the Masters or Wardens who carry forward the work entrusted to their charge.
There are now upon the roll of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, of Active
and Honorary Members, 903, of whom 259 are Grand and Past Grand Masters, all but five of whom
are within its territorial jurisdiction. Not less than 153 of its Active Members have been added to
it from the beginning, whose admission fees have been paid by the R. V.'. Grand Secretary out of
his salary, and the Association does not owe a single cent to any one else. It may here be men
tioned that he assisted in the temporary organization of the National Masonic Veteran Association of
the United States, at Washington, D. C., in October, 1889, and was elected Vice-President for the
Pacific Coast. He drafted its constitution and under it was elected National President at the first
Triennial Meeting, held at Denver, Colo., in August, 1892, and presided over the deliberations of
that body at its second Triennial Meeting, held at Boston, Mass., in August, 1895, after which he
was elected Grand Marshal of that body. In the “Golden Jubilees," or fiftieth anniversaries, com
mencing this year (1899) with California Lodge, No. 1, Western Star Lodge, No. 2, Tehama Lodge,
No. 3, Benicia Lodge, No. 5, and the Grand Lodge of California on April 19, 1900, the Masonic
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast will be duly represented and perform its part to help make
them a success and to close the 19th century and open the twentieth with all the glory of rejoicing
over the past and the promise of better things yet to come. The following are the present officers
for 1898–9:
W. . HENRY F. WILLIAMs of San Francisco, M. V. . Grand President; W. . WILLIAM A. JAN
UARY of San Jose, R. V. Deputy Grand President; W. . WILLIAM S. LowDEN of Weaverville, R.'.
V. . First Grand Vice-President; M. W. EDWARD M. PRESTON of Nevada City, R. V.'. Second
Grand Vice-President. The following are the R. V. Grand Vice-Presidents for their respective
jurisdictions: M.'. W. JACOB MAVER, 33°, P. G. M. of Oregon; W. ELMER D. OLMSTED, 33°, of
Washington; M.'. W.'. ALBERT LACKEY, P. G. M. of Nevada; M.'. W. BENJAMIN TITUs, P. G. M.
of Arizona; M.'. W. JoNAs W. BRowN, P. G. M. of Idaho; M. W. . CoRNELIUS HEDGES, 33°,
P. G. M. of Montana; M.'. W. FRANK M. Foot'E, 33°, P. G. M. of Wyoming; M. W.'. LAwRENCE
N. GREENLEAF, 33°, P. G. M. of Colorado; M.'. W... SAMUEL PAUL, P. G. M. of Utah; M.'. W. .
CHARLEs BowMER, P. G. M. of New Mexico; W. JAMEs L. Cogswell, acting for Alaska; W. HENRY
H. WILLIAMs of Hawaiian Islands; Gen. RoBERT HALL, 33°, U. S. A., of the Philippine Islands;
M.'. W. . PoRFIRIO DIAz, 33°, P. G. M. (and President) of Mexico. [British Columbia and Central
America vacant by deaths.] EDw1N A. SHERMAN, 33°, of Oakland, R. . V. . Grand Secretary for 21
years; W. . JAMEs L. Cogswell of San Francisco, R. V.'. Grand Treasurer; W. JosFPH H. WYTHE
of Oakland, R. V.'. Grand Chaplain; M. W.'. HIRAM. N. RUCKER (Past President) of Oakland,
R. V.'. Grand Orator; LEwis A. SPITZER of San Jose, R. V.'. Grand Marshal; W. JoHN T.
APPERSON of Oregon City, Or., R. V. . Grand Standard Bearer; HENRY S. LUBBoCK of Alameda,
V.". Second Grand Standard Bearer; SAMUEL W. LEvy, 33°, V.'. Third Grand Standard Bearer;
W. . WILLIAM SUTTON of Pacific Grove, V. . First Steward; W. . GEORGE E. KENNEDY of Livermore,
V. Second Steward; W. CHARLEs E. MITCHELL of Long Beach, V. Grand Pursuivant; TREAT P.
CLARK, 32°, of San Francisco, Grand Tyler.
Corresponding Secretaries—R.'. W.. GUSTAF WILSON, 32°, of Portland, Or., M.'. W.'. THOMAs
F. REED, 33°, P. G. M., of Olympia, Wash., R. W. CHAUNCEy N. NoTEwARE of Carson City,
Nev., M.'. W. . GEORGE J. RoskRUGE, 33°, P. G. M., of Tucson, Ariz., RICHARD LACKEY, 32°, of
Helena, Mon., THEOPHILUs W. RANDALL of Idaho, WILLIAM O. ATWATER, 30°, of Hawaiian Islands,
R.'. W. Edward C. PARMELEE, 32°, of Denver, Colo., R. W. CHRISTOPHER DIEHL of Salt Lake
City, Utah, R.'. W.'. ALPHEUs A. KEEN of Albuquerque, N. M., WILLIAM L. KUYKENDALL of Sara
toga, Wyo., FRED M. WEBBER, 33°, of Washington, D. C., W. . WILLIAM E. STEwART of Baltimore,
Md., EDWIN B. SPINNEY of Boston, Mass., STEPHEN D. KIRK of Charleston, S. C., JoHN H. BROWNELL
of Detroit, Mich., R. W.". RICHARD LAMBERT, 33°, of New Orleans, La. [British Columbia, Mexico,
and Central America vacant by death.]
FIFTY- YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CyåLIFORNIyá. 795
Past M. V.'. Grand Presidents—W. . Columbus WATERHouse, 33° (dead), W. SAMUEL SwiFT,
JAMEs M. McDoNALD, 32°, W. . WASHINGTON AYER, 32° (dead), M. W.". LEONIDAs E. PRATT, 32°,
P. G. M. (dead), Robert H. LUCAs, W. JAMEs L. Cogswell, W. WILLIAM S. Moses, 32°, K. C.
C. H., W. . THOMAS G. LAMBERT, M.'. W. . GEORGE C. PERKINS, P. G. M., M.'. W.'. HIRAM N.
RUCKER, P. G. M., M. W.'. HENRY S. ORME, P. G. M. (33° elect), W. WILLIAM S. PHELPs.
We are indebted to Bro. GEORGE R. METCALF, President of the Masonic Veteran Association
of Minnesota, for the following list of Masonic Veteran Associations in the United States in 1894,
since which time others have been organized in different States and also in England, but whose exact
data we are not in possession of:
No. Name. Date of Permanent Organization.
Connecticut Veteran Masonic Association, June 17, 1871.

Masonic Veterans of the City of New York, . January 25, 1872.
The Ohio Masonic Veterans' Association, October 15, 1872.
The Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, . January 8, 1879.
Masonic Veteran Association of Central New York (Syracuse), May 24, 1879.
Masonic Veteran Association of the District of Columbia, August 20, 1879.
Masonic Veterans of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), . June 3, 1881.
Masonic Veterans of Lockport, N. Y., April 23, 1884.
Masonic Veteran Association of Indiana, • - - • -
May 29, 1884.
Association of Masonic Veterans of Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), November 30, 1885.
Masonic Veteran Association of Illinois, . February 6, 1886.
Washington Masonic Veteran Association, D. C., . January —, 1887.
Masonic Veteran Association of Louisiana, October 23, 1887.
Nebraska Veteran Freemasons, January 23, 1888.
Brooklyn Masonic Veterans, December 15, 1888.
Masonic Veteran Association of Vermont, June 10, 1891.
Masonic Veteran Association of the State of Iowa, December 29, 1891.
Masonic Veteran Association of Troy, N. Y., • • •
January 25, 1892.
9 Masonic Veterans' Association of the M.'. W. . Grand Lodge of the State
of New Jersey, - - •
January 27, 1892.
2O Masonic Veteran Association of the State of Minnesota, June 23, 1892.
2 I Masonic Veteran Association of Maryland, July 20, 1892.
22 National Masonic Veteran Association, August 10, 1892.
23 Masonic Veteran Association of Rhode Island, August 25, 1892.
24 Masonic Veterans of Kentucky, June 24, 1893.
25 Masonic Veterans of Greenpoint, L. I., .
26 Asociacion de Veteranos Masones de la Isla de Cuba, May 28, 1893.
796 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIya.
PAST MASTERS ASSOCIATIONS.
There are several Past Masters' Associations in various cities and towns of California, but we
have only the synopsis of the records of but one, that of San Francisco, for which we are indebted
to W. Bros. PETER T. BARCLAY and LUDWIG SCHUMACHER, the latter being the Secretary, who have
our thanks, although they do not mention all they do, nor have they given us the minutes of the
Clam Lodge at Sausalito, with W. Bro. GEORGE T. BROMLEY as Worshipful Master presiding, nor
of W. Bro. CHARLEs H. BRVAN, Junior Warden when at refreshment; but we give the following,
prepared chiefly by W. Bro. PETER T. BARCLAy and hammered on the lap-stone by W. Bro.
SCHUMACHER. -
THE PAST MASTERS ASSOCIATION OF SAN FRANCISCO.
In response to an invitation issued by Past Masters SAMUEL H. KENT, ALFRED C. WAITT,

and WILLIAM F. DoRRANCE, a large number of Past Masters of Lodges in the city of San Francisco
assembled in King Solomon's Hall, Masonic Temple, on February 1, A. L. 5874, A. D. 1874.
R.'. W.'. Past Deputy Grand Master CHARLEs L. WIGGIN called the assemblage to order and stated
the object of the meeting was to organize a Past Masters' Association for social, friendly, fraternal,
charitable, and official purposes. M.'. W. . JoNATHAN D. STEVENSON, Past Grand Master, was called
to the chair, and R.'. W. Bro. CHARLEs L. WIGGIN acted as Secretary. After the selection of a
committee on organization, consisting of the Chairman and Secretary and W. Bros. JoHN E. PURDy,
WILLIAM F. DoRRANCE, ALFRED C. WAITT, SAMUEL H. KENT, and WILLIAM A. STUART, this first
meeting adjourned. On February 15, A. L. 5874, the report of the Committee on Organization was
received, the Past Masters' Association organized, and by-laws adopted. On March 7, A. L., 5874,
the first election of officers was held, with the following selections: R.'. W. . CHARLEs L. WIGGIN,
President; W. JoHN F. S.Now, 1st Vice-President; W. JoHN W. HARVILLE, 2d Vice-President;
V.'. W.'. ALEXANDER G. ABELL, Treasurer; W.'. ADOLPHUs A. HoBE, Secretary; W.' AUGUSTUs D.
CARPENTER, Master of Ceremonies; W. JAMEs OGLESBY, Tyler.
The following have been the Presidents and their terms of office in which they served: R. .
W. . CHARLEs L. WIGGIN, 1874–5–6; M. . W. . LEONIDAs E. PRATT, 1879; W. . HIRAM. T. GRAVEs,
1880–1–2; W. . JAMEs W. ANDERSON, 1883–4–5; W. . WALTER S BROWN, 1886–7–8, 1890; W. .
JEROME SPAULDING, 1889; W. JoHN N. YoUNG, 1891; W. EUGENE N. DEUPREy, 1892; W. CHARLEs
J. KING, 1893; W.'. ALBERT F. KNORP, 1894; W. . THOMAs J. SHACKLEFORD, 1895; W. WILLIAM
FILMER, 1896; W. JoHN J. STOFEN, 1897–8; W.'. WILLIAM W. MooRE, 1899, the present incum
bent. V.'. W.'. ALEXANDER G. ABELL served as Treasurer from March 7, 1874, to the date of his
death in December, 1890, when he was succeeded by W. . JAMES PATTERSON, the present incumbent.
W.'. ADOLPHUs A. HoBE served as Secretary from the organization of the Association to 1881, when
he was succeeded by W. . HARRISON JONES, who filled the position until his death in 1881, when he
was succeeded by W. . LUDwig SCHUMACHER, the present incumbent.
In January, 1889, a Beneficiary Department was adopted. Any Past Master in the State of
California, a member of the Past Masters' Association in good standing, is eligible. On becoming a
member of this department it is required that the member deposit the sum of $1.25; this sum is
divided, $1 being placed in bank to the credit of the beneficiary fund and 25 cents retained by the
Secretary for his expenses and services. A like sum is again required upon the death of any mem
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyåLIFORNIy!. 797
ber, in order to replace the amount withdrawn upon the death of a member of this department.
Whatever sum may be on hand is immediately paid to the person or persons who shall have been
previously designated by the deceased Past Master to receive it. There is no delay in the payment,
and in the past it has been most opportune in many instances.
On ST. JoHN the Baptist's Day, June 24th, the Past Masters' Association celebrates the occa
sion by an outing participated in by their families, Master Masons and their friends. On ST. JoHN
the Evangelist's Day, December 27th, a convocation of Past Masters is held in the Temple. Matters
of interest are brought up and the evening's entertainment winds up with speech, song, and the nec
essary accompaniments.
The present officers of the Past Masters' Association of San Francisco are as follows: W. .
WILLIAM W. MooRE, President; W. Louis F. DURAND, 1st Vice-President; W. JAMEs A. WILSON,
2d Vice-President; W. JAMES PATTERSON, Treasurer; W. CHARLEs H. BRYAN, Master of Ceremonies;
W. DAVID M. RICHARDs, Tyler.
In addition to the foregoing, we would say that this Past Masters' Association assembles to
confer the Past Master's degree upon newly elected Masters of Lodges before their installation, upon
all who may apply and have their certificates, and each is supplied with a handsome morocco-bound
Bible, Oxford edition, that it may be “a guide for him into all truth."
The Past Masters' Association and every member of it is deserving of the sincerest love,
reverence, esteem, and fraternal affection of the Craft, for it represents duty faithfully performed; and,
though their jeweled compasses are extended to sixty degrees, they do not signify that each wearer
is sixty years old. Some are not twenty-five, while there are others who are sixty to fourscore years
of age and are to be venerated accordingly. The sixty degrees form each angle of the equilateral
triangle of Masonry – Faith, Hope, and Charity—with Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Each
member of the Past Masters' Association has been a steward with his “horn of plenty" to pour into
the lap of the widow and the orphan, and into the hand of the distressed Brother, that relief and
charity which comforts the heart, dries up the tears, and teaches the true Brother that the thanks of
the widow and orphan are a Mason's most grateful offering to GoD. All honor to the Past Masters'
Association, and never let there be a Craftsman go past one of them without respectfully and rever
entially raising his own hat, for their hands are still wet with the dew of Hermon and of Charity.
CONCLUSION.
The task, which has occupied almost the entire time of the writer for two and one-half years,
is now done. That a few errors have made their appearance he is fully aware, but, as in all other
purely human undertakings, they were unavoidable. None is more aware of the room for improve
ment than he who has written it. It was a most hazardous undertaking, and the publishers are to
be commended for their enterprise and daring. The inspiration came from Bro. James G. Spauld1ng,
the son of the late Bro. George Spauld1ng. Having had for many years active membership in
Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Consistory in San Francisco, it was quite natural that
he should have seen the value of securing and preserving in permanent form the historic incidents
attending the early establishment of Masonry in California. Time in its relentless sweep was
carrying to the Great Beyond many of the pioneers of the Craft, and if the traditions of the
early builders were to be saved for posterity prompt action would be necessary. Thus the
idea was conceived and rooted, and it soon began to assume definite and active form. Even
then none had any true appreciation of the magnitude of the scheme nor of the countless
difficulties to be encountered or overcome, but Bro. Spauld1ng had the daring, pluck, and
audacity of youth, backed by the unbounded enthusiasm of young manhood, to march over
the cemeteries of deceased Masonic publications and journals, to catch the breeze of fresh inspiration
from the new century, so soon to dawn upon us, and to enter the grand field beyond. Men of
prudence and experience would have hesitated long before entering upon so great an enterprise,
while misgivings, doubts, and apprehensions would most certainly have produced the failure they would
have been overanxious to avoid. All of the Masonic journals and magazines, except The Trestle-
Board in San Francisco and The Freemason in Los Angeles, both of comparatively recent date, had
perished or ceased publication for the want of proper support from the Craft, which generally looked
upon a subscription, reluctantly given, as if it were an act of charity bestowed, yet at the same time
the subscriber received in Masonic knowledge a hundred times the value of his subscription. The
Masonic Mirror, first published by Bro. Amasa W. B1shop in 1868 and 1869, as a monthly magazine,
was enlarged to a weekly journal, when in 1870 it was issued by Bishop & Sherman. Though filled
with Masonic matter and radiant with light, it ceased publication for the want of proper encourage
ment and support. The Masonic Monthly sometime afterward made its appearance, published by Bro.
K1nsley, then continued by Bro. Jephson, when it, too, went down into the grave. Our late Bro.
Alfred T. Dewey some years afterward started the Masonic Record as a weekly, and, though filled
with the brightest and most brilliant Masonic matter from the best of scholars, it soon dwindled to
a page in the Fraternal Record, which ere long found itself interred in the same cemetery. Bro. C.
Moody Plummer then thought as he had a pretty good head of hair, and was a practical printer
besides, he would not waste his time counting the wavy ringlets of the young lady whom all Masons
admire. He accordingly laid aside his scythe and hour-glass, set up his new Trestle-Board, and has
been successfully at work ever since, and survives "Old Mortality"; while Bro. Henry J. Lloyd of
The Freemason at Los Angeles, keeps his light shining at California's South Gate. Both have
spoken encouragingly of "Fifty Years of Masonry in California," and have given their best wishes
to the work.
The publishers in undertaking this enterprise had no idea as to its outcome. It was an
experiment on the grandest scale upon an unknown plain, the borders of which are marked with the
gravestones of dead Masonic journalistic efforts. None but the writer, with the experience and
knowledge of half a century in California, could in anywise at all approximate the importance of the
undertaking. The results of many years of arduous literary labor had to be reduced, nearly double
the amount of manuscript prepared being condensed in order to be embraced within the covers of its
two volumes, but even with this great abridgement nothing of great historical importance has been
omitted. The writer drew from the archives of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast,
from the proceedings of all the Grand Bodies and from some of the records of subordinates, in addi
tion to other information obtained through acquaintance with Brethren.
In undertaking this work, to make it a success, it was necessary to start upon a purely busi
ness foundation and to keep it on that basis to the end. Every subscription was given and taken
on the contract plan, as a business proposition purely, between the publishers and the subscribers.
The editor had nothing to do with the business of publication, his part being simply to write the
work. Sometime after the work was in progress Bro. Mely1n E. G1lbert and his experienced corps
of assistants entered the field, and they have been happily and measurably successful in the financial
and other business departments of the publication. Bro. G1lbert, truly a gentleman and thoroughly
experienced in the business, pressed forward energetically to make it a success. It was a herculean
task, but it has been accomplished by fraternal and honest efforts.
As already said, it was a courageous, audacious effort to launch upon an open and unknown
sea, whose shores were lined with the wrecks of predecessors engaged in the publication of Masonic
works, but like Columbus the publishers reasoned that the world was round and that there were
lands and harbors beyond, and putting faith in the indomitable pluck and energy of young manhood,
nearly all was staked upon the undertaking.
To the exquisite taste of Bro. James G. Spauld1ng is due the beauty of conception and
consummate execution of the artistic features of the work. But not alone in that department was
his skill and energy displayed. In every phase of the publication of so great a work—sometimes
under great stress, amid the friction inevitable in such an undertaking, and under circumstances
adverse and peculiar—his enthusiasm, admirable supervision, and attention have been conscientiously
bestowed that success should be achieved. "All's well that ends well," says Shakespeare, and "Fifty
Years of Masonry in California" is also a witness of the truth of the adage. The task of editing this
work was placed in the writer's hands. It might have been written in a more polished and classic
style, but it would not have been Californian, either in form or spirit. It has been intended that the
pioneer spirit of California should enter into the work ; that it should correctly and truthfully picture
the state of the Craft in the early days of the Golden State, especially during those days when the
conglomerate population, attracted by the fabulous riches of the mines, made for California a pict
uresque and unique era that will never again be paralleled in the world's history. Every effort has
been put forth to make the work complete and truly historic The narrative which it contains is
valuable not only to the fraternity in general in California and elsewhere, but is particularly so to
every Masonic student as depicting the establishment of Masonry under adverse circumstances, in a
new country, in the midst of conditions strange and unequalled. That it may deserve a better fate
than to be cast into the limbo of forgotten lore is the trust of the publishers, and that it may be of
some benefit to the Brethren of our noble Masonic institution is the hope of the writer.
In laying aside the pen —for the last word has to be written—the writer desires to convey his
earnest thanks to all who have encouraged and approved his efforts while engaged in this under
taking. Words are inadequate to express his sincere appreciation of the same, nor to testify how
greatly they inspired him. To Grand Secretary V.\ W.\ Bro. George Johnson of the Grand Lodge,
8OO FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN Cyå LIFORNIy1.
the secretaries of the Subordinate Lodges; Grand Secretaries and Grand Recorders Sirs THOMAS H.
CASwFLL and WILLIAM A. DAVIES, and their assistant, WILLIAM T. REYNOLDs; Secretaries and Record
ers, FRANKLIN H. DAY, HIRAM. T. GRAVEs; Registrar GEORGE J. HoBE of the Scottish Rite bodies
in San Francisco; CHARLEs E. GILLETT of Oakland; and all the secretaries and recorders of Chapters,
Councils, Commanderies, and bodies of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry throughout the State, are
tendered sincere thanks for their kind and fraternal courtesies and information cheerfully and promptly
given. To the Grand Masters, Grand High Priests, Grand Ill... Masters, Grand Commanders of the
Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, Grand Commandery, and Grand and Subordinate
Consistories of California, is sincere gratitude especially due for their encouragement and patronage.
The writer has endeavored to do even and exact justice to all, for an historian should be free
from all bias and prejudice, and should write the truth, being indifferent to praise and criticism.
He has done the best he could with the lights before him and the facilities afforded, as also by the
limitation of time and space. Brothers, Companions, Fraters, Masters, High Priests, and Command
ers all, both Grand and Subordinate, the writer salutes you and closes his work with the sentiment
expressed by one of Scotland's sweet poets, ROBERT NICOLL:
“A Happy bit Home this auld world would be,
If men, when they're here could make shift to agree,
An ilk said to his neighbor in cottage an ha'
‘Come, gi'e me your hand – we are brethren a'.'
The Knave ye would scorn, the unfaithfu' deride,
Ye would stand like a rock, wi' the truth on your side,
Sae would I, an' naught else would I value a straw,
Then gi'e me your hand, we are brethren a'.
Ye would scorn to do faulsely by woman or man,
I haud by the right han’ as weel as I can,
We are ane in our joys, our affections an a',
Come, gi'e me your hand — we are brethren a'.
Frail, shakin' auld age will soon come over us a',
An' Death will be stretchin' out his bony auld cla’
Syne into the same mither-yird we will fa',
Come, gi'e me your hand—we are brethren a’.”
Sincerely and fraternally,

EDWIN ALLEN SHERMAN, 33°, Aditor.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIya. 8OI
A DI) EN DA.
ADDITIONAL LODGES CONSTITUTED SINCE THE HISTORY OF THE BLUE LODGEs wAs CLOSED IN VolumE I.
West Gate Lodge, No. 335, Los Angeles.

A dispensation was granted by M.'. W. . FRANK M. ANGELLOTTI, Grand Master of California,
on November 1, 1898, for a new Lodge in Los Angeles, to be known as West Gate Lodge. W. .
Bro. DANIEL CAVE was appointed Worshipful Master; RALPH E. MARx, Senior Warden; WILLIAM E.
CHAMBERLIN, Junior Warden. Bro. AUGUST WACKERBARTH, the first petitioner, is the Secretary, and
the following are the names of the petitioners: AUGUST WACKERBARTH, DANIEL CAVE, RALPH E.
MARx, WILLIAM E. CHAMBERLIN, MOSES HAWBERGER, FRITZ ROSENSTEIN, WILLIAM CLINE, SIGFRIED
G. MARSHUTz, WILLIAM E. C. VERLAIN, SAM Pol.AsKI, HENRY SIMON, JACOB S. SALKEy, JoHN F.
KITCHEN, WILLIAM J. C. HENRY, and CHARLEs A. CHAMBERLIN; those twelve, with three others, making
fifteen charter members.
This Lodge started off well, with great enthusiasm and energy, and its work was sent up to
the Grand Lodge for inspection, approved, and they declared entitled to receive wages and a charter,
to be known as West Gate Lodge, No. 335, at Los Angeles, on the roll of the Grand Lodge;
and with DANIEL in the Cave to tame the lions, shake hands, and all having their MARx in the
West, will receive wages, can go to the KITCHEN if hungry, and none go away dissatisfied. May
success and prosperity crown their labors in the West Gate.
Pruitvale Lodge, No. 336, Fruitvale, Alameda County.

A dispensation was granted by M.'. W.'. FRANK M. ANGELLOTTI, Grand Master of California,
on December 10, 1898, to W. Bro. JAMES P. SLAVAN, Worshipful Master; JULIUS C HAMMELL, Senior
Warden; DAVID G. WILLIAMs and twelve other petitioners for a Lodge at Fruitvale, adjoining the
city of Oakland on the east, in Alameda County. The following are the additional officers and
petitioners: PHILIP H. BLAKE, Treas.; JoHN McARTHUR, Sec.; CHARLEs H. GREENMAN, S. D.; PETER
E. HULTQUIST, J. D.; WILLIAM G. THORNALLY, CHARLEs W. EMERY, Stewards; EDWARD S. DEPUy,
Marshal; PETER NORDMAN, Tyler. Members—Joseph H. JoHANNIGMEIER, WILLIAM F. MERRILL,
HENRY Tyack, WILLIAM H. Rawson.
On Saturday evening, January 21, 1899, Bros. CoRNELIUS CAREw and WILLIAM H. LooMIs
were affiliated. On that evening the first work was also done, and the Worshipful Master invited
our good old Bro. veteran and pioneer of 1849, W. HIRAM. T. GRAVES, to confer the first degree
of Masonry upon THOMAs CRAwFORD, the County Superintendent of Public Schools of Alameda
County, which he did in a most masterly manner in the presence of all the members of the Lodge
and a large number of visitors, and at which we were present. It was the eve of the fiftieth anni
versary of Bro. GRAVEs being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, and the candidate
received the benefit of his half a century's Masonic experience in particular and the rest of the
Brethren in general. A fine banquet was prepared by the wives of the members of Fruitvale Lodge,
at which encouraging remarks were made and good wishes for its success and prosperity expressed.
Its work has been steadily and faithfully performed by the Master and all the officers. It is to our
good Bro. PHILIP H. BLAKE, the Treasurer, that the Lodge is chiefly indebted for its existence, and
8O2 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIya.
it is the result of his ceaseless and untiring efforts to have a Masonic Lodge established at Fruitvale.
It received its charter from the Grand Lodge in October last as Fruitvale Lodge, No. 336.
Carquinez Lodge, No. 337, Crockett, Contra Costa County.

A dispensation was granted by M.'. W.'. FRANK M. ANGELLOTTI, Grand Master, on April 26,
1899, to W. Bro. HERBERT G. PoweRs, Worshipful Master; JoHN S. RowAN, Senior Warden;
EDMUND FREUND, Junior Warden; and twelve other petitioners, for a Lodge, to be located at the
town of Crockett, Contra Costa County. The following were the additional petitioners: PHILIP R.
MOIGNARD, CHARLEs L. HEDEMARK, THOMAS A. HARRIs, ARTHUR W. BEAM, ERASTUs P. LA SELLE,
ALVIN A. PAUL, DANIEL McTAGGART, THEODORE D. MoILEs, HOMER A. BILLINGS, HENRY L. WEBER,
WILLIAM SIMPSON, PAUL BEDA.
This Lodge is named after the Straits of Carquinez, where the waters of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin rivers with Suisun Bay pour through the narrow channel between Contra Costa and
Solano counties into San Pablo Bay. The name is Spanish, but is also appropriate for a Masonic
Lodge, and is a compound word composed of two, but generally written as one, and it means the
end of five points. The old Spanish navigators gave the entrance at the Golden Gate as the first,
the bay of San Francisco the second, San Pablo Bay the third, Suisun Bay the fourth, and the
mouths of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers as the fifth point in the navigation of those waters.
Having surveyed the Sacramento River in 1855–6-7, when County Surveyor of Sacramento County,
we are able to speak advisedly on these matters, being also a fair Spanish scholar and translated the
titles of many Spanish grants and other documents. If Mt. Diablo could only have its name changed
to Mt. Moriah, the Brethren of Carquinez Lodge would be relieved of having the mountain of the
devil so near and constantly in sight. We are glad that the PoweRs of this young Lodge were
strengthened and a charter granted to it by the Grand Lodge, it being known as Carquinez Lodge,
No. 337, and hope it will have the good luck that its odd numbers entitle it to.
San /acinto Lodge, No. 338, San Jacinto, Riverside County.

A dispensation was granted by M.'. W.'. FRANK M. ANGELLOTTI, Grand Master, on May 29,
1899, to W. Bro. WILLIAM F. BRAY, Worshipful Master; GUSTAVE MATTHEws, Senior Warden;
JoHN RYAN, Junior Warden; and ten other petitioners, for a Lodge at San Jacinto, Riverside County,
to be known as San /acinto Lodge. The following were the additional petitioners, viz.: JACOB F.
SHULTZ, SETH FOSTER, SAMUEL BLACK, ZACCHEU's E. LADD, THOMAS H. RAINEY, EDWIN A. BOALICK,
JAMEs G. HEVIOR, HoMER A. SENNETT, JEREMIAH LA RUE, Rocky MoUNTAIN THOMAs. The last one
is not a Rocky Mountain wild cat, though he can extend a lion's paw, for he has a strong, large
hand to shake with.
This and Santa Rosa Lodge are the especially perfumed holy male and female saints Lodges
in the calendar upon the roll of the Grand Lodge of California, but they are kept far apart from
each other in their locations, so that their sweet odors shall not neutralize each other. San, as every
body knows, means saint; facinto is the Spanish for hyacinth. In the language of flowers, there
being three kinds of hyacinth, the first expresses the sentiment of jealousy; the second, the purple
hyacinth, that of sorrow; and the blue hyacinth, constancy. The latter being the most appropriate
device for that Lodge as a floral emblem, we commend it to those Brethren for their adoption, and
trust that the Holy Saints JoHN accepted its dedication when it received its charter as San /acinto
Lodge, No. 338, which will close the list of chartered Lodges created and established by the Grand
Lodge of California in the first fifty years of its existence.
THE FOUNDERS AND BUILDERS OF FIASONRY
IN CALFORMA
THE BIOGRAPHY AND MASONIC RECORD OF THE PIONEERS OF MASONIC HISTORY IN CALIFORNIA—THE
*
MEN who LAID THE CORNER-STONE AND BUILT THIS TIME-ENDURING EDIFICE.
JONATHAN DRAKE STEVENSON, P. G. M.
#:'#HE first Grand Master of Masons of California and on the Pacific Coast. To attempt to
give the complete biography of this grand pioneer of California Masonry would require many
* volumes, embracing as it does the history of the United States for nearly a century, with that
of so many distinguished men and statesmen of his time, that a brief sketch would be inadequate to
give. He was of American Revolutionary stock, and his grandfather was killed beside the heroic
Gen. Joseph WARREN, first Grand Master of Masons in America, at the battle of Bunker Hill. His
father, MATTHEw STEVENSON, a posthumous son, was a native of Boston, and born January 1, 1776,
and his son, JONATHAN DRAKE STEVENSON, was born January 1, 1800, on Staten Island, Richmond
County, State of New York, or just twenty-four years afterward.
During the war with Great Britain in 1812–14, his father served as a commander in the
Revenue Service, but dying in 1822, left his widow and children to the care of young JoNATHAN.
In that war the Government, for want of funds, had to call for volunteers to defend their homes,
and the schoolboys of New York were invited to throw up breastworks. Young STEVENSON, then
but 13 years of age, volunteered with the rest to help defend Brooklyn Heights. He was chosen
captain or leader of the school and marched it to the Heights. While on duty there an incident
occurred which was the occasion of the beginning of his remarkable career in life. Governor TOMPKINs
was reviewing his troops when his horse became frightened, and falling with him would probably
have fatally injured him had not the young Captain STEVENSON jumped upon the horse's head, and
holding him there, allowed the Governor to be extricated from his perilous position. STEVENSON
immediately resumed his place with his command, but the Governor, who subsequently became Vice
2 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIy!.
President of the United States, never forgot the circumstance. Shortly afterward, at the request of
Com. DAVID PoRTER, he was commissioned as a Midshipman in the Navy, but declined the honor
out of respect to the wishes of his mother.
He entered a large commercial house in the city of New York, the business of which frequently
brought him in communication with his friend, who had now become Vice-President ToMPKINS, and
who, having established a steam ferry between New York and Staten Island and also a stage line in
connection with it, insisted upon STEVENSON taking charge and control, which he did to his entire
satisfaction. An intimacy sprang up, and Vice-President TOMPKINS took him to Washington as his
private secretary, with whom he remained in several capacities until the Vice-President's death, when
he entered into other business pursuits.
- His desire for a military life was such that at the age of 22 he joined a company of the Ninth
Regiment of . New York State Artillery as a private. In a few months he was elected lieutenant,
and at the age of 28 was unanimously elected Colonel of a regiment, which position he held for twelve
years, resigning in 1840. During 1840–43 he acted as a correspondent of a few mercantile houses
at Washington. From 1819 to 1841 each Speaker of the House of Representatives had accorded
to Colonel STEVENSON the privileges of the floor, owing to the general respect entertained for him on
his own account and his early association with Vice-President ToMPKINs.
In 1845 he was elected to the Legislature of his native State (New York), and was one of its
most influential and active members. The session closed in 1846 in a blaze of glory, for on that
day the news of the war with Mexico was announced. A resolution was offered sustaining the war,
and was supported by patriotic speeches by Colonel STEVENSON and others. He went to Washington
soon after, and President Polk offered him the first regiment to be called into the service from New
York. He returned to New York, and shortly afterward again visited Washington, where he was
tendered the authority to raise a regiment of New York Volunteers to serve in California, to go there
“around the Horn." Being highly indorsed by Senator JoHN A. Dix and D. S. DICKENSON and a
host of other friends, and strongly recommended by Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT, he was commissioned by
Gov. SILAs WRIGHT as Colonel of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers in the service of the
United States in the war with Mexico and known as the New York Legion, with JoSATHAN D.
STEVENSON as Colonel, HENRY S. BURTON as Lieutenant-Colonel, JAMEs A. HARDIE as Major.
Among the prominent officers were JoHN M. BRACKETT, JoHN B. FRISBIE, HENRY M. NAGLEE, M.
R. STEVENSON, JOHN BONNYCASTLE, and others. The regiment was mustered into the service of the
United States, August 1, 1846, at Fort Columbus, Governor's Island, in New York Harbor, by
Colonel BANKHEAD of the Second Regiment United States Artillery. The regiment in detachments
embarked on board the ships Thomas Perkins, Susan Drew, and the Loo Choo. Saturday morning,
September 26, 1846, after receiving the following dispatch, final orders were given to sail: “Your
telegram received. Our answer, God bless and speed you safely to your new home." Signed by
President Polk and Secretary MARcy.
The transports, convoyed by the sloop-of-war Preble, sailed for their destination and rendez
voused at Rio de Janeiro, November 20th, where they found the United States ship-of-war Columbia.
On December 1st they again sailed, and on March 6, 1847, Colonel STEVENSON in the Thomas Perkins
arrived in the harbor of San Francisco, and his command was received by salutes from the sloop
of-war Portsmouth, Captain DUPONT, and a welcome by the citizens of San Francisco. On March
7th they landed, and on March 18th and 26th the Susan Drew and Loo Choo arrived with the
remainder of the command. Soon after his arrival Colonel STEVENSON reported to Gen. STEPHEN
KEARNEY, who had crossed the country and with a small command was stationed at Monterey.
Colonel Stevenson with regimental staff and four companies were ordered to report at Monterey ;
the rest of the regiment was distributed at the Presidio of San Francisco and at Santa Barbara.
Colonel Stevenson with his command embarked on board the United States sloop-of-war Lexington,
and on April 8th sailed for Monterey, where they arrived on the day following. Soon after they
arrived at Monterey word was brought from Los Angeles that a Mexican general with a large
command was marching toward them to retake California from the Americans, and Colonel Stevenson
was ordered to take a portion of his command to Los Angeles and assume command of the southern
military district of California, which he accordingly did.
Soon after assuming command of the department, Colonel Stevenson called a mass meeting
of merchants and rancheros, and stated his plans to them for conducting affairs, assuring them that
fair dealing and a peaceable life if they so elected, or, if they chose a series of hostilities, he would
not be responsible for the consequences to their goods, cattle, etc. The assemblage rose en masse
and proposed peace, and expressed a willingness to sign articles of agreement, pledging to conduct
themselves with propriety. The meeting dispersed with the best of feeling prevailing. Nor was the
result felt solely by those present, for as the news spread throughout the country that a peaceable
compact had been entered into, Colonel Stevenson was waited upon by the leading men of the
country, who thanked him for his kindness and pledged their lives to support the compact. Among
those who first called upon Colonel Stevenson was Don Andres P1co, who commanded the attack
on General Kearney at San Pascual, and as he too pledged his word and life to maintain peace,
Colonel Stevenson felt that he had achieved a wonderful success for the establishment of good order
and good will throughout his department, as he commanded the confidence and respect of all.
In September, 1848, orders were issued by Colonel Mason to discharge the Stevenson Regi
ment and muster out its officers. The battalion at San Francisco had been mustered out, and Colonel
Stevenson with his battalion was ordered to Monterey, where the troops were discharged and the
officers mustered out. And this ended the military existence of the famous "Stevenson New York
Legion."
Shortly after resuming their character as civilians, Colonel Stevenson and about two hundred
of his men left for northern California and located at Mokelumne Hill. The newly discovered gold-
diggings were beginning to attract considerable attention, and hundreds of miners were flocking to
that section. After inspecting many of the districts in that locality, the little band, under the leader
ship of Colonel Stevenson, organized the town and elected their old commander Alcalde of the town
ship. As soon as matters had become settled, and he felt certain that his men were in condition to
care for themselves without his direction, Colonel Stevenson left for San Francisco, by way of
Sutter's Fort, where he passed Christmas Day in 1848. He arrived in San Francisco January 1,
1849, after a tedious trip between Sacramento and San Francisco of a week, heavily laden down
with ten thousand dollars' worth of gold dust strapped around his body, which he safely carried
through to the end of his journey.
As soon as he arrived in San Francisco and it became known, he was invited to make his
headquarters at the Presidio, which invitation he accepted for a short time. He was admitted to
practice law in the Supreme Court, and he soon found abundance of legal practice, besides becoming
largely interested in real estate. In 1872 he was appointed United States Shipping Commissioner
by the Circuit Court (Judges Hoffman and Sawyer), which position he held for twenty-three years.
During the Civil War he took prompt action as a citizen, and was ready to again don the
habiliments of the soldier, if necessary, to defend the integrity of the Union, and maintain the peace,
though he was then over 60 years of age.
Such in brief are the chief points in his civic and military career, and we will now proceed to
give his Masonic record, which is as follows :
Jonathan Drake Stevenson was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason in September and October, 1821, in Phcenix Lodge, No. 40, F. & A. M., in New York City,
just before leaving for Washington, to assume the duties of private secretary to Vice-President
Dan1el P. Tompk1ns, himself a Mason and Past Grand Master of New York. In December follow
ing, during his absence, he was elected Senior Warden ; he hesitated about accepting the office,
but his employer urged him to do so, advising him to return to New York. He did so, and the
Master being unable to perform his duties, Bro. Stevenson acted as Master the most of the year
1822, and on December 27th was elected Master of his Lodge, which position he held, being contin
uously re-elected for ten years, during which period he conducted the affairs of the Lodge through
the anti-Masonic times and the Morgan excitement, and he had the honor of being the Master of the
only Lodge in New York City who never missed a regular meeting, and most of the time had and
performed Masonic work. He declined a re-election on account of business engagements which
required his absence from home.
He received the Capitular Degrees and was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1832 in Phcenix
Chapter, R. A. M., in New York City, and rendered efficient service in reviving his Chapter, which
had become somewhat run down during the anti- Masonic period. He was elected King, but never
accepted the office.
An interesting incident in his Masonic career occurred at Rio de Janeiro when on his military
expedition to California in 1846. Soon after his vessel entered the harbor he was met by a party
of Masons, who informed him that there was a Lodge in existence there with officers elected await
ing installation, being unable to proceed owing to the fact that they could not assemble Past Masters
enough to comply with the rules of the jurisdiction under which the Lodge was chartered, to confer
the Past Master's Degree upon the Worshipful Master elect. The presence of Past Master Steven
son made the required number, and he was invited to confer the degree, which he did, and afterward
installed the officers of the Lodge.
His military duties, which immediately followed, rendered it impossible for him to fully enjoy
the pleasures of Masonic work or the performance of Masonic duties until after he was mustered out
of the Government service; though, to keep himself bright in the work, as often as opportunity
offered, with a few Brethren Masons among the officers of the United States Army and the Navy,
and those in his own regiment, a moot Lodge would be opened pro tempore for mutual instruction
only, that they might not forget the work.
In 1849, rumors were afloat that sundry persons were in possession of documents purporting
to be warrants or dispensations for Lodges. Bro. Stevenson, being a Mason of the true and tried
school, did not propose to have the Order he so much loved and respected compromised by being
misrepresented by unworthy characters. So he set about examining the credentials of those who
claimed to have authority to open Lodges. Having dimitted from his mother Lodge (Phcenix, No.
40, of New York City) he desired to attach himself to a regularly, legitimately chartered Lodge.
He soon met with the late distinguished Brother, Lev1 Stowell, whom he found in possession of a
charter from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, issued to California Lodge, No. 13,
F. & A. M., with Bros. Lev1 Stowell as Worshipful Master; W1ll1am Van Voorhees, Senior
Warden, and B. F. McDonald, Junior Warden, to open and hold a Lodge in San Francisco, Cal.,
this charter bearing date of November 9, A. D. 1848, duly signed and sealed. After consultation
with others of like pure motives, he assisted in organizing what is now California Lodge, No. 1,
F. & A. M., of San Francisco, which held its first meeting November 9, 1849, just one year after
the charter being granted. He continued to be a member of it until the day of his death and was
borne upon its rolls as a Past Master.
Later in 1849 and early in 1850, the desire for Lodges increased, and the same unworthy
element referred to before were anxious to form them, and were preparing to obtain Eastern dispen
sations. Two other Lodges, however, having been legally formed—one at Benton (now at Shasta),
under Missouri jurisdiction, and the other at Sacramento, under that of Connecticut—it was thought
to be for the best interests of Masonry to organize a Grand Lodge. Accordingly Bros. Jonathan
D. Stevenson, Charles G1lman, and John H. G1hon were appointed to represent California Lodge,
No. 1, at the convention which met at Sacramento, April 17, 1850, and on April 19, 1850, the
seventy-fifth anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord of the American Revolution —April
IQ, 1775 —tne Most Worthy Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of California was duly
organized, and the grandson of the patriot who fell at the side of Gen. Joseph Warren, the first
American Grand Master of Masons, at Bunker Hill, and who had served his country in the war of
18 1 2-14, and in the Mexican War in occupying and holding California as a part of the territory of
the United States, M.\ W.\ Bro. Jonathan Drake Stevenson, was justly honored in being unan
imously elected and installed as the first Grand Master of Masons of California. He continued to
take an active part in all the duties of both Grand and Subordinate Lodge work until his advanced
years prevented his doing so. On Wednesday, May 19, 1880, he was present at the meeting of
King Solomons Lodge, No. 260, F. & A. M., at San Francisco, and assisted in conferring the
Entered Apprentice Degree upon his grandson, Alfred Stevenson Barney, at which time he was
exactly 80 years, 4 months, and 19 days old. On August 20, 1891, he and W.\ Bro. Joseph Hull,
the first Master to open a Lodge of Masons on the Pacific Coast, and W.\ Bro. Henry F. W1ll1ams,
the first Mason made in California, were crowned with laurel at the time of the dedication of the
Banner of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, which bears their portraits upon it.
For nearly forty-four years Past Grand Master Stevenson was a constant attendant upon the
Grand Lodge of California, and the Dean of his successors in that Grand Oriental Chair, and with
strictest etiquette and punctiliousness claimed and received, as was his privilege, the respect and
honors due to his seniority and length of years. And perhaps the reason he remained on this side
of time so long was that he desired to receive like honors up above, and that his presence might be
duly announced by Past Grand Masters Hyam, Radcl1ff, Howard, Engl1sh, Marsh, Pratt, T1tus,
Taylor, Hynes, and Gr1tman, with G1hon, Stowell, and Abell, Grand Secretaries, as a Reception
Committee of Thirteen to announce his arrival to the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe, of
that Celestial Grand Lodge above, while he with gracious dignity would receive the honors and wave
the gavel of authority that might be tendered him.
On the day of his death, February 14, 1894, he was 94 years, 1 month, and 14 days old.
As a Master Mason he was 72 years, 33^ months old, and a Grand Honorary Member of the
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast from the date of its organization, December 27,
1878, or nearly sixteen years.
As a soldier and an officer he is said to have been a rigid disciplinarian, equal to the most
thorough West Point graduate in the Regular Army. As a citizen he was patriotic and eminently
served his country as occasion required. As a Mason and Grand Master, he, by ability and circum
stance, was the first to lead the roll of the twenty-nine Grand Masters who have shed light and luster
upon our California Masonic Temple, and his portrait is the first to adorn our Masonic Pantheon,
while the echoes will still continue to reverberate with the sounds of the gavel, and the voices of the
Grand Masters will linger in the ears of thousands of Representatives of the Grand Lodge, “Admit
Past Grand Master STEVENSON and conduct him to a seat on my right in the East," which we trust
was the reception he received when he was announced at the door of the Grand Lodge above.
His funeral was worthy of the man and the occasion, and the group of nearly a hundred silver
haired members of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, and his comrades of the
Veterans of the Mexican War, were gathered around the Grand Master on that memorable day,
attested their regard for the memory and history of nearly a hundred years that had been bound up
in his life, nearly four-fifths of which had been spent among the Craft, and whose civic and military
career was so eloquently portrayed by the Grand Orator of the occasion, Bro. WILLIAM H. L. BARNES,
who was lost in his theme, captivating all who listened to his matchless panegyric and eulogy.
Thus in sight of the Golden Gate, where he had entered with his command forty-seven years
or nearly half a century before, he was laid away to rest, while the surges of the broad Pacific will
eternally continue to dash upon the shore and Old Ocean murmur and moan and chant its ceaseless
requiem in honor of the first Grand Master of Masons of California, M. W. Bro. JoNATHAN DRAKE
STEVENSON.
JOHN PAUL JONES DAVISON, P. M. and P. H. P.
THIs illustrious named Brother, who was named for the daring and
brave Capt. JoHN PAUL JoNEs of the American Navy during the War of
the Revolution for American independence, in the line of seniority of
Masonic age and precedence, antedates all others of whom the Masonic
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast have any record. He was born
November 9, 1787, in Norwich, Conn. From his early boyhood he took
a liking for the sea, and like the brave and gallant commander for whom
he was named, he early sought service under the flag of his country on the
decks of an American ship-of-war, and fought under Lieut. STEPHEN DECATUR.
He continued to serve in the United States Navy, and was a Warrant
Officer under the gallant Capt. WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE in 1812–14 to the
close of the second war with Great Britain.
In 1822 he served as a Volunteer Captain in the Mexican Navy against Spain, in the war for
Mexican independence, and afterward returned to the American Navy. In 1836 he first visited
California, stopping at various ports, and to which he afterward returned in 1848, having served with
fidelity and courage in the war between the United States and Mexico in 1846-7–8, after which time
he remained in California, working in the mines and at Mare Island Navy Yard, and his last work
there was in the repairing of the famous ship Kearsange, which sank the Confederate Privateer
Alabama during the Civil War. He then removed to Georgetown, El Dorado County, Cal., where
he had formerly resided. He was six feet four inches in height, and straight as an arrow. He was
never sick a day in his life, and the only thing which ever affected him was a thunderbolt which
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 7
struck within a few feet of him, one day during a storm in the mountains, which temporarily partially
paralyzed his legs below his knees.
He was initiated, passed, and on November 10, 1810, when just twenty-three years old, raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason in St. /ohn's Lodge, F. & A. M., at Boston, Mass. He
had dimitted and affiliated with other Lodges, and became a member of Georgetown Lodge, No. 25,
F. & A. M., at Georgetown, El Dorado County, Cal., under dispensation, in 1852. At the time of
his death, June 5, 1885, he had lived 98 years, 6 months, and 28 days. He had been 75 years and
7 months a Master Mason (and then the oldest Mason in the world), a Past Master for 44 years and
a High Priest 41 years. He was elected a Grand Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Asso
ciation of the Pacific Coast, January 8, 1885.
When eighty-three years of age he could write nearly as finely as copper plate engraving, and
specimens of his penmanship adorn the walls of Georgetown Lodge, which on June 7, 1885, interred
the remains of this stalwart, patriotic American Mason and patriarch with all the honors and sublime
ceremonies of our ancient Craft, of which he was a noble example as a patriot, a citizen, and a
Brother.
JOSEPH HULL, P. M.
THIS pioneer of Masonry on the Pacific Coast was born

January 24, 1813, in the town of Steubenville, Jefferson
County, Ohio. His occupation the most of his life was
farming. He emigrated to Oregon, reaching Oregon City,
from across the plains, December 8, 1845. Upon learn
ing of the discovery of gold in California he left Oregon
City with a company on September 12, 1848, and on the
1st of October following, reached the gold diggings in this
State. He remained in California until February, 1849,
when he returned to Oregon by water, where he remained
until the May following (1849), when he removed with his
family to California, and in 1851 permanently settled near
the city of Sacramento, where he continued to reside for
a period of forty-five years. He was a splendid specimen
of the brave, hardy American pioneer, possessing a high
sense of honor and justice, modest and retiring, and was
loved by his Brethren and esteemed by all who knew
him.
He was initiated July 19th, passed September 13th,
and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, November 28, 1834, in Milford Lodge, No. 54,
F. & A. M., at Milford, Clermont County, Ohio, and his certificate of that Lodge, dated March 19,
1845, is in the writer's possession. He was elected Worshipful Master in 1838. He dimitted
upon emigrating to Oregon in the spring of 1845. During the following winter he exerted himself
in connection with Bros. STEwART, DOUGHERTY, McCORD, and others, in getting up a petition to the
Grand Lodge of Missouri (it being the nearest Grand Lodge) for a charter Direct for a Lodge, to
be called Multnomah Lodge, and in that petition he was recommended as a Worshipful Master. A
charter was duly granted, committed to the charge of Bro. PIERRE B. CoRNWALL, now of San Fran
cisco, who started with it across the plains; but deciding to come to California, on arriving at Fort
Hall, Bro. CoRNWALL committed the care of the charter to Bros. ORRIN and Joseph KELLOGG, father
and son, with strict injunctions to deliver it in safety to Bro. JosepH HULL. They reached Oregon
City with it on September 10, 1848, and delivered it accordingly. Bro. HULL called the charter
members together, who were in reaching distance, and with the assistance of Bros. BERRYMAN JENNINGs,
LOT WHITCOMB, and others, at once organized the Lodge, and initiated, passed, and raised Bro.
CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR (afterward Grand Master) and Bro. JAMEs G. NESMITH (afterward United States
Senator). After hastily performing this work in short form, Bro. HULL left with his company for
California the next day.
On his return to Oregon City in February, 1849, finding petitions had been received in
his absence, he finished up all the work and permanently removed from Oregon to California in May,
1849. He dimitted from Multnomah Lodge, No. 84, of the Missouri jurisdiction (now No. 1 of
Oregon) on February 1, 1851, and affiliated with 7ehama Lodge, No. 3, F. & A. M., at Sacramento,
Cal., December 15, 1851, from which he dimitted January 4, 1858, and affiliated with Union Lodge,
No. 58, F. & A. M., at Sacramento, Cal., February 1, 1860, of which Lodge he remained a
member.
He received the Capitular Degrees of Masonry October 11th, 18th, and on October 22, 1859,
was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., at Sacramento, Cal. He
received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, February 25, 1860, in Sacramento Council, No. 1 *
R. & S. M., at Sacramento, Cal., of which he continued to remain a member.

He was elected a Grand Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast April 12, 1888, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry as Master in the opening of
the first Masonic Lodge on the Pacific Coast, and west of the Missouri River, on September 11,
1848, and having been a Master Mason in good standing for a period of more than fifty years
continuously.
He died at San Diego, January 4, 1896, aged 83 years, and having been a Master Mason
sixty-two years and a Past Master fifty-eight years. His remains were taken to Los Angeles by his
son, and were deposited with the sacred honors of Masonry and the solemn formalities of the Craft,
and his memory cherished from the Falls of the Willamette in Oregon to the Coronado Beach at
San Diego, California.
In September, 1891, the writer, as Secretary of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast, took Brother HULL to visit Multnomah Lodge, No. 1, at Oregon City, Oregon, where he
was received with all the honors. Bro. Joseph KELLOGG, who brought the original charter in 1848,
and Brother STEUART, who helped to organize that Lodge, were also present on this occasion. He
also visited M. W. Bro. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR, P. G. M., at Dayton, Oregon, and the Grand
Lodge at Portland, Oregon, which was then in session, and Lafayette Lodge, No. 3, at Lafayette,
Oregon, and Temple Lodge, No. 7, at Astoria, Oregon, and returned with him after making these
fraternal visits to California.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá. 9
THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL, 33°.
GRAND COMMANDER OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE 33D DEGREE OF THE A. & A. S. RITE OF
FREEMASONRY FOR THE SOUTHERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATEs.
£AID OLIVER CROMWELL to the artist who painted his portrait for Parliament, which displeased
him because he had not painted the large mole on his cheek, “Paint me as I am, mole and
all, or else it will not be a truthful portrait and shall not be accepted.” So in writing this
biographical sketch of Bro. THOMAS HUBBARD CAswBLL, we know that we shall have to give the
plain record and description or it would not be satisfactory to him nor any of the fraternity who
know him as well as does the writer, with whom he has officially and Masonically been connected for
nearly thirty years, and as a California pioneer of 1849 in one way or another for a period of
forty-eight years or half a century less two years only.
Bro. THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL was born August 10, 1825, in the town of Exeter, Otsego
County, New York. He attended the public schools from early boyhood until 1843, when, at the
age of eighteen years, he emigrated to Arkansas. He attended St. Mary's College at Bardstown,
Kentucky, from which he graduated, and returning to Arkansas entered upon the practice of the law.
The discovery of gold in California in January, 1848, by MARSHALL, started caravan after caravan
across the plains in 1849, and he was, with thousands of other young men, swept into the stream of
emigration, and October of that year finds him an argonaut in search of the Golden Fleece in the
very heart of the gold regions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Nevada City. As there was no
regularly organized government, and no courts excepting those of the First Instance under the Mexican
laws, which still prevailed, and which but a few individuals knew anything about, while every man
carried the common law upon his hip, was his own interpreter and pleader, excepting when Judge
LyNCH occupied the bench, which he frequently did, and administered justice without receiving any
notices of appeal to a higher court, and a regular practitioner at the legal bar generally found himself
briefless and without practice—“OTHELLO's occupation was gone."
In pursuance of the Act of the Legislature of California of 1851, the creation of Nevada
County took place, and an election for officers to organize the county was held on May 26, 1851, at
which THOMAS HUBBARD CASWELL was elected County Judge for the term of four years, being the
first Judge elected in that county. Before the county was organized, and the people being yet
without the forms of law and before the officers elect were sworn in, an episode occurred which
tested both the moral and physical courage of the Judge elect, at Nevada City, the county seat.
About June 1, 1851, a man by the name of ALEXANDER BROWN, known as “SANDY BROWN," in
self-defense shot a man by the name of SMITH. A mob gathered to lynch and hang BROWN, who
had sought refuge in GREGORY's hotel. Judge CASwBLI, County Judge elect, was lying ill in his
room, when he received word from the Sheriff that a mob threatened to hang a man and asking
his assistance. Judge CAswÉLL instantly arose and went to U. S. GREGORY's hotel, and taking the
prisoner by one arm while the Sheriff grasped the other, started to convey him to the “old red
court house." Passing out of the hotel in which they had been surrounded by the mob, they forced
their way through the crowd, saying, “Make way, gentlemen, make way. This man is in the
custody of the law and we are taking him to jail." The crowd permitted them to pass and followed
them to the jail, where they became more and more demonstrative as new arrivals swelled their
numbers.
IO FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Judge Buckner appeared before the crowd and addressed the people, advising them to remain
quiet, as Sandy would receive a trial and if found guilty would be punished. The crowd shouted,
"Let the Judge come out and tell us so." Accordingly Judge Caswell appeared and assured them
that the grand jury would meet the next week, Brown would be indicted, and should have a fair
and impartial trial, and turning to one of the leading spirits, a large and powerful man, he continued,
"Valent1ne Butsch, I want you to select a guard of good men to guard this jail, and I will hold
you responsible for the safe keeping of the prisoner and his delivery to me next week for trial." At
this juncture there was a cry of "He wants to get him off," followed by yells to "hang the Judge."
The day had been won, however, by enlisting Butsch on the side of the law, and he and his friends
soon quieted and dispersed the crowd.
The next week the first grand jury met and indicted Brown, who was safely delivered for
trial by his guards. Judge Caswell had been requested by his friends not to try the case in person,
as it had been threatened that if the man was acquitted the Judge would not live twenty-four hours.
He declined to be intimidated, opened the court with a speech in which he alluded to the threat and
assured the people that any attempt at lawlessness would be put down with a strong arm, and called
the case. The evidence showed so plainly that Brown had acted in self-defense that the jury of
miners, actuated as they always were, even in their lynching exploits, by the spirit of justice, brought
in a verdict of acquittal, and "Sandy Brown" was discharged, to walk the streets unmolested. The
mob learned at once that there was an unflinching "Arkansas Judge" upon the bench who had come
from a land of "steel toothpicks" and "hair triggers," and was a stranger to fear in upholding the
dignity of the law; and so satisfactory was his conduct on the bench that in 1855, at the end of his
first four -year term of office, the people re-elected him for another four -year term, and would have
again re-elected him for a third term had he not declined a renomination. He continued, however,
in the practice of the law until his removal to San Francisco in 1878, to enter upon Masonic official
duties, to which he has continuously up to the present date been devoted. It would require a
volume to contain his Masonic record, which is condensed in the following sketch :
Blue Lodge Record.
Bro. Thomas Hubbard Caswell was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, December 10,
1850, in Lafayette Lodge at Nevada City, Cal. (This Lodge was under charter of the Grand Lodge
of Wisconsin granted in ignorance by the Grand Master of that State on April 20, 1850, one day
after the organization of the Grand Lodge of California.) The Lodge and its records were destroyed
by fire on March 11, 1851 ; a dispensation being granted by Bro. John A. Tutt to the Lodge to
continue its work until the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, when on May
7, 1 85 1, a charter was granted to this Lodge as Nevada Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., to be located
at Nevada City, Cal. Bro. Caswell having been passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, on June 7,
1 85 1, was the first candidate to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in that Lodge
forty-six years ago, and is the oldest living member on its rolls. He was elected Senior Warden in
1860; appointed Senior Deacon in 1864-5-6-7; elected Worshipful Master in 1868-9, 1870-1, and
elected' Secretary in 1873—4—5. He was appointed Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of the
State of California in 1873.
Royal Arch Record.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, regularly inducted and presided in
the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and on March
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. n
22, 1855, exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Nevada Chapter, R. A. M., U. D.,
now No. 6, at Nevada City, Cal. He was elected and re-elected High Priest, December, 1855-6-7,
1862-3-4-5-6-7; Secretary, 1868-9, I870-1-2-3-4~5. He was elected Deputy Grand High Priest in
1857, Grand High Priest of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California in 1858;
appointed Grand Lecturer in 1866-7-8-9, 18 70- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1880- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1890-
1-2-3-4-5-6-7 ; elected Grand Secretary of the same in 1878-9, 1880- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, [890-1-2-
3-4-5-6-7.
Crypt1c R1xord.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in May, 1856, in Sacramento Council of
Royal and Select Masters, No. 1, at Sacramento, Cal., of which he is still a member. He was
elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of California
in 1 880- 1 -2 -3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1890-1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
Ch1valr1c Record.
He was created a Companion of the Red Cross and Knight Templar, April 11, 1855, in
Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar, at Sacramento, Cal. He was honorably dismissed
therefrom and appointed Eminent Commander of Nevada Commandery, U. D., now No. 6, K. T., at
Nevada City, Cal., in October, 1858. He was elected Eminent Commander of the same in 1859,
1866-7-8; Prelate, 1862-3-4-5, ^70; Recorder, 1872-3-4-5-6, and of which he is still a member.
He was elected Grand Captain-General in 1866, Grand Generalissimo in 1867, and Right Eminent
Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of California in 1873; Grand
Recorder of the same in 1878-9, 1880- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1 890-1 -2- 3-4-5-6-7.
A. & A. S. R1te Record.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry from the
4th to the 32d, inclusive, October 17, 1867, by communication from the late Ill.\ Ebenezer H. Shaw,
33°, Active Inspector General for the State of California under the jurisdiction of the Supreme
Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, and assisted him in the propagation of that
Rite and organizing subordinate bodies at San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, Marysville, Placerville,
Grass Valley, Vallejo and Petaluma. He was elected Honorary Inspector General of the 33d Degree
in May, 1868, and on July 9, 1868, was coroneted an Honorary 33^. He was elected an Active
Member of the Supreme Council, September, 1868, and crowned at Baltimore in May, 1870. He
was elected Grand Mareschal of Ceremonies in 1878-9, 1880-1-2-3-4 ; Grand Minister of State,
1884-5-6-7; Grand Chancellor, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1892; Grand Prior, 1893; Lieutenant Grand
Commander, 1894; and Grand Commander of the Mother Supreme Council of the World in October,
1895. All of these offices being ad vitam and promotion being by seniority and election according
to capacity and merit, and the vacancies having been created by death of Albert P1ke, James G.
Batchelor, Ph1l1p C. Tucker, Ebenezer H. Shaw, G1l1s M. H1llyer and Henry Bu1st in these
various offices, the three first having filled the office of Grand Commander.
Veteran Record.
He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast,
June 24, 1879, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
" Each Brother must in virtue strive to excel —

That Brother lives twice who lives the first life well."
Bro. Thomas Hubbard Caswell has lived his Masonic life eightfold, in regard to time and
labors: forty-six years a Master Mason in good standing on June 7, 1897; forty-two years a Royal
Arch Mason, March 22, 1897; forty-one years a Royal and Select Master in May, 1897; forty-two
years a Knight Templar, forty years a 33d Degree Mason, and eighteen years a member of the
Masonic Veteran Association, making no less than two hundred and twelve years of membership and
one hundred and thirty-three years of official service, or three hundred and forty-five years of Masonic
labor in the various bodies of Masonry to which he belongs. He is still a member of his mother
Lodge, Chapter, Council, and of the Commandery of which he is a charter member.
" Virtue, not rolling suns, the mind matures,

That life is long which answers life's great end.
The time that bears no fruit deserves no name,
With compasses and square, the trowel, the gavel and rule, the pick, the mattock and the
spade, the sword, the scepter and the pen, Bro. Thomas Hubbard Caswell has wrought and labored,
and with but one exception, that of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, has won the highest position
possible to be obtained in the Masonic scale of honors. "The pen is mightier than the sword" or
the scepter. In his life-long service he has well deserved these honors. His uniform courtesy and
kindness, free from hauteur and arbitrary demeanor, has won his way up the line of promotion to the
apex of the Masonic pyramid. He did not climb through the cabin windows to reach the command
of the ship. From the forecastle to the quarterdeck, serving obediently and faithfully, he has pulled
on every rope, climbed every ratlin, laid out on every yard, unfurled and reefed every sail from jib to
spanker, from keelson to truck at masthead, from stem to stern ; he knew every timber and spar, and
at the proper time when it was necessary he could splice the main brace and strengthen the cordage
to equal the wisest and most experienced of the crew.
One of the wisest and most skillful commanders, he is now the Rear Admiral of the Scottish
Rite Navy, Past Commander and Adjutant General of the Templar Army, the Chief Recorder of the
Secret Vault, Chief Secretary of the Tabernacle ; while with the sextant of the Past Master, his
compasses extended to sixty degrees on the arc of the circle, he is now taking the sun in its
declination to the west to determine his position and calculate the time and distance he has to run
before his voyage of life is ended. New York gave him birth and early education, Kentucky his legal
lore, and Arkansas his experimental practice. But California gave him a new birth, developed and
made him what he is, while Masonry took him by the hand, led him into the courts of the Tabernacle
and the Temple, taught him to minister at her altars, and as the reward for his long and faithful
service placed him on her highest throne. Such has been the career of Bro. Thomas Hubbard
Caswell. Brethren and Sir Knights and Princes, behold your Sovereign Grand Commander. Salute!
Grand Honors!
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIyá. I3
JAMES FRAZIER REED,
THE PIONEER MASON who CROSSED THE PLAINS IN COMPANY WITH THE ILL-FATED DONNER
PARTY, BEING THE FIRST PROPERLY AUTHENTICATED MASON TO ARRIVE IN CALIFORNIA.
AMONG the Pioneers of Masonry in California was Brother

REED, who had a most remarkable career and was the first
authenticated Mason with papers to cross the Sierra Nevada
Range of mountains into California. His history is the most
thrilling and interesting of any Pioneer Mason of whom
there is any record. The character of this brave, patient,
enduring and most faithful, loving, devoted husband, father,
and Brother of the “Mystic Tie,” is one that commands
the attention and the admiration of every one and of which
the Fraternity may well feel proud, to have had such a man
a member to have reflected luster, glory and honor upon our
beloved Order; and therefore more than ordinary space is
given to his biography, which is commended to the earnest
perusal of all our readers.
He was born November 14, 1800, in the County of
Armagh, Ireland. His ancestors were of noble Polish birth,
who chose exile rather than submit to the Russian power,
emigrated and settled in the north of Ireland. The family
name was originally REEDNOsKI, but in process of time the Polish termination of the name was
dropped and the family name was called REED. Bro. JAMEs F. REED's mother's name was FRAZIER,
whose ancestors belonged to the Clan FRAZIER of Scottish history. Mrs. REED and her son came
to America when he was a youth and settled in Virginia, where he remained until he was twenty
years of age, when he left for the lead mines of Illinois and was engaged there in mining until 1831,
when he went to Springfield, Sangamon County, Ill.
In 1832 he enlisted in Capt. JACOB EARLY's Company of Mounted Volunteers during the Black
Hawk War, which was mustered into the service of the United States, and was mustered out by order
of Brigadier General ATKINSON of the United States Army, on Whitewater River by RoBERT
ANDERSON, Assistant Inspector General, on July 10, 1832. He was the fifth private on the roll,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN being the fourth. After the war Bro. REED returned to Springfield, engaging in
mercantile pursuits, eventually buying a farm near that city. He was for several years engaged in
manufacturing cabinet furniture at a point on the Sangamon River, seven miles east of Springfield.
He married in 1834 Mrs. MARGARET W. BACKENSTOE, whose maiden name was KEYEs. She
had one child by her first marriage—a daughter, VIRGINIA C. BACKENSTOE, of whom mention will be
made hereafter. The fruits of this marriage were six children, one of whom died in infancy. Of the
others three were born in Springfield, Ill.: MARTHA JANE (now Mrs. FRANK LEWIs), February 26, 1838,
JAMES F., JR., March 26, 1841, and THOMAS K., April 2, 1843; and the two last, CHARLES C.,
February 6, 1848, and WILLIANOSKI YoUNT, December 12, 1850, were born in San Jose, Cal.
We will now introduce Bro. REED's Masonic record and resume his history further on. By
letter of February 12, 1897, received from Bro. W. D. CROWELL, Secretary of Springfield Lodge,
No. 4, A. F. & A. M., Springfield, Ill., we learn that Bro. REED was initiated July 5, 1839, passed
(date not given), and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, March 12, 1840, and that
he always remained a member in good standing in his mother Lodge. From a letter of Comp. S. H.
Clasp1ll, the Secretary of Springfield Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., of the same place, we learn that
he received the degree of Mark Master, June 13th, that of Past and of Most Excellent Master, June
20th, and exalted a Royal Arch Mason, June 21, 1842, in that Chapter, of which he continued to
remain a member until his death.
Early in 1846, before the commencement of the Mexican War and more than two years prior
to the discovery of gold in California, he concluded to emigrate with his family to these then far
western shores and a foreign land. He organized a company of emigrants before starting, and on
the eve of his departure he received a certificate of recommendation from the most prominent officers
and citizens of Illinois, including Col. E. D. Baker and the State officers. With his family, Mrs.
Sarah Keyes (his wife's mother), George and Jacob Donner and their families and others, to the
number of thirty-four, from Sangamon County, Ill., was formed the Reed and Donner company,
which started April 15, 1846, on their long journey across the plains, deserts and mountains to
California. At Independence, Mo., Mr. Reed loaded eight wagons with provisions and supplies of
various kinds. The Donners made similar preparations, as also did the others. Forty-seven more
persons joined the company there. It was necessary that emigrants should travel in large bodies as
a safeguard against the Indians on the plains, and it was not safe to start until the grass had made
sufficient growth to afford sustenance for the cattle hauling their wagons. This company of eighty-one
persons left Independence early in May for their long, tedious and perilous journey over the
plains. All went well until they reached the Big Blue River, which was running full, and where they
had to stop and build boats and rafts to take them across. Just before reaching there Mrs. Keyes
began to fail under the fatigue of travel, discomforts and unpleasant weather, and while in camp on
the morning of May 29, 1846, passed away and was tenderly laid to rest with religious services held
over her remains. The tree serving as a head-board was hewn on the side and marked with a
suitable inscription.
Between Independence and Big Blue River the Reed and Donner party fell in with the Col.
W. H. Russell company, which left Independence before them. Passing Big Blue River they
traveled together until they reached Little Sandy River, where they separated, the majority going
to Oregon, Colonel Russell leading the latter. The day after the separation the Reed and Donner
party elected George Donner Captain, and from that time it was known as the " Donner Company."
They journeyed up the valley of the Platte River, passed Fort Laramie (where they stopped four
days), and crossed the Rocky Mountains without any serious mishap, consuming the entire summer.
Several parties who had gone before, learned the dangers, and knowing the Donner Company were
coming, left letters to Bro. Reed with Mr. Vasquez, the partner of Br1dger, for whom the fort was
named, advising him by no means to take what was known as the Hastings' Cut-off, but to go by the
Fort Hall route, which was established and well known; but it required a detour to the northwest,
whereas the Hastings' Cut-off, passing through Weber Canon to the south end of the Great
Salt Lake, about where Salt Lake City now stands, made the route more direct and doubtless was
three hundred miles shorter, which was the inducement to take that route. Vasquez withheld the
letters from Bro. Reed, and he never knew until long afterward that any letters had been left for
him and unfortunately took what they supposed would be the more direct road. Approaching the
mouth of the Weber Canon they found a letter sticking in the top of a sage brush. It was from
Hast1ngs, the discoverer of the new route, who was then piloting a company through and proposed
to the Donner Company that if they would send messengers for him he would return and pilot them
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. I5
through a better way than the one given them. Messrs. REED, STANTON, and McCUTCHEoN of the
Donner Company went to Mr. HASTINGs, and after going back part of the way with Bro. REED, Mr.
HASTINGs gave him directions and left him about where Salt Lake City now stands. Bro. REED
returned to the Donner Company, which passed the south end of Salt Lake, crossing the outlet to
the lake, now called the River Jordan. Continuing to the northwest around the lake, a few days'
travel brought them to the springs, where they were to provide water and grass for crossing what was
called Hastings' Desert, an alkaline region destitute of water or vegetation. They were led to believe
that it was less than fifty miles across; the stock manifested signs of exhaustion, and the company
requested Bro. REED to go forward and find water and report. He did so, reaching it in about twenty
miles, and returning met his teamsters about eleven o'clock at night, driving the cattle, having left
their wagons. He directed them how to proceed and went on to meet his family and the remainder
of the company. Soon after leaving his teamsters one of their horses sank down in the road, and
while they were endeavoring to raise it, the cattle scented the water, scattered and were never found;
/eaving one or and a cow only, his wagons and family with all their supplies out on a desert, hundreds
of miles from any human habitation, with winter close upon them. He reached his family about
daylight the next morning, and not knowing his cattle were lost, he waited all day, expecting some of
his men to return and haul them to water. Not receiving any information, with their supply of water
nearly gone, he started with his family on foot, carrying the youngest child in his arms. In the course
of the night the children became exhausted, and spreading a blanket on the ground, all lay down on
it and covered themselves with shawls; but a cold hurricane commenced blowing soon after, and he
could only keep the children warm by having the four dogs lie down against them outside the shawls.
About daylight they moved on, and soon came to a wagon which belonged to JACOB DONNER and
contained his family. Bro. REED left his family with Mrs. DONNER. Mr. DONNER returned from the
water with his cattle and took his own and Bro. REED's family to the water, where they remained in
camp about a week hunting for their cattle. He then borrowed a yoke of oxen, and, leaving his seven
wagons in the desert, moved on with the company, all the others having found a sufficient number of
oxen to haul their wagons. Several days later it was found that provisions were running short, and
an estimate was made of the quantity it would take for each family. Bro. REED then proposed that
if two men would go forward to Captain SUTTER's in California he would write him a letter, asking
for the whole amount, and would become personally responsible for the pay. Mr. WILLIAM
McCUTCHEON and Mr. STANTON volunteered to go. The progress was slow and weeks passed
without any tidings from McCUTCHEON and STANTON. It was then suggested that Bro. REED go in
advance to see what had become of them and hurry up the supplies. The DONNER families having
the best teams pushed on ahead in advance, and Bro. REED kept up with the rest of the party in
the rear, coming along down by the Humboldt River. We now come to a sorrowful episode in his
career, a circumstance the result of long weariness of travel over a desert land, and severe, perplexing
trials, when impatience takes possession of the mind, and passion quickly taking control, young men
become reckless and desperate, and regardless of consequences are ready to fight their best friends,
even when trying to do them a friendly act, which resulted in the killing of John SNYDER by Bro.
REED in self-defense, in his being expelled from the company, and being forced to continue the journey
alone. Mrs. FRANK LEwis (Bro. REED's daughter PATTV) says:
“Father started with his horse and a change of underclothes in his saddle-bags. Sister
(VIRGINIA), then twelve years of age, and MILTON (ELLIOTT) followed, and overtaking him with
a gun and ammunition, I believe, and I know some crackers. Her parting I cannot describe.
JIMMIE, his eldest son, then five years old, thought he must go so as to help papa to get or
I6 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
find something to eat. Sister and I were afraid poor grief-stricken, anxious mother would
surely die.”
Bro. REED it seems was the only Mason in the party. He gave to his wife his Masonic and
other papers, and also a silver Royal Arch medal, with his name and mark and the name and
number of his Chapter upon it. These his wife carefully concealed upon her person. The DONNER
families were ahead and took no part in his banishment. When Bro. REED overtook them, WALTER
HERRON, who was with them, volunteered to join him and did so. Having but one horse they rode
by turns. Their provisions gave out and they traveled for days without food, excepting wild game,
which they occasionally killed on Truckee River. When they reached the Sierra Nevada Mountains
HERRON wanted to kill the horse, but Bro. REED persuaded him from it by agreeing to do so later,
rather than perish from hunger. That afternoon HERRON became delirious for want of food. They
found five beans. HERRON ate three of them, REED the other two. The next morning they came
upon some abandoned wagons, which probably had been left by MURPHY and SCHALLENBURGHER's party
two years before. These they ransacked, but failed to find any food. Taking the tar-bucket from
one of the wagons and scraping the tar from the bottom Bro. REED discovered a streak of rancid
tallow in the bottom, which he made known to HERRON, who swallowed a piece about the size of a
walnut without giving it a smell. He swallowed a second piece and wanted more, which Bro. REED
refused to give him, having himself eaten some which made him deathly sick. They soon crossed the
summit and descended into Bear Valley, where they found some emigrants in wagons who gave them
food and relieved their sufferings. They there met Mr. STANTON and two Indians sent by Captain
SUTTER to aid in carrying provisions. Bro. REED was so emaciated that Mr. STANTON did not
recognize him until he had conversed with him several minutes.
The next morning, October 23, 1846, each party continued their journey. Bro. REED went on
to Captain SUTTER's, where he secured thirty horses, one mule and two Indians to aid him in bringing
out the sufferers. He was joined by Mr. McCUTCHEoN, who had been separated from Mr.
STANTON by sickness. With some flour and beef they started to meet the suffering emigrants on the
eastern slope of the mountains. After weeks spent in unavailing efforts they had to return, as men
and horses sank out of sight in the snow. It was evident that nothing could be done until spring,
and the suffering emigrants had to be abandoned to their fate.
Bro. REED being thus baffled in his attempts to reach the camp of his family and the other suffering
emigrants, returned to Captain SUTTER's, where he became satisfied that it would be utterly impossible
to do anything more for them until spring. He was advised by Captain SUTTER to proceed to Yerba
Buena (now San Francisco) and make his case known to the Naval Officer in command, and being
furnished with a good horse and means he started for his destination. But before doing so he met
with a Mason at Sutter's Fort for the first time, a Bro. AQUILLA GLovER, who was staying there with
his family (a wife and two children), with whom he made arrangements to go to the relief of Mrs.
REED and her children at the first opportunity before Bro. REED could return. Bro. GLovER was a
native of Kentucky but belonged to a Lodge of Masons near Warsaw, Benton County, Mo., from which
he had emigrated a year or two before. Bro. GLovER said, “Bro. REED, I pledge you my word as
a Master Mason that I will go and bring your family out of the mountains and treat them as kindly
and care for them just the same as if they were my own." With this fraternal assurance Bro. REED
started on his journey by the way of San Jose to reach Yerba Buena. On his arrival at San Jose
he found the Yerba Buena side of the bay occupied by the Mexican forces and his way barred. Here
he was by necessity compelled to join a company of volunteers (in which he acted as first lieutenant)
under Captain WEBER, and took part in the battle of Santa Clara, in which the Americans were
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNI;4. 17
victorious and opened the way to Yerba Buena, and as a recognition of his gallant services rendered
he received the following certificate from Captain WEBER:
[Copy verbatim et literatim.]
This is to certify that Mr. JAMEs F. REED, has been acting as first Lieutenant in the mounted
Riflecompanie at the Pueblo of St. Joseph during the time of one month and a half.
On the present Occasion, I taike great pleasure to state, that Mr. JAMEs F. REED has acted in
the capacity of first Lieutenant to my entire Satisfaction.
I acknowledge hereby the important Service wich he rendered to his Country by his Knowledge
& Experience of an old Soldier.
His gallant Conduct on the 2nd January on the Plains of Sta Clara; (on wich day he
contributed greatly to the Victory over the insurgent Californians), merit the highest Praises.
Pueblo of St. Joseph, January 26th 1847. CHARLEs M. WEBER
Comdg U. S. Rangers, Pueblo.
[Captain WEBER afterward located the site and laid out the city of Stockton.]
Bro. REED continued his journey to San Francisco, where he raised by contributions $1,000 in
the town and $300 from the sailors in port, with which he purchased supplies, which were placed on
board a schooner in command of Lieut. SELIM C. Woodworth, U. S. N. (sent by Captain HULL of
the Sloop-of-war Warren), who took all to the mouth of Feather River, where men and horses were
procured for carrying relief to the emigrants. On their way to the camp they met a party coming
out with women and children, among them Bro. REED's wife and two children, MARTHA and THOMAS
K. having been left in Camp Starvation in charge of Bro. AQUILLA GLovER of the rescuing party, who
volunteered to stay with and care for them, assuring Mrs. REED that he was a Freemason and knew
her husband to be such and that he would rescue her children or die in the attempt. He was as good
as his word, protecting and caring for the children until they were rescued by their father.
Bro. REED took his daughter MARTHA (PATTY) on his back and another of the rescuing party
carried the other and bore them through the snow over the mountains. She would have died from
hunger and weakness while he was carrying her, and the only thing that saved her life was by
masticating some crackers and putting the morsels in the thumb of a mitten for her to suck made out
of a sailor's shirt. The mittens she still preserves, as well as a tiny doll carried in her bosom, and with
the rest of the relics sacredly guarded. As she related this story of terrible suffering, with tears
flowing, she said: “GoD was good; helped us struggle on through to meet that father who did come
back to us with food, just in time to save us from death — oh, so terrible a death from hunger!—to
meet us all one family; not one missing, not one member gone, and to hear father say at Squire
SINCLAIR's door, “Thank God! MARGARET, my pet, we are all once more together.' And then to hear
that tender, loving, devoted, self-sacrificing mother lisp through those poor, skeleton lips, ‘Sweet to
meet to part no more until GoD calls us home!' I can see that meeting and that long, sweet
embrace in my recollections as plainly as I can see the scenes of sorrow and despair.”
Cannibalism had prevailed in Starvation Camp. Murder was no doubt committed when the
DONNER family perished. One PATRICK DOLAN, who was miserly of his meat and was well supplied,
when Mrs. REED wanted to buy a pound of lean frozen beef for herself and four children, they having
nothing but rawhide to eat, demanded the silver Royal Arch jewel given her by her husband and also
a gold watch then worth one hundred dollars; when she hesitated about parting also with the watch,
he said to her, "Madam, you can have your choice: it is aither bafe or toime!" and so she parted
with both for that one pound of poor frozen meat, to save the lives of herself and children. This
fellow afterward, in attempting to make his way out, perished in the snow, and the Indians finding
his body took from it the watch and jewel and left them with the owner of Johnson's Ranch on Bear
River, where they were again returned to her and are now in the possession of their daughter, Mrs.
Frank Lew1s (Martha Jane Reed), at Capitola, Santa Cruz County, Cal.
Bro. Reed's was the only entire family that left Sangamon County, Ill., all the members of
which lived to reach their destination, and they did it without any of them being driven to the necessity
of eating human flesh. The Masonic bond of brotherhood between Bros. Reed and Glover discovered
by them at Sutter's Fort saved this family, and was the cable-tow and life-line which also saved the
others who were rescued at the same time.
After becoming restored in health and strength Bro. Reed removed his family to Napa Valley,
where for a short period he made his home, and while there he received the following appointment
from Col. R1chard B. Mason of the United States Army, Military Governor of California, who
recognized the value of such a man and citizen as Bro. Reed :
[Copy.]
Know All Men by these Presents:
That I, R1chard B. Mason, Colonel 1st Regiment Dragoons, United States Army, and
Governor of California, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby appoint James F. Reed
Sheriff of the District of Sonoma, on the north side of the Bay of San Francisco.
Given at Monterey, the capital of California, this 14th day of June, A. D. 1847, and the 71st
of the Independence of the United States.
R. B. Mason,
Col. 1st Drags., Gov. of California.
Bro. Reed afterward removed to San Jose, where he made his permanent residence. He was
a man of great energy, warm and genial in his friendship, social and entertaining in his family, and
treated all his children, including his stepdaughter V1rg1n1a, with the greatest kindness and affection,
and impartially alike. He made money fast and used it liberally. He was one of the most active
men in trying to make San Jose the capital of the State, circulating documents and endeavoring to
impress the members of the Constitutional Convention of the importance and value of that place as a
seat of government, and expended not less than twenty thousand dollars in behalf of that place. He
was largely interested in mining enterprises in Idaho on Reese River, and White Pine in the State
of Nevada in the early seventies. His wife passed away on November 25, 1861, at San Jose; and
on July 24, 1874, Bro. James Fraz1er Reed, the loving husband, devoted father, true Mason, friend,
upright and honorable citizen, was called from labor on earth to eternal rest and refreshment in that
Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master forever presides. His memory is lovingly
cherished by his children who survive him, who remember his painful struggles and trials which they
shared in part with him, but who by God's providence was delivered from them all and for a quarter
of a century enjoyed the rich fruits from the vines and trees of his own planting and was loved by
all of his neighbors.
"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. And in all the land
were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job, and their father gave them inheritance among
their brethren."
JACOB HART NEFF,
Past Jun1or Grand Warden, Past Grand H1gh Pr1est, Past Grand Commander, Past
Grand Chancellor.
It is a great pleasure to write the biographical sketch of one who is so perfect an example
of the typical, genial, true-hearted California gentleman of the old school —the "honest miner" of the
Sierra Nevada in the days long gone by —and who for the period of forty-seven years has been
continuously connected with the mining, political and Masonic history of our beloved Golden State
of California.
Bro. Jacob Hart Neff was born October 13, 1830, in the town of Strausburg, State of
Pennsylvania. His residence is at Colfax, Placer County, Cal., and occupation that of mining. He
came to California when a young man of but twenty years of age in the year 1850. Prior to that
time he had resided at Springfield, O., and Burlington, la., but since his arrival in California he has
continuously resided in Placer County. Though in his early experiences in mining he became
attached to the "rocker," by the edges of the North and the Middle Forks of the American River,
yet it would seem that if a young Moses had been placed in it, to float down the stream into
the Sacramento River and get lodged among the tules, he would have made no great effort to stay
its progress in the current of the river. Yet a more genial, kind-hearted Brother, full of sympathy
for his fellow men, does not exist. His children have not "gathered at the river," and he has not
been able to say with Tupper, in his "Proverbial Philosophy," that "a babe in the house is a
well-spring of pleasure," for he has never experienced the joys of a married life, and he is still living
in the state of "single blessedness," with no other tie of blood relationship but two sisters, residing
in Washington County, la.
Having no domestic ties or living embodiments of responsibility to occupy his attention, he
has faithfully devoted himself to the service and interests of the State — in the development of its
resources, in the execution of justice, in the making of laws, and the administration of the State and
county government. He was elected Sheriff of Placer County in 1867 and served two years. In
187 1 he was elected State Senator from that county. As Railroad Commissioner, Sheriff, Senator,
State Prison Commissioner and Trustee of the State Library, he has faithfully performed his duties
and guarded the interests of the people of his county and State. In all these years he has won and
retained the confidence, esteem and love of the people of his own county, and commanded the respect
and high regard of the people of the whole State of California, for his own administrative ability,
the conscientious discharge of his duties, the determination of his character, which never falters in the
path of justice and right, and, like C/esar's wife, above the breath of suspicion in his unimpeachable
honesty and integrity. He long since should have been made Governor of the State. As President
of the Miners' Association of California and representing that branch of industry before the Legislature
of this State and the committees of the United States Senate and House of Representatives at
Washington, he exhibited the most marked ability, and his repeated unanimous re-election as
President of that Association attest the high regard of that organization and their confidence in
entrusting the care of the gold mining industry of California in his hands.
Broad-minded and liberal in his views, generous in his nature and liberal to a fault, true to
his immediate friends who are admitted to his confidence, genial and sociable, affable and courteous,
he holds them as with hooks of steel with unfaltering friendship and trust which will cling to him
until the end of life, and when he shall have gone over the river, his memory will be cherished by
all who have known and been brought into close intercourse with him for nearly fifty years of his
California life ; while his death, which in the course of nature before many years will take place, will
be a public calamity. As a Mason honored by all who have met him and enjoyed his society in
Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Consistory, he has proven himself to be an ornament to
the fraternity which he has so well served for more than forty years, and no distressed Brother
appealed to him in vain or went away empty handed ; while many a Mason's widow and orphan
children in their suffering, sorrow and bereavement, have received their full measure of sympathy and
shared the generous bounty received from his hands. The following is his Masonic record, of which
the loved Brother, Companion, Knight, Master, and Grand High Priest and Grand Commander Jacob
Hart Neff may well feel proud, and whom all have delighted to honor:
Blue Lodge Record.
Bro. Jacob Hart Neff was initiated an Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1855 in Wisconsin Hill Lodge, No. 74,
F. & A. M., at Wisconsin Hill, Placer County, Cal. Upon the Lodge surrendering its charter he
assisted in organizing and became a charter member of Ionic Lodge, No. 121, F. & A. M., in 1857,
at Iowa Hill, Placer County, Cal. He was elected Secretary of the same in 1858, Worshipful Master
in 1859-60-61, Senior Warden in 1864, and appointed Senior Deacon of the same in 1865. He
dimitted therefrom in 1868 and affiliated that year with Eureka Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., at
Auburn, Placer County, Cal., was elected Master the same year, and of which he is still a member.
Grand Lodge Record.
He was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of the M.\ W.\ Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California in 1875.
Royal Arch Record.
Comp. Jacob H. Neff was advanced to the Honorary Degree of Mark Master, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
and exalted to the august and sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1857 in Libanus Royal Arch
Chapter, No. 17, at Iowa Hill, Placer County, Cal. He was appointed Royal Arch Captain of the
same in 1858 and Captain of the Host in 1859. He was elected Secretary in 1860 and 1862, and
High Priest of the same In 1863-4-5-6. He withdrew therefrom in 1869, and assisted in organizing
Siloam Royal Arch Chapter, No. 37, at Colfax, Placer County, Cal. He was elected High Priest
thereof in 1869, 1870-1-2-5-6-7-8, 1880-1-3-4-5. He was appointed Grand Royal Arch Captain
of the M.\ E.\ Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of California in 1866, and Grand Captain
of the Host in 1867. He was elected Grand Scribe in 1868, Grand King in 1870, Deputy Grand
High Priest in 1871 and M.\ E.\ Grand High Priest in 1872.
Crypt1c Record.
Comp. Jacob H. Neff received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in 1866 in
Sacramento Council, No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, at Sacramento, Cal.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
Sir JACOB H. NEFF was created Knight of the Red Cross, Knight Templar and Knight of
Malta in 1866 in Nevada Commandery, No. 6, Knights Templar, at Nevada City, Cal. He was
elected Generalissimo in 1878 and Eminent Commander of the same in 1879, and of which he is still
a member. He was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar
of the State of California in 1880–6–7. He was appointed Grand Standard Bearer of the same in
1885, elected Senior Grand Warden in 1888, Grand Captain-General in 1889, Grand Generalissimo in
1890, Deputy Grand Commander in 1891 and Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar
of California in 1892.
ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE RECORD.
Ill... JAcob H. NEFF received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of
Freemasonry from the fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, December 29, 1882, by communication
from Ill... THOMAS H. CAswÉLL, 33°, Active Inspector-General for the State of California. He
affiliated with the Grand Consistory of California on January 10, 1883, and with Yerba Buena
Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at San Francisco, Cal., in 1885. He was elected Grand Chancellor
of the Grand Consistory of California on January 16, 1890, of which bodies he is still a member.
VETERAN RECORD.
He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast
on December 12, 1889, and a Life Member of the same on October 17, 1896.
SILAS MONTGOMERY BUCK, 33°.
He was born January 26, 1833, in Monson, Maine, of English ancestors

who landed in Massachusetts in 1632. His father was Josh UA BUCK, his
mother being LEVISA CARNEs, daughter of the first Universalist minister
in Maine. His grandfather BUCK served in the Revolutionary army.
Bro. BUCK was educated in the public schools, graduating from Waterville
High School in 1852. He was admitted to practice as an attorney at
law before the Supreme Court of Maine in 1856, and came to California
in February, 1856, residing in Tuolumne County three years, then
removing to Eureka, Humboldt County, where he now resides. In 1859
he was a member of the California Legislature. Bro. BUCK was married
in 1878, and has a daughter, LURLINE L. BUCK.
He was initiated, passed, and on March 27, 1854, raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason in Waterville Lodge, Maine, and was Senior
Warden in 1855. He dimitted and affiliated with George Washington

Lodge, No. 62, Chinese Camp, Tuolumne County, in 1856. He was Master in 1857 and 1858, and
dimitted and affiliated with Humboldt Lodge, No. 79, Eureka, Cal., in 1861, was Senior Warden in
1862, and is still a member. He received the Capitular degrees and was exalted to the sublime degree
of Royal Arch Mason, October 20, 1854, in Mount Moriah Chapter, Bangor, Maine; dimitted and
became a charter member of Humboldt Chapter, No. 52, Eureka, Cal., April 11, 1877, was Scribe in
1877-8, and is still a member. Was knighted in 1895 in Eureka Commandery, No. 35, Eureka, and is
still a member. Received the A. & A. S. Rite from the 40 to the 320 inclusive, December, 1871, at
Eureka, by communication from Bro. Edw1n A. Sherman, Dep. Insp.-Gen., and installed Ven. Master of
Myrtle Lodge of Perfection, No. 10. Elected Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, and coroneted
an Hon. Insp.-Gen of the 330 by Thomas H. Caswell, 330, Active Inspector-General for California,
Southern Jurisdiction, March 18, 1885, at San Francisco, Cal.
M.\W.\ BRO. NATHANIEL GREENE CURTIS, P. G. M.,
Was born February 8, 1826, on the banks of the beautiful

Neuse River, Waite County, North Carolina. When a young
man, before attaining his majority, he removed to Memphis,
Tenn., from which place he emigrated to California, arriving in
San Francisco and Sacramento in May, 1850, and in both of
these cities he practiced his profession of attorney and counsellor
at law, which he continued almost to the end of his life. In
1853-4-5-6 he was elected to and filled the office of Recorder
or Police Judge of Sacramento City. In June, 1860, he was
appointed by Gov. and Bro. John G. Downey Major-General
commanding the Fourth Division of the National Guard of the
State of California, and by his wisdom, good judgment and
discretion he rendered most valuable and important patriotic
service in preventing local hostilities from breaking out in his
section of California during the War of the Rebellion and in
maintaining peace. It was during this exciting period that he
was elected and served as Assemblyman from Sacramento County
in the State Legislature during the twelfth session in 1 86 1. He was then elected and re-elected
State Senator from Sacramento County, and served in the seventeenth session of 1867-8, the
eighteenth session in 1869-70, and in the twenty-second session of 1877-8, until the new constitution
was adopted, when he declined further election and service. He continued in the practice of his
profession in the law and acquired a competency, which rendered his contemplated retirement a matter
of choice and his own volition.
Mason1c Record.
The following is his Masonic record, and is without a parallel in Masonic history. He was
initiated an Entered Apprentice, February 17, 1846, in South Memphis Lodge, No. 11 8, at South
Memphis, Tenn. The record of this Lodge states: "On February 17, 1846, the degree of Entered
Apprentice was conferred for the first time in the young Lodge, the candidates being NATHANIEL
GREENE CURTIs and JoHN PATTEN, the East being filled by JAMES PENN, P. G. M. of Alabama. Bro.
CURTIs was the first Fellow Craft passed and also the first Master Mason raised in the Lodge
(March 23 and April 8, 1846, respectively) and proved excellent material, being honored with the
office of Worshipful Master at the first election held under the charter, held in Hightown Hall,
December 11, 1846. Bro. CURTIs rendered the Order faithful service here until he removed to
California." He served as Worshipful Master of this Lodge in 1847–8–9, and dimitted therefrom
March 8, 1850.
[NotE.—He was initiated when but twenty years and nine days of age, and elected Worshipful
Master of that Lodge one month and nineteen days before he was twenty-one years old, having been
the youngest Master of a Masonic Lodge on record.]
Bro. CURTIs affiliated with Washington Lodge, U. D., February 21, 1852, and was appointed
Worshipful Master of the same under the charter as Washington Lodge, No. 20, at Sacramento, Cal.,
May 5, 1852, and was elected and re-elected Worshipful Master of the same in December, 1852–3,
and remained a member of it until the end of life, a period of forty-five years, four months and
twenty-one days.
He was elected R. W. . Deputy Grand Master, May 8, 1854, and M.'. W. Grand Master of
Masons of California in 1857–8–9–60, and laid the corner-stone of the State Capitol at Sacramento,
that of the Masonic Temple at San Francisco, and many others during his long service of four
consecutive terms as Grand Master. He continuously served as Chairman of the Committee of
Jurisprudence in the Grand Lodge of California, and he with the late Past Grand Master WILLIAM
CALDwELL BELCHER, were the two great pillars and the two tables of stone containing the Masonic
law and the code of this Grand Jurisdiction. He was also the Grand Representative of the Grand
Lodge of the District of Columbia near the Grand Lodge of California.
Brother CURTIs was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1848 in Memphis Chapter, at
Memphis, Tenn., and dimitted in 1849, and became a charter member of Sacramento Chapter, No. 3,
at Sacramento, Cal., July 28, 1854, and of which he was a member until the end of life. He received
the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in Sacramento Council, No. 1, at Sacramento, and was a
member when he died; received the Order of the Red Cross, July 7, 1853, and Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta, June 21, 1854, in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, at Sacramento, Cal., of
which he remained a member until death.
He was one of the founders of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, on
December 27, 1878, and was a life member.
He died at his residence in Sacramento on July 12, 1897, aged 71 years, 5 months and 4 days,
mourned by his family and the entire State. The Grand Lodge of California conducted the funeral
ceremonies, escorted by Sacramento Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 2, Sacramento Royal
Arch Chapter, and followed by Washington Lodge, No. 20, and all the Craftsmen resident and
sojourning at the capital of the State. His remains were deposited with the solemn formalities of
the Craft in the City Cemetery of the city of Sacramento, where he had resided over forty-seven
years, or nearly half a century.
Washington Lodge, No. 20, stands to the front with its glorious record of the past, and is
second to none on the roll of the Grand Lodge of California, while the name of NATHANIEL GREENE
CURTIs will shine in letters of gold high up on the scroll in our Masonic Pantheon.
JOHN HANCOCK GIHON,

FIRST GRAND SECRETARY OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA.
[We are indebted to his son, Commodore and Bro. ALBERT L. GIHON, Medical Director of
the United States Navy (retired), President of the Military Surgeons of the United States, for
the picture and a portion of this biographical sketch of his father, our late Bro. JoHN HANCOCK
GIHON.]
“He was born April 21, 1811, in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. Early in his career he taught
school at Milford near Hightstown, N. J. He was a graduate in medicine but never practiced his
profession. He took his degree of M. D. at the Philadelphia College of Medicine and Surgery some
time in the forties. After that he established an extensive printing office at the northeast corner of
Sixth and Chestnut streets, Philadelphia, and was there when he was seized with the California fever
and shipped his entire plant I believe on the Gray Æagle, to go around the Horn, in January, 1849,
and he following upon another vessel. When he arrived he found the remains of his plant scattered
over the beach. He pitched his tent where the Marine Hospital (Sailors' Home) now stands. He
was a personal friend of Col. JoHN W. GEARY, the last Alcalde of Yerba Buena, the first Mayor and
afterward Postmaster of San Francisco, and was associated with him. Afterward my father was
proprietor and editor of the Evening Picayune. He was one of the three authors of ‘The Annals
of San Francisco, which he edited with JoHN WRIGHT and FRANK SouLE. I believe my father
received his degrees in Masonry in the Eastern Star Lodge in Philadelphia. I am only an humble
blue ribbon member of the fraternity, having received my degrees during the War of the Rebellion in
the 7olerantia Quarta Lodge of Lisbon, Portugal. An American Lodge was about being organized
in Lisbon, of which I was to have been made Worthy Master when the capture of the Alabama
carried me off without a letter of dimit. The Lodge has since gone out of existence, so that I am
left in the position of an unfrocked priest.
“My father's venture in the publishing of ‘The Annals of San Francisco never paid its cost.
He sank a fortune at Gold Bluff. He opened an extravagant bookstore under the Masonic Hall
in San Francisco, etc. You are probably familiar with his California experience. Like other
forty-niners, he made money and lost it. During the war he was in Louisiana and died there, the
fact not reaching us until long after, and then with no positive information as to date or place."
MASONIC RECORD.
R.'. W. Bro. JoHN HANCOCK GIHON was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Eastern Star Lodge,
No. 186, F. & A. M., at Philadelphia, Pa. He was subsequently appointed to various subordinate
offices, elected Junior and Senior Warden and Worshipful Master of the same in turn, and was a
Past Master of that Lodge when he left for California in January, 1849. He dimitted therefrom and
visited California Lodge at San Francisco at its third meeting held on December 20, 1849, and at the
same time petitioned to affiliate. He was elected a member on December 27th, one week afterward,
and at the meeting held on the following evening, December 28, 1849, he was elected Secretary
of California Lodge, which he held until December 27, 1850, when he declined re-election on account
of soon leaving the State. He was one of the three representatives of California Lodge to the
convention which met at Sacramento on April 17, 1850, to organize the Grand Lodge of California,
and at its organization two days afterward, on April 19, 1850, he was elected Grand Secretary for
the Masonic year ending May 8, 1851. Having on April 15, 1851, sent a communication to the
Grand Lodge that he was about leaving to return to Philadelphia and that it would be necessary to
elect some one else in his place, R.'. W. Bro. LEVI STowFLI, Grand Treasurer, was elected Grand
Secretary to succeed him.
Bro. GIHON was a most faithful officer, a true and tried Mason of the old school, whose square,
level and plumb were accurate, and while he could wield the gavel as the Master of a Lodge should,
he preferred to use the pen, while his trowel was ever active in spreading the cement of Brotherly
love and affection, and there was no one more liberal to dispense Masonic charity than he. Honored
and respected while upon the soil of California, the Grand Lodge and California Lodge deeply
regretted his departure, for he was ever active in the discharge of his duties, of the strictest integrity
of character and loved for his fraternal good-fellowship. We who knew him here, among the old
pioneers, lament his demise, far away from his home and his last resting-place unknown. The Craft
of the Golden State of California fully sympathize with his son and our Brother, Com. ALBERT H.
GIHON, Medical Director of the United States Navy, and return our sincere thanks to him for sending
us his likeness, that the fraternity may view the semblance of the first Secretary of California Lodge,
No. 1, and the first R.'. W.'. Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of California.
BRO. CHARLES EGBERT DELONG,
UNITED STATES MINISTER To JAPAN, 1869–1873,

*
#AS born at Beckmansville, Duchess County, N. Y., August 13, 1832. He came overland to
§ California, arriving June 5, 1850, settling in Yuba County. He was raised a farmer, and it was
* his father's wish that he should become a farmer, but the exciting reports from the Pacific Coast
were sufficient to persuade him away from his family homestead. He was no stranger to manual
exertion, he had been taught the true nobility of labor and his childish form was daily seen bending
in arduous toil, and after being engaged in a variety of occupations, in 1856 he turned his attention
to the practice of law, and was admitted to the bar as attorney and counsellor at law in the District
Court, Tenth Judicial District, Yuba County, Cal., September 14, 1857. He was elected to the State
Legislature in the fall of 1857, re-elected in 1858, and was elected to the State Senate 1860–2.
About 1863 he removed to Virginia City, Nev., and became a leader in his profession. He
was one of the Presidential Electors from the State of Nevada in the first election of President
GRANT, and was selected by his associates as messenger to carry the vote of that State to
Washington. In 1869 President GRANT appointed Mr. DELONG Minister to Japan, and he departed
on his mission, accompanied by his family, in September, 1869.
In 1862 Mr. DELONG was married to ELIDA FIELD VINEYARD, daughter of Col. J. R.
VINEYARD, Senator from Los Angeles. After his return from Japan in 1873 he resumed the practice
of law in Virginia City, where he died October 26, 1876. His body was laid to rest in Marysville,
Cal., the scene of his early labors and triumphs. His friends were legion, and he left a bright and
glorious memory of a truly noble life.
Mason1c H1story.
His Masonic history, so far as the records of his mother bodies show, is as follows: Entered
Apprentice, June 19, 1860; Fellow Craft, July 10, 1860; Master Mason, August 8, 1860, in Corinthian
Lodge, No. 69, Marysville; dimitted June 6, 1865, and' affiliated
with Virginia Lodge, No. 3, at Virginia City, Nevada.
Mark Master, September 28, 1860; Past Master, October
26, 1860; Most Excellent Master, November 16, 1860; Royal
Arch Mason, November 23, 1860, in Washington Royal Arch
Chapter, No. 13, Marysville, Cal. ; dimitted May 26, 1865, and
affiliated with Chapter, No. 2, at Virginia City.
Greeted a Royal and Select Master in Marysville Council,
No. 3, Royal and Select Masters, November 8, 1862 ; dimitted
June 5, 1865.
Created a Knight of the Illustrious Order of the Knights of
the Red Cross, January 26, 1861, and a Knight Templar January
28, 1 86 1, in Marysville Commandery, No. 7, Marysville; honorably
dismissed June 12, 1865, and affiliated with De Witt Commandery,
- No. 1, at Virginia City.
While Bro. DeLong was the United States Minister in Japan
he obtained and sent to the Masonic fraternity in Marysville, Cal.,
several very valuable historic mementoes, and upon his return he
presented to the Brethren the consular flag which was carried with his embassy during their
travels in the interior of Japan, it being the first foreign flag that was ever carried through that
country. A full coat of mail used in the wars of that country over seven hundred years ago, was
among the valuable gifts, and some brazen candlesticks, the uses and presentation of which are
mentioned in his letter, a copy of which is here given, as follows :
U. S. Legat1on, Yokohama, Japan, June 22, 187 1.
My dear Sir— On the 27th of last month at the City of Yeddo I participated in organizing
and installing the first officers of Niphon Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 1344, under the British
Constitution. This event I considered as being one of more than ordinary interest Masonically, as it
marks an interesting step in the progress of our Craft, and thus establishing in one of the greatest
strongholds of idolatry one of our working Lodges. I n the room my attention was called to the
candlesticks which had in some way been secured from the altar of a Buddhist Temple. The idea
occurred to me that inasmuch as they had served to light up the temple of idolaters, and finally to
serve the noble purpose of lighting up our first Lodge room in Yeddo, that they would be regarded
with some interest by the Craft at home. Expressing a desire to have them, the Brethren consented
to allow me to take them upon my presenting them with another, although a different kind of a set.
I beg leave through you to present them to the Masonic fraternity of Marysville as objects of
interest, although not of value, and I hope they will be accepted as a memento from one who looks
back with much love to the spot where he was permitted for the first time to see "Light."
I remain, very truly yours,
C. E. DeLONG.
Col. N. E. W1htes1des, Marysville, Yuba County, Cal.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALFORNIA. 27
R. W. CHARLES LEWIS PATTON, 33°,
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN OF THE M. . W. . GRAND LODGE OF F. & A. M. OF CALIFORNIA.

ić I' 1847 a party of emigrants was made up in Missouri to come to California, and among
| -
|| # them was a gentleman from Philadelphia whose name was CHARLEs PATTON, who crossed
* the plains with them and bore the common hardships and shared the duties and responsibilities
of guarding the train at night and helping his fellow travelers through to the end of their long
overland journey. He finally settled in Sonoma County, Cal., where we met him in the early fifties,
and he made his home in Petaluma, or the valley of perfumes (petal and uma, the petal and the
distilled odor or incense from the very centers or hearts of the flowers), the name being thus given
on account of the valley as it was then in Nature covered with sweet, odorous flowers in profusion,
which when trampled upon by horses gave forth a fine perfume. Petaluma is not to be confounded
with Petaloma, which is the name of the hill lying on the east side of the valley on the old trail
or road to Sonoma. That is also a compound word, composed of two-petalo, a picket, and
Woma, a hill; or in English, picket-hill. On that hill Gen. M. G. VALLEjo, when in command of
that military district under Mexican rule, established an outpost for mounted pickets of the Mexican
Army. There was an adobe building and sheds for a cavalry outpost, and thus the hill became
known as Petaloma.
In what is now the city of Petaluma Bro. CHARLEs PATTON located his residence, and became
a member of Petaluma Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., at that place. Adopting the language of King
DAVID, the father of King SOLOMON, our first Grand Master, in writing of R. . W. Bro. CHARLEs
LEWIS PATTON, “The LORD shall count when he writeth up the people that this man was born
there,” and we will add further that he attended the public schools there and at San Francisco until
1870, when he left and went to Philadelphia, where he was educated in the higher branches, and in
1885 he returned again to California. He was admitted to the bar in 1887, and for ten years he
has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law. Genial in disposition, tenacious in
his friendships, unwavering in purpose, and when once taking up a matter he will never let go until
he has made a perfect analysis and arrived at a satisfactory solution of the subject. He is an
all-around man and a man all-around among men, commanding their respect and esteem in all the
walks of life, while there is not the least trace of effeminacy in his whole character. He is a man
in length, breadth and thickness, and not only square but a solid cube, upon which confidence may
safely build. Such is Bro. CHARLEs LEwis PATTON, Petaluma's Native Son of the Golden West.
BLUE LODGE RECORD.
Bro. PATTON was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on March Ioth, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft March 17th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 24, 1887, in
California Lodge, No. 1, in San Francisco, Cal. He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon
of the same in 1891, and elected and served as Junior Warden in 1892, Senior Warden in 1893,
and Worshipful Master of the same in 1894, and of which he is a Life Member.
GRAND LODGE RECORD.
He was elected and installed Junior Grand Warden of the M.'. W. . Grand Lodge of the
State of California, October 17, 1896, which office he is now filling, and if there is annual rotation
in office by regular promotion, he will be Senior Grand Warden in 1898, Deputy Grand Master
in 1899, and Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of California in 1900, and California
Lodge, No. 1, will for the third time in fifty years have the Grand Master, commencing with M. .
W. JoNATHAN D. STEvENsoN in 1850–1, M. W.'. MoRRIs M. ESTEE in 1888–9, and close the half
century of the Grand Lodge at the time of its Jubilee on April 19, 1900, if Bro. PATTON survives,
as we most earnestly hope he will.
RoyAL ARCH RECORD.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, June 21st, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master,
September 27th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, October 4, 1887, in
California Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., at San Francisco. He was elected and served as Captain of
the Host in 1888, King in 1889, and E. . High Priest of the same in 1890, of which he is still a
member. He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master, October 5, 1887, in California Council,
No. 2, R. & S. M., at San Francisco, and of which he is still a member.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
He was created and constituted a Knight of the Red Cross, November 21st, a Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta, November 28, 1887, in Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, K. T., in San
Francisco, and of which he is still a member. Was installed Captain-General on December 15,
1895, and Generalissimo on May 17, 1897, which office he still holds.
Bro. PATTON received the degrees and held office in the various bodies of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as follows: The fourteenth degree October 26, 1888, in Yerba
Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at San Francisco; the eighteenth degree December 14, 1888, in
Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 4, Rose Croix, at the same place; the thirtieth degree December 27,
1888, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1, at the same place, of which he was elected
and served as Eminent Commander in 1891–2–3–4–5–6-7, and is now filling said office; thirty-first
and thirty-second, January 10, 1889, in the Grand Consistory of California at San Francisco, of
which he was elected and served as Grand Preceptor in 1892, Grand Prior in 1893, and Venerable
Grand Master in 1894, and continued to be a member until June 30, 1897, when it ceased to exist
by reason of the surrender of its charter, to form a Particular Consistory.
He was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, October 19, 1892, and having
been elected at the Biennial Session of the Supreme Council of the thirty-third degree of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, on October 17, 1893,
he was coroneted an Honorary Inspector-General, 33°, at San Francisco on March 4, 1894.
He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Islam Temple of San Francisco, February
8, 1888, and was Potentate of the same in 1895 and 1896.
VETERAN RECORD.
He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast, December 27, 1893, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
Mason1c W1dows' and Orphans' Home.
As President of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home, that grand charitable object of
the entire Craft throughout the Golden State could not be entrusted in better hands, and to the
completion of which it will receive his unsparing attention and full fraternal devotion. The death of
his colleague, our late Bro. Charles F. Crocker, has materially interfered with its early completion, as
was contemplated ; but nevertheless it will be proceeded with, under the direction of the Board of
Trustees, composed of the representative members and officers of the Order, and will be dedicated
during the coming year. If Bro. Patton will only step down from the pedestal which he has
occupied for nearly a year past as the Pillar of Beauty and go to the paymaster's station in the
West and see that none go away dissatisfied, he may have the opportunity to go to the East, and
at the Grand Jubilee of the semi-centennial anniversary of the Grand Lodge, on April 19, 1900,
have the pleasure of calling the Craft of the State together to lay the corner-stone of an additional
building to be used exclusively as a home for aged and indigent Masons.
So mote it be! Carolus IV. Finis opus coronat.
V.\ W.\ ALEXANDER GURDON ABELL, 33°,
Grand Secretary of the M.\ W.\ Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of the State of Cal1forn1a.
E was born in the City of New York, June 29, 18 18. His residence was San Francisco, Cal.,
and occupation Grand Secretary of the M.\ W. \ Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of California.
He arrived in San Francisco, November 6, 1847. In 1826 he was sent to school in New
Haven and afterward removed with his parents to Michigan. In 1841 he was serving as a clerk in
the State Department of the United States Government at Washington, and in 1844 he was appointed
by President Tyler United States Consul to Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. He came to California,
November 6, 1847, where he remained a short time, and then returned to Honolulu, and closing
up his business there, returned again to California, where he resided the remainder of his life. He
was elected President of the Society of California Pioneers, July 7, 1857-8-9 and 1860, serving four
consecutive years, and was a life member thereof. Twice he was elected Grand Marshal of the
Fourth of July procession in San Francisco. He was Commissioner of Emigration from 1872 to 1879,
and in political life Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee for the years above mentioned.
By dispensation of the Grand Master of the District of Columbia he was initiated Entered
Apprentice, passed Fellow Craft and on May 11, 1852, raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
in Federal Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M., at Washington City, D. C. He dimitted and affiliated with
California Lodge, No. 1, at San Francisco, Cal., January 5, 1853, served as Senior Warden in 1854
and Master in 1855-6-7, and was a life member. He was appointed V.\ W.\ Grand Secretary of
the M.\ W.\ Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of the State of California, May 19, 1855, vice Lev1
Stowell, deceased. He was elected V.\ W.\ Grand Secretary in 1855 and continuously to and
including 1890, having held that office thirty-five years, seven months and nine days. As representative
from Grand Lodges, Grand Orients and Supreme Councils to the Grand Lodge of California he
held appointment from the following Grand Bodies : Grand Lodges of District of Columbia, Florida,
3° FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Federal District of Mexico, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New
Jersey, New York, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Spain, Tennessee and Washington ; Supreme Councils and
Grand Orients of Argentine Republic, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Colon and Island of Cuba, Egypt,
Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal and Venezuela.
By dispensation of the M.\ E.\ Grand High Priest, he received the degrees of Mark, Past
and Most Excellent Master, and was exalted a Royal Arch Mason on May 16, 1852, in Columbia
Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M., at Washington, D. C. He dimitted and affiliated with San Francisco
Chapter, No. 1, at San Francisco, Cal., December 5, 1852; then dimitted and affiliated with California
Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco, October 7, 1855, of which he was elected King in 1857 and
High Priest in 1860. He was elected Deputy Grand High Priest in 1875 and Grand High Priest
in 1876 of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of R. A. M. of the State of California. He received the
degrees of Royal and Select Masters in Columbia Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M., at Washington City,
D. C, in May, 1852. He was healed in California Council, No. 2, R. & S. M., at San Francisco,
Cal., March 3, 1860, of which he was a life member. He was knighted Red Cross and Knight
Templar in Washington Encampment, No. 1, at Washington City, D. C. ; was honorably dismissed
and became a charter member of San Francisco Encampment, No. 1 (now California Commandery,
No. 1), at San Francisco, December 22, 1852. He was appointed Recorder of the same, U. D.,
December 26, 1852; elected Treasurer, April 6, 1855; Captain- General, March 6, 1857; Eminent
Commander, March 5, 1858, and re-elected in 1859, 1860-1-2-3-4 and 1871, serving eight years.
He was elected Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar for the State
of California in 1858-9-60, Grand Treasurer in 1875-6-7-8-9, and M.\ E. \ Grand Commander
thereof in 186 1. He received the degrees of the A. & A. S. Rite from the fourth to the thirty-second,
inclusive, and was elected an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction
of the United States at Charleston, S. C, in 1866. In 1867 he was appointed Deputy Inspector-
General for the State of California and became a charter member of California Lodge of Perfection,
No. 1 (now extinct); also a charter member of the Grand Consistory (32°) of California, October 12,
1870, and subsequently affiliated with Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 6 (140), Yerba Buena
Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 4 (18°) and Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1 (30°), at
San Francisco, Cal., of which he remained a member.
Bro. Abell was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast, December 11, 1879, for his long and eminent services rendered to Freemasonry. He
was the founder and the President from the beginning of the Masonic Temple Association of San
Francisco, which he carried forward to a successful completion, and managed its affairs which were
crowned with prosperity. "If you desire to behold his monument, look around." In the Temple
itself, in its library of nearly forty years of Grand Lodge proceedings, Grand Chapter, Grand Council,
Grand Commandery, Grand Consistory, it requires so large a building to hold his record, his picture
gallery, and the Pantheon of the fraternity. Not less than 225 Lodges have received dispensations
and charters bearing his well-known signature as Grand Secretary, besides innumerable Grand
Lodge diplomas, Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery charters and certificates. He was a Warw1ck
and a B1smarck in all of these Grand Bodies, soft and smooth as velvet, affable, pleasant, kind and
courteous as a Brother and a Frater ; but if the hand was pressed too hard and beyond what it should
be, a gauntlet of steel would be found beneath to close on the grasp that would force the truth into
the face of the presumptuous and impertinent, and he would be read like a handbill and then cast
aside accordingly, when he read the evil motive of the person.
Bro. Abell died on December 26, 1890, and his funeral took place on New-Year's Day of
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 3I
1891, in which the entire fraternity in all of its divisions participated, and we acted as the Junior
Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge, which conducted the funeral services. While upon his dying
bed we were appointed as the messenger to bear to him the announcement that he had been elected
for the thirty-sixth time the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California, which was pleasurable
and satisfactory news for him to hear, and we bore back his thanks to the Brethren of the Grand
Lodge in return.
No few unwreathed scattered leaves doth give him renown,

But the whole embowered crest of Laurel Hill shall form his crown.
JOHN MILLS BROWNE, 33°, P. G. M.
#E was one of the brightest ornaments as well as one of the most efficient and capable of
3)) any of the chief Craftsmen that ever filled the Grand Oriental Chair—modest, affable, urbane,
* and yet possessing a natural and easy dignity befitting the character of one of the
kindest-hearted and most polished gentlemen of the age. Always having a genial smile upon his
face, and a strong friendly grasp of the hand, he won
his way to every Brother's heart at once, and a friendship
was formed that lasted through life. He governed with such
kindness that no one ever entertained a thought of doubt
or questioned any ruling that he might make. He lived
truly up to his motto, “Life is worth living when lived
worthily," and it became his epitaph upon his granite
monument where he sleeps, in the National Cemetery at
Arlington Heights, overlooking the beautiful Potomac River
and the Capitol at the city of Washington, D. C.
He was born in the town of Hillsdale, Cheshire
County, N. H., May 10, 1831. He graduated at the
Medical Department, Harvard University March, 1852. He
was appointed from the State of New Hampshire as Assistant
Surgeon in the United States Navy, March 26, 1853, and
arrived at San Francisco, in September, 1854. His first
duty was performed on board the United States Storeship
Warren, which was then lying at Sausalito; from thence as First Medical Officer at the Navy
Yard, Mare Island, Cal., in 1855; Passed Assistant Surgeon, May 12, 1858, and commissioned as
Surgeon, June 19, 1861. He served as Surgeon on board of the famous Aearsange during the
engagement with the Confederate Privateer Alabama, June 19, 1864, and wrote the most graphic
account of that naval duel that has ever appeared. He was commissioned as Medical Inspector on
December 1, 1871, as Medical Director, October 6, 1878, from which he was promoted to the highest
medical rank in the United States Navy as Surgeon-General, from which he was retired at the age
of sixty-two, with the rank of Commodore.
32 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
BLUE LODGE RECORD.
He was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1852, in
Philesian Lodge, No. 40, at Winchester, Cheshire County, N. H. He dimitted and affiliated with
Maval Lodge, No. 87, at Vallejo, Cal., September 20, 1866. He was elected Worshipful Master of
the same in December, 1870, and continued a member of that Lodge until his death, a period of
over twenty-eight years.
GRAND LODGE RECORD.
He was appointed Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of California in October, 1871; elected
Junior Grand Warden in October, 1872, Senior Grand Warden in October, 1873, Deputy Grand
Master in October, 1874, and Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in California in October,
1875, 1876, 1877 and 1878, serving in these highest Grand Offices a period of eight years, with
honor and pleasure to himself and to the delighted satisfaction and profit of the Craft.
ROYAL ARCH RECORD.
He received the degrees of Mark, Past and Most Excellent Masters, and on November 25,
1866, was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Benicia Royal Arch Chapter, No.
7, at Benicia, Cal. He dimitted from the same December 10, 1867, and affiliated with Naval
Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M., at Vallejo, Cal. He was elected King of the same May 20, 1868, and
High Priest of the same in 1869.
He was elected Grand King in 1874-6, Deputy Grand High . Priest in 1877, and Most
Excellent Grand High Priest of the M. E.'. Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California
in 1878.
CRYPTIC RECORD.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, September 2, 1871, in California
Council, No. 2, R. & S. M., at San Francisco, Cal.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
He was knighted Red Cross, and on December 27, 1867, Knight Templar and Knight of
Malta in California Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, at San Francisco, of which he continued
a member during life.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, from
the fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, in 1869, by communication from the late E. H. SHAw, 33°,
Active Inspector-General for the State of California. He was elected and served as Venerable Master
of Naval Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, at Vallejo, Cal., in 1870–1–2–3–4–6–7; charter member and First
Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Grand Consistory of California, constituted October 12, 1870,
and served the first term ending January 15, 1874, when he was elected Very Illustrious Grand
Commander-in-Chief for the term ending January, 1877, and served as such to the end of the term.
Brother BROWNE was elected and received the thirty-third degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector
General from ALBERT PIKE, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council for the
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, on July 26, 1876, at San Francisco. He was elected
Active Member, October 20, 1880, for the District of Columbia; elected Treasurer-General of the
Supreme Council, October 20, 1886.
December 11, 1879, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
He died at Washington, D. C., December 6, 1894, by a stroke of paralysis, aged 63 years
and 7 months. The photograph from which the half-tone picture of W. Bro. JoHN MILLs BRowN1,
33°, is here given, was presented to us by his wife at Washington in September, 1895, just after
visiting his grave at Arlington Heights. She is the daughter of FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, the author of
our National song, “The Star Spangled Banner"—a lady worthy of such a father and of such a
noble husband as they both were, the honor and pride of their country, “the land of the free and
the home of the brave."
R. W., THOMAS FLINT. J.R., DEPUTY GRAND MASTER,
() AS born May 29, 1858, in San Juan, San Benito County,
©* farming.
§ Cal. His residence is at San Juan, and his occupation
His education was partly received in the
public schools. On January 1, 1875, he entered Golden Gate
Academy at Oakland, Cal., from which he graduated May 29,
1876. He entered Dartmouth College at Hanover, N. H., in
August, 1876, from which he graduated June 24, 1880, and in
1883 he had conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts
by that college. He is a member of Fremont Parlor, No. 44,
Native Sons of the Golden West, of which he was the Grand
President in 1892-3. He was elected State Senator from his
district in 1889, re-elected to serve until 1901, and was President
pro tem. from 1895 to 1899, inclusive.
MASONIC RECORD.
Blue Lodge.—He was initiated March 12, passed March

19, 1881, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in
Texas Lodge, No. 46, at San Juan, Cal., of which his honored
father, W. Bro. THOMAS FLINT, SR., is the W. . Master. He was appointed and served as Senior
Warden in 1893-4, elected and served as W. . Master from 1884–92 inclusive, and is still a member.
Grand Lodge.—He was appointed Grand Sword Bearer in 1894, elected and served as Junior
Grand Warden in 1895, Senior Grand Warden in 1896, and Deputy Grand Master of the M. W.
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California in 1897.
Aoyal Arch.-He was marked October 19, 1881, passed and received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, November 2, 1881, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on
November 16, 1881, in 7 emple Chapter, No. 41, at Watsonville, Cal. He was elected and served
as High Priest of the same from 1883 to 1885, inclusive. He received the Order of High Priesthood,
April 8, 1884. He dimitted and became a charter member of Hollister Chapter, No. 68, at Hollister,
Cal., February 6, 1886; served as High Priest in 1886–7, and is still a member. He was appointed
Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of
California in 1889–97, and still holds that position.
Cryptic. — He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master, April 29, 1885, in California Council,
No. 2, Royal and Select Masters, at San Francisco, Cal., of which he is still a member.
Chivalric. — He was knighted Red Cross, September 27, 1882, and Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta, November 22, 1882, in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, San Jose, Cal. He was honorably
dismissed therefrom and became a charter member of Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, Knights
Templar, at Watsonville, Cal., January 13, 1883. He was elected Eminent Commander of the same
in 1889-90, 1895-97.
A. & A. S. Rite. — He received the degrees of the A. & A. S. Rite of Freemasonry from
the fourth to the thirty -second, inclusive, by communication, August 7, 1895, from Ill.\ Thomas H.
Caswe1.l, 33", Grand Commander of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United
States. He affiliated with Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at San Francisco, Cal., February
7, 1896, and the Grand Consistory of California, January 13, 1897.
Veteran. — He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast, July 7, 1896, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry, and on the fiftieth
anniversary of the taking possession of California and raising the American flag at Monterey on July
7, 1846.
HON. CHARLES NELSON FOX
Was born March 9, 1829, in Redford Township, Wayne County,

Mich. His father, Benjam1n F. Fox, was born in Whitesboro,
Oneida Co., N. Y., April 3, 1805. His mother, Betsy Crane,
a native of Mentz, Cayuga Co., N. Y., was born July 12, 1807.
He descended from English stock on both sides, and during the
American Revolution his grandparents were active patriots. When
sixteen years of age his parents removed to Washtenaw Co., Mich.
He went from there to Ann Arbor University, but ill health
prevented his entering. He then served an apprenticeship in the
Michigan Argus office, and on attaining his majority was competent
to take charge of a printing office or edit a newspaper. He soon
turned his attention to the law, in the office of Judge Morgan,
Ann Arbor, Mich., being admitted to the bar in 1852, where he
met with success. In 1856 he removed to Redwood City, San
Mateo Co., Cal., where he resumed practice, at the same time
opening an office in San Francisco, where his legal acumen and
forensic ability were soon recognized, and he took rank with the foremost pleaders at the bar of this
State. He was District Attorney of San Mateo County for four years and Town Trustee of Redwood
City two years. He removed to Oakland, where he took a prominent place in public affairs, serving
four years in the Board of Education, of which he was President two years. He was Chairman of the
Republican State Convention in 1876, and nominated for Presidential Elector but was defeated
with his ticket. He represented Alameda County in the Legislature of 1880, and was Chairman of
the Judiciary and a member of several other important committees. July, 1888, he was appointed by
the Governor to the high position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California, which
office he filled with marked honor and ability.
In 1864-66 he was senior member of the firm of Charles N. & George W. Fox, with offices
at San Francisco and Redwood City ; subsequently of the law firm of Campbell, Fox & Campbell,
composed of Alexander Campbell, Chas. N. Fox and H. C. Campbell; then of Fox & Kellogg;
then of Fox, Kellogg & Gray. The firm now is Fox & Gray, with a large and successful practice.
Blue Lodge Record. — Bro. Charles Nelson Fox was initiated an Entered Apprentice on July
12, 1864; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, January 20, 1865, and raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason, January 24, 1865, in San Mateo Lodge, No. 168, F. & A. M., at
Redwood City, San Mateo County, Cal. He dimitted therefrom April 21, 1877, and affiliated with
Oakland Lodge, No. 188, at Oakland, Cal., of which he is still a member.
Capitular Record. —Comp. Charles Nelson Fox was advanced to the Honorary Degree of
Mark Master February 9th, regularly inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master
February 16th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master February 23d, and exalted to
the August and Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Mason March 2d, all in the year of 1 881, in Alameda
Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., at Oakland, Cal. He was elected Scribe in 1883, elected King in 1884
and re-elected King in 1885 and 1886, and elected High Priest of the same in 1887. In 1887
Alameda Chapter, No. 36, consolidated with Oakland Chapter, No. 26, and is now Oakland Chapter,
No. 36, of which he is still a member.
Chivalric Record. —Sir and prater Charles Nelson Fox was knighted Red Cross July 24,
1883, and Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, August 14, 1883, in Oakland Commandery, No.
11, Knights Templar, at Oakland, Cal.
Veteran Record. — He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association
of the Pacific Coast, October 11, 1888, for his eminent services rendered to this association in
pronouncing the eulogies in honor of the memories of the deceased members at its Grand Lodges
of Sorrow held in memoriam, and for his many long years of devotion and services in the cause
of charity and humanity.
M.\ W.\ BRO. JOHN ASHBY TUTT, P. G. M.
HIS distinguished pioneer Mason, whom we have known for a period of forty-eight years,
has been a man of more than ordinary character, whose public life has been so thoroughly
interwoven with the pioneer history of California that it is proper to give as much of it as
our allotted space will allow. He was born February 4, 18 15, in Fauquier County, Virginia, within
five miles of Manassas Gap, and within one -half mile of the birthplace of that distinguished jurist
John Marshall, who was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States for so many
years. Bro. Tutt emigrated with his father to the State of Missouri in the fall of 1835. He was
a farmer for several years, and in April, 1849, he started across the plains for California, arriving in
Sacramento August 5, 1849. For many years he was Constable and Deputy Sheriff of Sacramento
County, when we were County Surveyor of that county in 1855-6-7, and our offices were in the same
buildi ng. In 1854 he was the Bailiff of the Recorder's Court of Sacramento, presided over by our
late M.\ W.\ Bro. Nathan1el Greene Cur-tjs, P. G. M., when our Hon. Bro. E. H. Heacock,
who afterward became District Judge in San Luis Obispo County, was his Clerk.
Bro. Tutt was the first of a committee of a Lodge to examine us when desiring to visit a
Lodge in Sacramento in September, 1854, and we paid him a fraternal visit in December last at his
home in Madison, Yolo County, where we fou1ld him in good health, but only able to walk not to
exceed a hundred yards, on account of his weight in body as well as old age, he being then nearly
eighty-two years old. In his younger years he was a splendid specimen of manhood, being six feet
two inches in height, weighing then about one hundred and eighty pounds and straight as an arrow,
with rosy cheeks and clear complexion ; an honest, determined, yet pleasant face ; a penetrating eye ;
smiling to his friends and Brethren, dignified in bearing, and a look when about to make the arrest
of a violator of the law or a disturber of the peace which compelled a prompt submission without the
least resistance, and the individual whoever he might be that he went for was like Captain Scott's
coon, who said, "Spare your ammunition, Captain Scott; I will come right down without your
shooting, for I know you would get me anyhow." But to his Masonic record.
Blue Lodge.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in 1841, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1842, in Osceola Lodge, No. 61, in the town of
Osceola, St. Clair County, Mo. He dimitted from same and helped to form Landmark Lodge, U. D.,
at Warsaw, Benton County, Mo. He dimitted from the same and helped to form Tebo Lodge at
Clinton, Henry County, Mo. He dimitted and joined New Jersey Lodge, under dispensation from
the Grand Master of New Jersey, at Sacramento, December 4, 1849. He dimitted from same and
affiliated with Connecticut Lodge, No. 75, Sacramento, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut,
and of which he was elected Worshipful Master, January 8, 1850. The charter of the same
was surrendered and a new charter was granted to said Lodge under the name of Tehama Lodge,
No. 3, by the Grand Lodge of California upon its organization. He dimitted therefrom in 1863 and
assisted in the organization of Landmark Lodge, No. 253, when under dispensation in 1879, of which
he was appointed Secretary and continued in that office until December, 1884, when he declined
further service.
Grand Lodge Record.
During his Masonic service in the State of Missouri he was appointed R.\ W.\ District Deputy
Grand Master by M.\ W.\ J. W. S. M1tchell, Grand Master of that State. He was one of the
most active organizers of the Grand Lodge of California, having been the principal delegate from
Connecticut Lodge, No. 75, to the convention which organized the Grand Lodge of California and
was elected Deputy Grand Master. He presided over the Grand Lodge as acting Grand Master at
the first Annual Communication in May, 1850, and at the Semi-annual Communication, held on
November 26, 1850, at which time he was also chosen as Grand Lecturer. At the second Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge of California, held on May 6 to 9, 185 1, inclusive, he was
elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of California, which office he filled with honor and
credit to himself as well as to the entire body of the Craft.
on December 11, 1879, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
It is ardently hoped that our beloved M.\ W.\ Past Grand Master John Ash by Tutt may
be spared to us for years to come, he being the only survivor of the organizers of the Grand Lodge
of California, and we desire his presence at the celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the
organization of the Grand Lodge, to be held on April 19, 1900, the last year of the nineteenth century.
BRO FRANK WILLIAM SUMNER, 32°,

PAST GRAND COMMANDER OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF CALIFORNIA.
#RO. FRANK WM. SUMNER comes from the stanch old Puritan stock which settled the
| colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay early in the seventeenth century, and which
furnished some of the best fighting material in the French and Indian wars, the struggle for
Independence, the last war with England, the war in Mexico, and in the great civil conflict. The
soldier's blood runs in this family and its representatives have fought on almost every field where
the honor of the nation was to be sustained, many with more than credit and some with the highest
rank. One was well known in the early days of California–Major-General EDw1N Vose SUMNER—
and who achieved distinction during the Civil War at the head of a division and commanding an
Army Corps, winning his reputation by the greater qualities of a soldier, by hard fighting, and by the
characteristics of his race. At the bar or forum the family have attained fame. For years the
Senator, CHARLEs SUMNER, was dedicated to public service. He led in national councils, quickened the
patriotism of the people, and has left a name which the muse of history has taken in her keeping.
From the early settlement of Massachusetts Bay the SUMNERs have been distinguished for
learning, valor, and public services, and have maintained an honorable record of which all those who
bear this name may be proud. They have proved faithful to principle and reliable under all
circumstances, whether it was a conflict of political ideas or the sterner clash of arms in defense of
the nation's integrity. Of this race comes our Bro. FRANK WILLIAM SUMNER. He was born January
13, 1849, in the town of Dover, Maine. His father's name was WILLIAM BRINTNALL SUMNER of
Foxboro, Mass., and his mother's ELVIRA THOMPsoN of Plymouth, Mass. [We were well acquainted
with his father from the year 1862 until the day of his death in 1888.] His parents living in Maine
only a few years, returned to Massachusetts, where the boy was sent to the public schools and afterward
to the Foxboro Academy. The family came here in 1865 and in a trifle over a year the young
man graduated from the High School of this city. From that time to the present he has been
actively engaged in the hide and leather and tanning business, following the motto of the old Hudson
Bay Company, “/Pro pelle cutem," wherein he has been successful, and is well known and esteemed in
business circles. Bro. SUMNER holds the rank of Colonel and is on the roll as a retired officer in the
National Guard of California, having served on the general staff and also on the division staff as
Inspector of the State troops for nine years in the past.
Bro. FRANK WILLIAM SUMNER was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on January 6th, passed
as Fellow Craft on January 21st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on February 19,
1872, in Benicia Lodge, No. 5, at Benicia. He received the three degrees at that place owing to a
short sojourn in the town of Benicia, and on returning to San Francisco dimitted and affiliated with
/:acelsior Lodge, No. 166, of which he is still a member. He received the Chapter degrees in San
Prancisco Chapter, No. 1, being exalted to the sublime degree of the Royal Arch on March 31, 1873.
Afterward he dimitted from this Chapter and on December 1, 1874, affiliated with California Chapter,
No. 5, of which he is still a member. The degree of Royal and Select Master was conferred on
him on May 7, 1881, in California Council, No. 2, and in which body he retains membership.
Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, K. T., was organized in the early part of 1881, having in
view the Triennial Conclave of 1883, as it was imperative that there should be more than one
Commandery in this city and strong organizations of Templars, in order to extend the proper welcome
and courteous hospitalities to the visiting fratres. The Commandery held its first meeting under
dispensation on February 17, 1881, and on that evening received Bro. SUMNER's petition for the Orders
3» FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
of Knighthood. He was created a Companion of the Order of the Red Cross on March 31, 1881,
and knighted a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta on April 7, 1 88 1, the first creation of the new
Commandery. In 1882 he was elected Junior Warden; in 1883, the Conclave year, the military officer, or
Captain-General; in 1884, Generalissimo; and in 1885, the Eminent Commander. In 1882 he organized
the famous Drill Corps of Golden Gate, and held command of this remarkably well-drilled body of men
until he became Grand Commander in 1894. Naturally Bro. Sumner was promoted in the Grand
Commandery, holding most of the subordinate stations and becoming Grand Commander in 1894-5.
Bro. Sumner received the degrees of the Ancient and Aosqpted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
as follows: The fourth to the fourteenth, on April 2, 1875, in Yehâ Buena Lodge of Perfection,
No. 6; the fifteenth to the eighteenth, on December 1, 1882, in Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 4, Rose
Croix; the nineteenth to the thirtieth, on December 22, 1882, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council, No.
1, Kadosh ; the thirty-first to the thirty-second, on January 11, 1883, in the Grand Consistory of
California, of which bodies he is still a member.
It will be seen that Bro. Sumner's official services have been entirely devoted to the Templar
branch of Masonic labor, and this perhaps is most natural as his taste runs toward the military rather
than the ritualistic work of Masonry. But in his work he has achieved distinction and gained an
enviable reputation, not only in this jurisdiction but throughout the United States. He is known
not only as a skillful tactician but as an able commander of large bodies of men. Recently he has
published a book on Templar Masonry, "Tactics and Monitor for Knights of the Order of the
Temple." This is most elaborate, and covers all military, historical, and ritualistic topics which pertain
to the chivalric Orders. It shows indefatigable study and practical knowledge. In the schools of the
Sir Knight, the Commandery, the Battalion, and the Brigade, the mounted Sir Knight and the mounted
Commandery the modern army tactics have been admirably adapted to the Templar system. The forms
for all ceremonies, instructions to officers, and every topic relating to the Masonic Orders of Knighthood
are most complete and instructive, and the work is now a valuable addition to Masonic literature.
The Companion who desires to come up from the Royal Arch and Secret Vault, to lay down
the pick and the spade and take up the sword and shield to fight under the banner of the Cross will
find full and complete authority for his new obligation, teaching him to wield the sword for the
innocent, the defenseless, and the Christian Religion.
BRO. CHARLES EDWARD STREET
Was born April 17, 1852, in Sonora, Tuolumne Co., Cal., his father being
H. L. Street, a pioneer of 1849, appointed Postmaster by President L1ncoln,
May 1, 1863, which office he held twenty and a half years. Bro. Street was
educated in the public schools, is married, and has continuously resided at
his birthplace. At his father's death he was appointed Postmaster of Sonora,
serving until April 1, 1885. On that date he was appointed Deputy County
Assessor, which position he holds at the present time. He was City Assessor
of Sonora two terms, Manager of the Western Union Telegraph Office for
seventeen years, and Agent of Wells, Fargo & Co. four years.
Masonic Record. — Bro. Street was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason
on May 23d, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft June 12th, and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason June 23, 1 88 3, in Tuolumne Lodge, No. 8, Sonora. He was appointed and served as
Marshal in 1897. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided in
the Oriental Chair as Fast Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to
the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, in Sonora Chapter, No. 2. He was appointed and served as
Master of the 2d Vail in 1895. He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, Dec 7, 1894, in
Sonora Council, No. 5. He was elected and served as Recorder of the same in 1895-6-7. He was
constituted a Companion of the Ill.\ Order of the Red Cross, October 29, 1895, an<J knighted a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta, Nov. 5, 1895, m Pacific Commandery, No. 3, at Sonora. He was elected
vand served as Recorder in 1896-7. He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and a
charter member of Tuolumne Star Chapter, No. 123, O. K. S., and Secretary from organization to date.
BRO. ALFRED J. JOHNSTON.
T1hs well-known Native Son of the ( iolden West was born in

Nevada County, Cal., January 18, 1857, of American parentage,
his father being Dav1d Johnston. He received his education in
the public schools of Sacramento, of which city he is a resident,
after which he learned the business of printing, and is at present
senior member of the well-known printing house of D. Johnston
& Co., of Sacramento. He was married in Sacramento in 1884.
Bro. Johnston is a charter member of Sunset Parlor, No.
26, Native Sons of the Golden West, of Sacramento, in which
Order he has taken a prominent part. He is also a member of
the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and is prominently
identified with the growth and advancement of Sacramento City
as well as being interested in the material welfare of the State
at large. Bro. Johnston is engaged in active mining operations
in El Dorado County, and also in fruit and olive culture in the
same county, "Johnston's Olive Ranch," at Cool Postofhce being
one of the most attractive foot-hill ranches in the State. He is now in his second term as State Printer
of California, his popularity giving him a large majority in an unusually bitterly contested election.
Under his careful management the State Printing Office has become the model establishment of its kind
on the Pacific Coast, and no branch of the State government gives a better return to the people of
the State than this department, where the disbursements are among the ranks of deserving laboring
people, as impartially made by the head of the department. His Masonic record is as follows:
Blue Lodge Record. — He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on February 11th, passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft, March 4th, and raised to' the sublime degree of Master Mason on
May 20, 1895, in Tehama Eodge, No. 3, at Sacramento, Cal., of which he is still a member.
Royal Arch Record. — He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on September
2 1 st, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, September 24th, received and
acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, September 26th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal
Arch Mason, October 1, 1895, in Sacramento Chapter, No. 2, Sacramento, of which he is still a member.
Cryptic Record. — He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, October 28, 1895, m
Sacramento Council, No. 1, R. & S. M., Sacramento, of which he is still a member.
Chivalric Record.— We was knighted Red Cross on November 8th, and Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta, November 11, 1895, in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, K. T., Sacramento, of
which he is still a member.
Bro. Johnston is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. (). N. M. S.
BRO. ALONZO COLBY.
T1hs favored son of fortune was born November 3, 1840, in

Bucksport, Maine, of American parentage, being the son of
Gerrv and El1za Colby. He received his education in the
common schools of Maine, and came to California in 1858,
when eighteen years of age, proceeding immediately to the
mining districts. where for nearly forty years he has followed
the footsteps of the fickle Goddess Fortune. He has given
his attention chiefly to pocket mining, and has become somewhat
of a celebrity in that branch of industry as a successful "pocket
miner"; and in July, 1897, he took out of one pocket alone,
near his residence at Sonora, Tuolumne County, an amount of
gold valued at thirtv-two thousand dollars.
Brother Colby, although a deservedly popular and a well
known man in his district, has never taken unto himself a
life partner and enjoyed the pleasures of domestic felicity.
Blue Lodge Record. — Bro. Colby was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1868, in Tuolumne
Lodge, No. 8, at Sonora, Tuolumne County, Cal. He was appointed Steward in 18;;, elected and
served as Junior Warden in 1878-9, and again appointed and served as Steward of the same in 1896-7.
Royal Arch Record. — He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, Nov. 7, 1869,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, Nov. 13, 1869, received and acknowledged
a Most Excellent Master, Nov. 21, 1869, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason,
Nov. 22, 1869, in Sonora Chapter, No. 2, at Sonora. He was appointed and served as Master of
the 2d Vail in 1873, Master of the 3d Vail in 1874 and 1877, Principal Sojourner in 1878-9, elected
and served as Scribe in 1880 and High Priest in 188 1, appointed and served again as Principal
Sojourner in 1882, Master of the 2d Vail in 1888, Master of the 3d Vail in 1889, and Principal
Sojourner again of the same in 1890- 1—2-3—4-5-6-7.
Cryptic Record. — Bro. CoLBV received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, December 27,
1873, in Sonora Council, No. 5, at Sonora, and has held the position of Conductor of the Council
from January 11, 1889, continuously until 1897, inclusive.
Chivalric Record. — He was knighted Red Cross, April 5, 1876, and Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta, August 5, 1876, in Pacific Commandery, No. 3, K. T., at Sonora; elected Prelate of the
same on March 23, 1880, and continuously for seventeen years held that office up to date.
Bro. Colby is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. (). N. M. S. of San Francisco.
FRANKLIN HENRY DAY.
T1hs genial, humorous, affable, courteous, and able Brother,

Companion, and Prater first saw the light of day, which brought
daylight and delight into his native home, at Gowanda, Catta
raugus County, New York, on January 5, 1827. His father was
John Frankl1n Day and his mother's maiden name P1kebe
Root. His father was the son of a Revolutionarv sire, and his
mother the daughter of the same patriotic stock. His father
died in 1837, when Kro. Day was but ten years of age, leaving
his widowed mother with six children, he being the oldest boy.
He received a common school education in Gowanda and Moravia,
New York, and adopted the profession of bookkeeping, which he
has followed all his life. He resided in Gowanda until 1837,
then removing to Moravia, Cayuga County, New York, where
he resided until 1847, when he removed to Buffalo, where he
was an accountant in the Marine Bank until he resigned his
position and came to California in 1853, making his residence in
San Francisco continually from that time. He was employed in the banking houses of Page, Bacon
& Co., Drexel, Sather & Church, and the California National Bank of San Francisco; also with
Kellogg & Humbert, Kellogg, Hewston & Co., San Francisco Assaying and Refining Works, and
the Pacific Refinerv and Bullion Exchange as secretarv and cashier for over seventeen years. Bro.
Day was twice married, his first wife being Mrs. Herm1one Ball of Erie, Pa., whom he married in
1855, and his second wife being Miss A. M. Banter of Napa, Cal., in 1872, both in California.
He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. His Masonic record is as follows:
Blue Lodge. — He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason July 14th, passed to the degree
of bellow Craft July 28th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason August 11, 1870, in
California Lodge, No. 1, San Francisco. He was appointed Steward for the year 1871, elected and
served as Senior Warden in 1876, Worshipful Master in 1877-8, and Secretary in 1892-3-4-5-6-7,
and of which he is a life member.
Grand Lodge Record.— We. was appointed and served as Grand Marshal of the M.\ W.\ Grand
Lodge of California in 1885.
Royal Arch Record.— He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master September
20th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a
Most Excellent Master October 4th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason
November 15, 1870, in California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco. He was elected and served
as King in 1879-80, High Priest in 1 88 1 2-3-4, and Secretary in 1892-3-4-5-6—7, and of which he
is a life member. He received the Order of High Priesthood April 13, 1881, in the Grand Convention
of the Order of High Priests of the State of California at San Francisco, and now holds the office
of Conductor in that body. He was elected Grand High Priest April 15, 1890, and Grand Treasurer
of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California April 18, 1893-4-5-6-7, and
is the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapters of Arizona, Illinois, and New South Wales near
the Grand Chapter of California. It is proper also to here record that on the thirtieth anniversary
of California Chapter, No. 5, held on Friday evening, January 23, 1885, Comp. Frankl1n H. Day,
retiring High Priest, received a beautiful testimonial from his Companions as a mark of their high
esteem, affection, and appreciation of his services.
Cryptic Record. — He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters November 26, 1870,
in California Council, No. 2, San Francisco, and was elected and served as Th. \ Ill.\ Master in
1881-2, and Recorder in 1892-3 4-5-6-7. He was elected M.\ Ill.\ Grand Master of the Grand
Council of Royal and Select Masters of California in 1885, and Grand Treasurer in 1887-8-9, 1890-
1-2-3-4-5-6-7. He is Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Massachusetts near the Grand
Council of California.
Chivalric Record.— He was knighted Red Cross January 6th, and Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta, January 27, 187 1, in California Commandery, No. 1, K. T., at San Francisco. He was
appointed Warder in 1872-3, elected and served as Captain-General in 1874-5, Generalissimo in
1876-83, and Eminent Commander in 1884, and of which he is a life member. He is the Grand
Representative of the Grand Commanderies of K. T. of Kentucky and West Virginia near the Grand
CommandervJ of K. T. of California.
A. & A. S. Rite Record. — He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry from the fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, in 1880, at San Francisco, from
Thomas H. Caswe1.l, 330, and Horace H. Hubbard, 33°, Active Inspectors-General for California,
his patent bearing date July 13, 1880, and the signature of Albert P1ke, Grand Commander. He
is a member of Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 1, Rose Croix,
Godfrey de St. Omar Council, No. 1, Kadosh, and of the Grand Consistory of California, San Francisco.
Bro. Day is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., San Francisco, and was Illustrious
Potentate in 1888-9, being the first Potentate to serve for two years.
Veteran Record. — He was elected an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of
the Pacific Coast, June 12, 1890, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
BRO. FRANK WILSON STREET
Was born January 20, 1854, in Bond County, Illinois, being a son of M. B.
and El1zabeth Street. He graduated from Greenville, Illinois, High School,
and attended Transylvania University one year, afterward reading law with D.
H. K1ngsbury and was admitted to the bar by the Illinois Supreme Court, June,
1880. He came to Sonora, Cal., July 1, 1880, where he practiced his profession
and was District Attorney of Tuolumne County four years. He married in
1 88 1 a daughter of S. S. Bradford, Esq., at Sonora.
Masonic Record. — He was initiated an Entered Apprentice, May 10th, passed
to Fellow Craft, June 7th, and raised to Master Mason, June 24, 1884, in
Tuolumne Lodge, No. 8, Sonora, elected Junior Warden Nov. 30, 1884, Senior
Warden Dec 19, 1885, W' Master Dec 15, 1888, and was re-elected four
consecutive years. He was appointed and served as Inspector of District No. 22 for three years, and
is present Inspector in 1897. He received the degrees of Mark Master, Past Master and Most Excellent
Master, and Feb. 28, 1887, Royal Arch Mason, in Sonora Chapter, No. 2; elected King Nov. 30, 1892,
and is still in that office. He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters July 9, 1887, in
Sonora Council, No. 5; elected and installed Th. Ill. Master March 9, 1892, and has been continuously
re-elected and is now filling that office in 1897. He was knighted Red Cross, and Nov, 17, 1892,
Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, in Pacific Commandery, No. 3, at Sonora; was elected E.
Commander Dec 11, 1894, and is in his third term.
BR(), JOHN FREDERICK MORSE.
IN opening the chambers of memory of half a century ago the

heart beats with emotions difficult to express with the pen of the
historian, as we write the name of our beloved pioneer friend
and Brother Mason, the philanthropist and physician of the
Masons and Odd Fellows Hospital at Sutter's Fort, Sacramento,
in 1849 and 1850, Dr. JoHN F. MoRSE, who, with our late
beloved pioneer Brother, Dr. J. D. B. STILLMAN, formed a
partnership, and in the name of Humanity took charge of the
sick, distressed, and dying emigrants, who crossed the plains or
arrived by sea and fell smitten with fever, scurvy, or cholera at
the gateway of the Mecca of their journey, Sutter's Fort. Bro.
JoHN F. MoRSE, the father of the subject of this sketch, was
President of the Sacramento Society of California Pioneers of
1849, was a Past Grand Master of Odd Fellows of this State as
well, and he planted Odd Fellowship in Germany and Switzerland.
He was eminent in his profession and a noted teacher of clinics in medicine in Toland's Medical College
and the Medical College of the Pacific in this city. He passed away mourned and lamented by both
fraternities which he honored, by the medical profession, and universally regretted by the community at
large. In early manhood he married Miss CAROLINE F. LowNEy, and as the result of that happy
union there was born September 12, 1857, at Sacramento, a son, Bro. JoHN FREDERICK MORSE, JR.,
who was educated in the public schools of that city and San Francisco, in the Medical College of the
Pacific, and the Frederick William University at Berlin, Germany, in 1881, spending seven years in
France and Germany, and at the Universities in Berlin, Heidelberg, Munich, and Vienna, returning
to California in 1883 to practice his profession, where he has since remained. He is now Surgeon to
the German Hospital, member of the Board of Health of San Francisco, and member of the State
Board of Health of California. He was married in Oakland, January 17, 1884, to Miss Howell,
daughter of JAMES D. How ELL of that city. It is just forty years since his eyes first opened upon the
cerulean sky which overspreads the Sacramento valley, and with the sublimity of Nature to greet his
vision he grew up to manhood in California, and with a devoted, loving mother, a lady who was an
ornament to society, and so eminent a father for a guide and an example, he could not be otherwise
than the successful physician and surgeon in his profession, a gentleman in demeanor, and a Brother
Mason like his illustrious father, a worthy son of a noble pioneer. May his own children rise up
hereafter and call him blessed.
Bro. MoRSE was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason August 13, 1890, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft April 15th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 29, 1891, in
Bacelsior Lodge, No. 166, at San Francisco, of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master September 15th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master September 22d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason September 29, 1891,
in California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco, of which he is still a member.
He was constituted a Companion of the Holy Order of the Red Cross on January 8th, and
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta January 22, 1892, in California Commandery,
No. 1, at San Francisco, of which he is still a member,
44 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
W., BRO. WILLIAM GRAHAM BROWN, 32°,
MASTER OF CALIFORNIA LOIDGE, No. 1.
THE subject of this brief memoir was born of Scotch parentage,

July 31, 1850, and as he grew to manhood determined to seek
his fortune in the New World. He therefore came to the
United States, and some twenty years ago located in San

Francisco, Cal., where by industry, tact, and good judgment in
conducting his business, he has made a good name for himself
and secured the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, November
11, 1886, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, November 18,
1886, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, January
13, 1887, in California Lodge, No. 1, at San Francisco. He
was appointed Junior Warden, May 3, 1894, to fill a vacancy
caused by the resignation of the late Bro. CARLETON C. Col.EMAN.
He was elected Junior Warden, on December 6, 1894, Senior
Warden, December 5, 1895, and Worshipful Master of the same,
December 3, 1896, which office he is now holding. -
Bro. BROWN was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, March 6th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master, March 13th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, March 20, 1888, in
California Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., at San Francisco. He was greeted a Royal and Select
Master, April 16, 1888, in California Council, No. 2, R. & S. M., at San Francisco. He received
the Order of Red Cross, May 21st, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, May
3, 1888, in Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, K. T., at San Francisco.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as follows:
The fourth to the fourteenth, inclusive, November 9, 1894, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection,
No. 1; fifteenth to the eighteenth, inclusive, November 30, 1894, in Yerba Buena Chapter, Knights
Rose Croix; nineteenth to the thirtieth, inclusive, December 28, 1894, in Godfrey de St. Omar
Council of Kadosh, of which he was elected Chancellor, April 10, 1896; thirty-first and thirty-second,
January 10, 1895, in the Grand Consistory of California; he has also been a member of Islam
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., since 1890, and for the last three years has served as High Priest
and Prophet of the same—all of which bodies are in San Francisco, and of which he is still a
member.
As Worshipful Master of California Lodge, No. 1, he presided at the funeral of our late
beloved Brother, CHARLEs F. CROCKER, 33°, in the First Congregational Church, San Francisco, the
Masonic Temple being too small to hold his friends and the fraternity. Never have we heard the
beautiful, tender, sympathetic and eloquent ritual of our funeral service more feelingly rendered
than it was by our W. Bro. BROWN on that occasion, and we know that we express the
appreciative sentiments of all the Brethren who were present, while he received the written thanks
and acknowledgments of Bro. WILLIAM H. CRoCKER, the grief-stricken brother of the deceased. “So
under him the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them and they set the house of
GoD in His state and strengthened it."
BRO. CHARLES FREDERICK CROCKER, 33°.
T is with the deepest, strongest, and most tender feelings of fraternal regard and affection for
the memory of our late beloved friend and Brother, Char1.es Freder1ck Crocker, 330, that
we enter upon the duty of writing this biographical sketch and Masonic record of him whom
we knew from the cradle to the grave, a period of nearly two-thirds of our life. It was on Christmas
Day in 1854, in Sacramento, the capital of the State of California, that the late Charles Crocker,
the leading dry-goods merchant of that city, came into our office which was near his store, and with
a face wreathed with an all-round smile of satisfaction, informed us and a few of our friends with us
who were enjoying the Christian world's holiday, that his wife had presented him with a new-born
babe as a Christmas present, and we inquired as to its sex, to which he replied, "It will give
employment to a tailor and not a dressmaker, for I don't keep boys' clothing in my store."
We watched the little fellow from the time he was rolled in a baby carriage and toddled along
the sidewalk, and when he was the proudest youngster that ever walked down J street the first time
he appeared in pants. Just as soon as he was old enough he was sent by his parents to the public
schools of Sacramento, and when a few years older he was sent to the California Military College
at Oakland, and afterward to the Polytechnic School at Brooklyn, N. Y., where he graduated. His
father, who was one of the original five directors of the Central and also Southern Pacific Railroad
companies, seeing that he preferred an active life where he could develop his youthful energy, caused
him to be appointed first as a clerk at the Oakland mole, the terminus of the railroads, where he
could be brought into- connection with every branch of railroading and thoroughly learn its operation
in every department, so as to fit him for the great work he was to enter upon thereafter and make
it his business for life. He never assumed any airs over his fellows. He seemed to forget that he
was a rich director's son, and fraternized with every employee who was industrious and tried to do
an honest day's labor for the pay he received and studied the interests of his employers, and they
all loved and respected him, and in every reasonable matter affecting their interests he never failed
to prove himself their friend, and he was always affable, approachable, and kindly disposed in manner
to them all.
Step by step as he gained experience he was advanced and promoted according to his ability
and capacity, until he was given a railroad to manage himself. The Monterey Division was placed
in his charge, until his experience widened and expanded, and he grew and developed with these
enterprises. He shirked no duty and evaded no responsibility. When floods washed away railroad
tracks and bridges, snow-sheds on fire, or avalanches of snow in the mountains sweeping away the
road-beds, or trains loaded with passengers snow-bound who were in danger of perishing from hunger
or cold, Bro. Charles Fred. Crocker was on the ground, personally directing the work in the midst
of driving storms of snow, sleet, and rain, or fighting fire, in the giving of relief, repairing of the
tracks, and sending the relieved travelers on their way rejoicing. No employee of the railroad
companies worked harder either physically or mentally than he, according to his ability ; and this we
know from personal observation and experience, as well as from the lips of section men, brakemen,
engineers, and conductors who shared these hardships and difficulties with him, who realized the truth
in him that "one touch of Nature makes the whole world akin."
Upon the death of his father, who now sleeps within the walls and beneath the dome of his
granite Pantheon in Mountain View Cemetery at Oakland, Bro. Crocker rose to the highest position
but one, that of President of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and he might have had that
position, but he was unwilling to displace one of the original progenitors of the Pacific Railroad
Companies, who at one time staked his all upon the enterprise, when nearly everybody prophesied it
would be a failure, as it would have been at that time had not Abraham L1ncoln, as President of
the United States, stretched out his long arm and hand, lifted it up and put it on its feet, by directing
the first mortgage bonds to be issued at the last extremity under the law, which provided that they
should be issued when the railroad reached the western base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but
when within about fifteen miles of the immediate foot of the mountains, all private means and the
counties' aid had been exhausted. President L1ncoln, upon being appealed to, asked, "Does the
water stand there, or does it run down hill?" On being told that at the end of the railroad as far
as completed the water there runs down hill, "Well," said L1ncoln, "If the water there runs down
hill, I will call it the base of the Sierra Nevada, and direct the bonds to be issued." Said
Assemblyman Tukav from Sacramento (formerly Marshal of Boston), "Abraham L1ncoln has done
what God Almighty could not do, or has not done, for he has moved the western base of the
SierraNevada fifteen miles farther into the Sacramento Valley." But this is a digression.
The interests and wealth of Charles Crocker were inherited by his children, and by none of
them has it been more wisely, generously, and charitably used than by Bro. Charles Fred. Crocker,
who became identified with nearly everything of a public benefit or good. He was President of the
Board of Trustees of the California Academy of Sciences, of which his father was so liberal a patron.
He was a member of the Board of Regents of the State University of California and of the Board
of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Jr. University, and his aid to astronomical science in the presentation
of improved instruments of a high and costly character to the Lick Observatory will also make Mt.
Hamilton an eternal monument and witness of his liberal munificence and public spirit in his contribution
to science and the increase of knowledge to his fellow men and to the remotest generations to come.
In 1880 he was commissioned as Colonel on the staff of Governor, but now United States Senator,
Past Grand Master George C. Perk1ns. He was modest and retiring in his manner, and friendly
with the humblest laboring man under his employ, being always easy of approach and prompt to see
that justice was done where there was any reasonable complaint. He was a courteous gentleman
under all circumstances, and met his fellow man on the level of common humanity — like any one of
the rest among the people. He was eminently social and fraternal in his tastes and disposition, while
at the same time he was patriotic and proud of his native State of California. As one of the Society
of Native Sons of the Golden West he contributed largely to the restoration or reconstruction of the
Mecca of the Pathfinder, John C. Fremont, and of the argonauts of 1849—Sutter's Fort at Sacramento.
The favors granted to the Sloat Monument Association are gratefully remembered, and when the
monument at Monterey is completed to commemorate the taking possession of California and the
raising of the American flag at that place by Commodore John D. Sloat of the United States Navy
on July 7, 1846, the people of this State will also cherish the memory of Bro. Charles Freder1ck
Crocker. The following is his Masonic record, taken from the archives of the several bodies to
which he belonged :
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on March 15th, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft March 2 2d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 29, 1888, in
California Lodge, No. 1, at San Francisco, of which he was a Life Member.
He received the Capitular Degrees of Mark, Past, and Most Excellent Masters, and was
exalted to the more august and sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, on May 1st, 15th, and 22d,
1888, respectively, in California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco, of which he was a Life Member.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters on December 4, 1889, in California
Council, No. 2, at San Francisco, of which he was a Life Member.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1. 47
He received the Order of the Red Cross, and on March 15, 1889, Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta, in California Commandery, No. 1, at San Francisco, of which he was a Life
Member.
The fourth to the fourteenth, inclusive, September 14, 1888, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection,
No. 6, at San Francisco; the fifteenth to the eighteenth, inclusive, December 14, 1888, in Yerba
Buena Chapter, No. 4, Rose Croix, at the same place; the nineteenth to the thirtieth, inclusive,
December 27, 1888, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council, No. 1, Kadosh, at the same place; the
thirty-first and thirty-second, January 10, 1889, in the Grand Consistory of California. He was elected
to the honorary rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in October, 1890. He was elected
to receive the thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
on October 21, 1892, in the Supreme Council of the thirty-third degree for the Southern Jurisdiction
of the United States. He was coroneted a thirty-third degree and an Honorary Inspector-General
at a special session of the said Supreme Council, convened in the Masonic Temple, San Francisco,
on December 22, 1892, Ill. . THOMAS H. CASWELL, 33°, as Grand Commander, Ill. . GEORGE J. HoBE,
33°, as Lieut. Grand Commander, Ill.'. WILLIAM A. DAVIES, 33°, as Grand Prior, Ill.. EDw1N A.
SHERMAN, 33°, as Grand Constable or Mareschal of Ceremonies, assisted by other officers acting pro
tem. On Thursday, January 14, 1897, he was elected and installed Venerable Grand Master and
Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Consistory of California.
on August 24, 1889, for his eminent services and aid rendered to Freemasonry, in Masonic charity
in general, to the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco in particular, and to the Masonic
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. He was one of the directors of the Masonic Widows' and
Orphans' Home, a liberal contributor, and an ardent worker for its success.
The last time that we saw him alive was when at his special request we assisted him as Grand
Marshal of Ceremonies at the installation of the officers of the Scottish Rite bodies of Masonry in
Oakland on May 3, 1897, when he, as Venerable Grand Master and Grand Commander-in-Chief of
the Grand Consistory, installed the officers. He died on Saturday evening, July 18, 1897, more
universally regretted than any of the prominent citizens of the Pacific Coast for many years, and his
death occurring so early in life was a public calamity. His funeral which took place on Tuesday
following, July 20, 1897, was the largest Masonic funeral ever held in San Francisco. The Temple
was too small and would not hold one-fourth of those who desired to attend, and the First
Congregational Church, on the corner of Post and Mason streets, San Francisco, was secured for
holding the funeral services.
California Lodge, No. 1, never appeared so well in numbers as on that occasion, and it was
largely augmented by the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast and Brethren from other
Lodges. California Commandery, No. 1, K. T., of which he was also a member, Golden Gate
Commandery, No. 16, K. T., together with the Grand Consistory of California, acted as escort to his
remains, the mourning relatives, and a train a mile in length of sorrowing friends in carriages. Ill. .
THOMAS H. CASweLL, 33°, Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, who had conferred the
thirty-third degree upon our dead Bro. CHARLEs FRED. CROCKER, 33°, was one of the chief pall-bearers,
with a large number of others; while Ill.'. WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE, 33°, Active Inspector-General of
California, as Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, performed his duties so well that every
detail was in perfect harmony and order. The church was packed to its uttermost, while the
streets were lined by thousands to witness the mournful cortege. As we have said before, never
have we heard the beautiful, tender, sympathetic, and eloquent ritual of our funeral service so well
and more feelingly rendered as it was on that occasion by W. \ Bro. W1ll1am Graham Brown, the
Master of California Lodge, No. 1, or the responses more earnestly made. The music by the
Masonic Choir under the leadership of Bro. Samuel Dav1d MXyer, the Grand Organist, was exquisitely
sweet, and as the dying notes of "Good Night" vanished upon the ear the impression was like the
flitting of a dove passing in at one window and out through another, and we could imagine the soul
of the departed alighting and nestling for repose in the bosom of its God.
The exercises at the church being concluded, the procession took up its mournful burden and
bore it away to Laurel Hill Cemetery, where the last sad rites in honor of the illustrious dead were
performed by W.\ Bro. W1ll1am G. Brown, the Master of California Lodge, No. 1, assisted by his
officers, and Mother Earth received the dust of her son once more into her bosom, where it was
placed beside that of his beloved wife, while his family, brothers, and mourning friends, with the Craft
there assembled, shed sympathetic tears of affection over the grave of our lamented Brother. The
Rev. Dr. Mackenz1e, who had delivered a brief but fervent and eloquent eulogy at the church,
pronounced the benediction, and the Brethren returned to the Temple.
Bro. Charles Freder1ck Crocker, 330, commenced the ascent of the rounds of the ladder of
the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by being crowned with the laurel ; again was he crowned with the
laurel when he reached the topmost round and in his descent of the ladder of the Kadosh as its
Grand Master; he finds repose for his body in Laurel Hill Cemetery, while we doubt not a golden
crown of laurel awaited him when he was received and welcomed by the All-Father, the Supreme
Grand Master of the Celestial Grand Lodge above, with "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
I know thy works, where thou hast dwelt, and thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my
faith, and I will give thee the Morning Star. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"
"When by a good man's grave I muse alone,

Methinks an angel sits upon the stone,
Like those of old, on that thrice -hallowed night,
Who sat and watched in raiment heavenly bright;
A^nd with a voice inspiring joy, not fear,
Says, pointing upward, 'Know He is not here —
He is risen!'"
BRO. WILLIAM VAN VOORHEIS.
He was born in 181 5 in Maury County, Tennessee, his father, who came of the old Dutch
stock of New Jersey, having emigrated to that State, being one of the pioneers of that part of
Tennessee, where all of his children were born. From his early boyhood Bro. W1ll1am Van
Voorhe1s was on terms of the greatest intimacy with the Polk family, whose worth and distinction
in Tennessee were so well known. He and W1ll1am Folk (brother of James K. Polk), of about the
same age, were "chums" and school companions, and later studied law together, were admitted to
the bar at the same time, and when James K. Polk was nominated for President were partners in
the practice of law in Columbia and Nashville. These two young men were gifted speakers, stumped
the State for Mr. Polk in the campaign which resulted in his election; after which President Polk
insisted on Bro. Van Voorhe1s going to Washington with

him as his private secretary. Later he was appointed chief
clerk of the Postoffice Department. He was always on terms
of great intimacy with President Polk, and was received at
the White House almost as one of the inmates. This gave
Bro. Van Voorhe1s a great prestige in Washington, which,
owing to his personal popularity, he held until the end of Mr.
Polk's administration, when the California fever broke out
and the tide of emigration was turned toward the El Dorado
of the Pacific Coast. Bro. Van Voorhe1s was then selected
to bring the first mails to San Francisco and established the
first postoffice. This had scarcely been done when General
Bennett R1ley, Military Governor of California, at the instance
of Gen. Zachary Taylor, then President of the United States,
issued a call for an election of delegates for a Constitutional
Convention, to be held at Monterey in September, 1849,
at which election we cast our first vote at Rose's Bar on the Yuba Rivera The convention was
held, a constitution adopted — an election held without regard to jarty lines, the constitution adopted
and ratified by the people — and at the same time full State and Legislative officers elected, which
met and elected John C. Fremont and W1ll1am M. Gw1n United States Senators; Peter C.
Burnett, Governor; John McDougall, Lieutenant-Governor; Bro. Van Voorhe1s, Secretary of
State; and Bro. R1chard Roman, State Treasurer.
It was at this time we first became acquainted with Bro. Van Voorhe1s, and a friendship
formed that lasted through life. He held the office of Secretary of State through three gubernatorial
administrations, and then turned his attention to the practice of the law and journalism. He formed
a partnership with ex-Supreme Judge Bro. Edward W. McK1nstry. It was while this partnership
existed and at Aurora, now in Nevada but at that time in California, that the lives of these two
Brethren, Van Voorhe1s and McK1nstry, were threatened by a gang of murderers who had already
commenced the killing of good citizens, that a duty devolved upon us as the military head of the
citizens' safety committee, to cause the capture of four of these murderers and execute prompt justice,
when, February 9, 1864, they were duly hung, and the lives of good people no longer endangered.
Bros. Van Voorhe1s and McK1nstry belonged to the executive committee, and, so far as we are
aware, it was the first time that lawyers ever fraternized with a vigilance committee, but this they
had to do, as both their lives were at stake, and the first law of nature temporarily suspended those
of the statutes. The mines failing their partnership was dissolved and both returned to San Francisco
and to Oakland.
Bro. Van Voorhe1s received his degrees of Masonry in his native State of Tennessee, dimitted
and affiliated in Washington, D. C, October 7, 1848, in Federal Lodge, No. 1 ; dimitted in 1849
and was named as the Senior Warden in the charter of California Lodge, No. 13, of the Grand
Lodge jurisdiction of the District of Columbia but now No. 1 of California, and he came with the
Master, W.\ Bro. Lev1 Stowell, of Washington City, to California and helped to organize California
Lodge. But his civic duties as Secretary of State requiring his presence at the then capital at San
Jose, he withdrew from California Lodge, No. 1, early in 1850, and became a charter member and
the Senior Deacon of San Jose Lodge, No. 10, November 28, 1850, from' which he withdrew in
1852, the State capitol being put upon wheels, removed to Vallejo, thence to Benicia, and subsequently
5O FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
to Sacramento, its present site. Early in 1854 Bro. VAN VoorhEIs re-affiliated with California Lodge,
No. 1, and remained a member until 1856, when he withdrew and affiliated with Live Oak Lodge,
No. 61, at Oakland, March 4, 1859. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Esmeralda Lodge,
No. 170, at Aurora, Nev., from which he dimitted and re-affiliated with Live Oak Lodge, No. 61,
at Oakland, March 1, 1867. He was elected and installed Secretary of the same on December 23,
1868, and re-elected and served in that office in 1869 and 1870, serving two terms. He then
dimitted from Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, March 4, 1881, and affiliated with Tucson Lodge, No. 263,
at Tucson, Arizona, which Lodge withdrew from California jurisdiction, March 25, 1882, to form the
Grand Lodge of Arizona. His health failing he left that Territory for a better climate and went to
Eureka, Humboldt County, California, where on the 6th of September, 1884, he died from a stroke
of paralysis.
Bro. VAN VOORHEIS was a remarkable man in many respects, as a statesman, a jurist, and a
journalist, clear-headed, with keen perception, and a sound judgment, logical in his deductions and
conclusions; and if President Polk had appointed him United States District Judge for California
instead of Assistant Postmaster-General to establish postoffices on the Pacific Coast, it would have
been more congenial to his nature and his capacity to fill it. He was a good man, a polite, courteous
gentleman of the old school, and a true Mason, honored and trusted by the Craft. He left a widow,
Mrs. D1 McD, VAN VOORHEIS, who resides in the City of Washington, a most charming lady, and
several grandchildren, who as they grow up will have reason to be proud of their grandfather's history.
--
SR
BRO. IANTHIS JEROME ROLFE.
IANTHE, to whom LORD BYRON dedicated his “Childe

Harold," was Lady CHARLOTTE HARLEy, born in 1809, and only
eleven years old at the time. So Bro. IANTHIs JEROME ROLFE,
who was born September 8, 1826, in the town of Bumford,
Oxford County, Maine, was given Greek and Roman surnames,
while his father and mother bore the biblical or Hebrew names
so common to the Puritan stock of New England of SAMUEL

and ELIZABETH ROLFE, and by marriage distantly related to the
husband of PoCAHONTAs, daughter of the Indian Chief PowHATAN
of Virginia, who saved the life of Capt. JoHN SMITH of Colonial
fame, and from whom JoHN RANDOLPH and other distinguished
Virginians were descended. He was educated in the public
schools and resided in Maine until nine years of age, when his
parents moved to Missouri and again in 1839 to Illinois. When
at the age of nineteen years he returned to Massachusetts, where
he remained until in his twenty-fourth year, when he came across
the plains to California in 1850, settling in Nevada City, where he has since resided. He followed
the printers' trade from 1843 to 1863. He published the Nevada Democrat from 1853 to 1863,
and the Nevada Daily Gazette from 1864 to 1867. He held the office of United States Deputy
Internal Revenue Collector from 1870 to 1885. On August 31, 1854, he was married to Miss Em1ly
L1ndsay in Boston, Mass., by whom he has two sons and four daughters.
"Virtue, not rolling suns, the mind matures —

That life is long which answers life's great end ;
The time that bears no fruit deserves no name,
The truth of which will be appreciated that in addition to the above the following Masonic record
attests and confirms:
Mason1c Record.
Bro. Rolfe was initiated, passed, and on January 27, 1858, was raised to the sublime degree
of Master Mason in E. K. Kane Lodge, No. 72, at Nevada City. That Lodge surrendering its
charter before the close of that year, he soon after affiliated with Nevada Lodge, No. 13, in which
he has held office in the various years as follows: Steward, 1860; Junior Deacon, 1861-2-3-4;
Senior Deacon, 1872-3-4; Marshal, 1878-9, 1880-1-2-3-5-6-7 ; Secretary, 1888-9, 1 890- 1-2-3-4-5-
6-7; Junior Warden, 1868; Senior Warden, 1869, 1870; Worshipful Master, 1875-6. Number of
years of official service in Nevada Lodge, No. 13, is thirty-two. In addition to the foregoing he
has held the position of Inspector of his District twenty years, making fifty-two years of official
service in the Blue Lodge. As an evidence of the appreciation of his services the leading members
of Nevada and other Lodges in that District have recently presented Nevada Lodge with his portrait
elegantly painted and mounted, to be hung in the Lodge room as an enduring memorial of their love
and esteem. He has given notice of his retirement.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided in the
Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to
the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1861-2 in Nevada Chapter, No. 6, at Nevada City.
[Records destroyed by fire.] He has held office therein in the various years to date as follows:
Master of the 1st Vail, 1863 and 1867; Master of the 2d Vail, 1864; Master of the 3d Vail, 1868,
1870-1-2; Principal Sojourner, 1876-7, 1882-3-4-6-7-8; Captain of the Host, 1 880-1 ; Secretary,
1889, 1 890- 1 -2-3-4-5-6-7 ; King, 1874-5; High Priest of the same, 1878-9, 1884-5. Number of
years of official service in Nevada Chapter, No. 6, thirty-four.
He received the Order of the Red Cross, and on April 3, 1873, was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta in Nevada Commandery, No. 6, at Nevada City. His official services
in said Commandery in the various years have been as follows: Warder, 1888; Recorder, 1889,
1 890- 1 -2-4-5-6-7 ; Senior Warden, 1882; Prelate, 1884-5; Captain-General, 1875-6-7-8;
Generalissimo, 1879 and 1883; Eminent Commander, 1880-1. Total years of official service in
Nevada Commandery, No. 6, twenty-one.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, from the
fourth to the fourteenth, inclusive, by communication from Bro. Thomas H. Caswell, 330, Active
Inspector-General for California, at Nevada City in 1874.
He has served 137 years in office in Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery within the nearly 40
years of his being a Master Mason, 36 years as a Royal Arch Mason, and 25 years as a Knight
Templar.
5* FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
BRO. DAVID WLADEMER LUBECK.
Brother Lubeck was born in 1835 in Odessa, Russia.

Residence, Auburn, Placer County, California ; his occupation,
merchant and banker. He received his education in the
public schools of Russia and Prussia. He came to the
United States in 1853 and located at Charleston, S. C.
In 1855 he came to California by steamer via Panama to San
Francisco. He soon afterward went to Auburn, where he
has since resided, engaged in merchandising and banking, and
is at present the Vice-President of the Placer County Bank
at Auburn, the county seat. In 1868 he was married to Miss
I. M. Andrews of Massachusetts. One daughter bv this
union, Mrs. H. E. Yardley, resides at Sacramento.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on April
9th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft June 11th, and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason July 2, 1860,
in Eureka Lodge, No. 16, at that place. He was elected and
served as Treasurer in 1864-5-6-7-8-9, 1874-5-6-7-8-9, 1880-1-2, 1893-4-5-6-7; having previously
served as Steward in 1872-3, and Senior Deacon in 1883.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master and inducted and presided in the
Oriental Chair as Past Master, February 18th, and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, March 1, 1864, in Delta Chapter,
No. 27, at Auburn. He was elected and served as Treasurer in 1864-5, King in 1871, and
Secretary in 1866-7-8, 1872-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1880- 1-2 -3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1890- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
He was greeted a Royal and Select Master, February 25, 1889, in Sacramento Council, No. 1,
at Sacramento. He withdrew therefrom and became a charter member of Gateway Council, No. 13,
at Auburn, April 19, 1897, of which he is the Recorder.
He was knighted Red Cross, Knight Templar, and Knight of Malta, June 9, 1868, in
El Dorado Commandery, No. 4, at Placerville, from which he received an honorable dismissal
and afterward affiliated with Nevada Commandery, No. 6, at Nevada City, of which he is still a
member.
As will be seen his Masonic work has been chiefly confined to Eureka Lodge, No. 16, and
Delta Chapter, No. 27, at Auburn, the place of his residence for a period of thirty-seven years out
of forty-two years since he first arrived there—Treasurer of his Lodge twenty-three years, two years
Steward, and one year Senior Deacon ; the Treasurer of his Chapter two years, King one year, and
twenty-nine years Secretary. Fully four-fifths of his Masonic work has been performed in those
offices, showing the confidence and esteem of his Brethren and Companions at home, and that he is
not "a prophet without honor in his own country and in his own house." We have known him
since 1856, and more especially since he first became a Mason, as an unassuming and unpretentious
gentleman, of quiet demeanor but great tenacity of purpose, strictly attentive to business, honorable
in all of his dealings, commanding the respect and regard of the community where he resides and
wherever known.
>^/'J.- 1 a lH r_.\'r \ '. -IP ? C,h f HTj J '.O G-E , .7 'i A.M
R. W. BRO, EDWARD COLEMAN,
GRAND TREASURER M. W. GRAND LongE of CALIFORNIA.
#%OR there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity: the liberal
5 soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself," said our most wise
* Grand Master King SoLOMON, and the application of this proverb is most appropriately made
to our honored, beloved, and respected Brother, EDWARD COLEMAN, the subject of this sketch. He
was born on the 28th day of August, 1830, in the town of Walton, County of Suffolk, England,
and, to use his own language of filial affection toward his parents, “they were most estimable
people." He attended school in England. His occupation prior to coming to California was
that of builder. He left England with his parents in May, 1846, for Canada, and sojourned in
the city of Montreal one year, and then went to Toronto, where he remained until the spring
of 1852, when he removed to the city of New York. In the spring of 1853, with his brother,
JoHN C. Col.BMAN, he started for California overland across the plains and arrived at a point about
twenty miles above Marysville, on the 11th of October of the same year. He then went with
his brother (who had been previously in the State) to Canon Creek, El Dorado County, where he
was interested in mining, since which time (“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity!") all their mining and other business affairs have been owned and conducted
jointly. In 1855 he went to Iowa Hill, Placer County, with his brother, where they mined together
until early in the spring of 1860, when he removed to Grass Valley, Nevada County, where he
became interested in and became manager of the North Star Mine until 1867, when he and his
brother sold out their interest in that mining company and assisted in forming the Idaho Quartz
Mining Company, of which company (with the exception of a few intermissions, during which time
he was absent from the State) he was the President and Superintendent of the company until the
mine was worked out in 1893.
He was elected and served two terms as President of the Board of School Trustees of Grass
Valley, Nevada County. He was married December 26, 1865, but has no family. As a conscientious
citizen and public officer he served his community faithfully and well, while the interests of the people
in their public educational matters were well administered and securely guarded. Inflexible in adhesion
to the principles of morality and virtue, fidelity to trust and confidence reposed in him by all,
consistent in his walk and life, as a religious man totally free of any semblance of hypocrisy
too often worn as a cloak by many, Brother EDWARD COLEMAN has always pursued an onward,
straightforward course through life, and, so far as human infirmities with him may go, we can
only repeat the words of the father of our Grand Master King SoLoMon, “Mark the perfect man
and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace," and most certainly he earnestly strives to
make it so. While economical, prudent, and saving, as a man ought to be, and diligent in business,
yet he is generous in his charity and liberal in his gifts of endowment to institutions for education
and learning; and many a student of natural ability, though poor in purse, has been fitted and trained
for the duties of the pastorship of a people through the munificence of Bro. CoLEMAN in the religious
denomination to which he belongs, he being a staunch Protestant and a Congregationalist of the
old school.
Bro. Edward Coleman and his brother John C. Coleman said unto each other, "Let us go
unto the house of the Lord—because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good ;" and
so in Masonry as well as in business the tie of consanguinity was to be made a fourfold cord with
the "Mystic Tie" of Masonic Brotherhood between these two brothers, who are proof samples that
their parents were good people in its fullest meaning. So they petitioned for the degrees of Masonry
together, were elected and were initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
in 1857 in Iowa Hill Lodge, No. 63, at Iowa Hill, Placer County. That Lodge surrendering its
charter May 5, 1858, and a charter being granted May 13, 1858, to Ionic Lodge, No. 121, at the
same place, Bros. Edward and John C. Coleman became charter members of Ionic Lodge, from
which they both took dimits in 1865 and in the same year affiliated with Madison Lodge, No. 23,
at Grass Valley, Nevada County, of which they both are still members and both Past Masters, his
brother John C. being the oldest Past' Master on the roll of Madison Lodge. Bro. Edward Coleman
was elected Worshipful Master of Madison Lodge, No. 23, in December, 1870, and re-elected in
December, 1871, serving two terms. He was then elected Treasurer of that Lodge in December,
1884, and re-elected and served eight terms, until he left Grass Valley in 1893 to make his residence
in San Francisco, where he now resides. He was elected R. W. Grand Treasurer of the M.\ W.\
Grand Lodge of California at its forty-fourth Annual Communication in 1893, and has been continu
ously re-elected and is filling that office at the present time, with the strictest fidelity and enjoying
the love and confidence of all his Brethren.
Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master in 1858 in
Libanus Chapter, No. 17, at Iowa City, Placer County. He dimitted therefrom in 1865 and affiliated
with Grass Valley Chapter, No. 18, at Grass Valley, in 1866. He was elected and served as King
in 1867-8-9, 1870-1-2, High Priest in 1875-6-7, and Treasurer in 1882-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 1890-1-2-
3, or twelve years, until his removal to San Francisco. He was appointed and served as Grand
Royal Arch Captain in 1880, Grand Captain of the Host in 188 1, and was elected Grand Scribe
in 1882, Grand King in 1883, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1884, and Most Excellent Grand
High Priest in 1885 of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of
California.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, May 12, 1858, in Sacramento Council,
No. 1, at Sacramento. He received the Order of Red Cross in 1882, and Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta in 1883, in Nevada Commandery, No. 6, at Nevada City. He was elected and
served as Generalissimo in 1886-7, and elected Eminent Commander in 1888 and re-elected in 1889,
serving two consecutive years. At the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of California,
held in 1897, he was elected Grand Treasurer of that body, which office he is now filling.
He was appointed one of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home,
at its formation in 1891, and upon the organization of the board he was elected Treasurer, and still
holds that position. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of
the Pacific Coast, July 7, 1896, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry, and on the fiftieth
anniversary of the taking possession of California and hoisting the American flag at Monterey by
Commodore John D. Sloat of the United States Navy, on July 7, 1846, which was celebrated by
the United States Army and Navy and the people of California there assembled, at which time the
Grand Lodge of California laid the corner-stone of the foundation of the Sloat Monument with
imposing ceremonies, accompanied by salutes from the Flagship Philadelphia and the Monadnock,
under the command of Admiral Lester A. Beards1.ee of the United States Navy.
BRO. MICHAEL GAGNON.
ROTHER MICHAEL GAGNON was born August

1 6, 1822, on a farm near St. Roque, Canada, of
French parents, Franco1s and Marguer1te Boulanger
Gagnon. His residence is at Watsonville, Santa Cruz Co.,
and his occupation is farming and fruit growing. He was
married at Watsonville, September 6, 1876. At the age of
seventeen years he was employed in navigating the St.
Lawrence River on a steamboat for four years, and then for
seven years he was upon the ocean visiting the principal
seaports of the world. He embarked on the ship Ajax,
in April, 1849, in company with seventy-two other passengers,
for California, arriving in July. The voyage was uneventful,
there being no storms or any deaths to make it sad or gloomy
on the trip. He remained in San Francisco until April,
1849, when he went to the mines at Nevada City, where
he was engaged two years in mining, and was measurably
successful in securing a considerable amount of gold dust. He
then went to Watsonville and located on a farm about a mile from that city, where he has followed
farming and fruit growing continuously to the present time. He has built up a beautiful home
and is comfortably situated. His health is well preserved, and though seventy-five years of age, he
still rises at four o'clock in the morning and is able to do a day's work. While he continues to
labor with his hands on his farm and in his orchard, he is one of the representative men of Santa
Cruz County, honored and respected by all.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on August 13th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft August 27th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 10, 1853, in
Santa Cruz Lodge, No. 38, at Santa Cruz, being the first Master Mason initiated, passed, and raised
in Santa Cruz County ; Santa Cruz Lodge having been created by dispensation from Grand Master
Charles M. Radcuff on July 3, 1853, and only two months and one week from that time Bro.
Gagnon received the Master's degree in that Lodge. W.\ Bro. and ex-Governor Henry G. Blasdell
of Nevada, and Bro. Oryh.1.e K. Stampley, ex-State Senator of Nevada, were the Master and Junior
Deacon of Santa Cruz Lodge at that time, both now being residents of Oakland, and the latter a
member and Tyler of Live Oak Lodge, No. 61, of that city. Bro. Gagnon dimitted from Santa Cruz
Lodge, No. 38, in 1857, and affiliated with Pajaro Lodge, No. 1 10, at Watsonville in 1857. He
was appointed and served as Tyler in 1857-8-9, Steward in 1861-3, 1873-4-5, Junior Deacon in
1870; elected and served as Junior Warden in 1858, 1876-7. He is still a member of this
Lodge.
Oriental Chair as Past Master on March 26th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, March 31, 1870, in Santa Cruz Chapter,
No. 38, at Santa Cruz, of which he is still a member. He was greeted a Royal and Select Master,
April 29, 1885, in California Council, No. 2, at San Francisco, of which he is still a member.
Bro. Gagnon received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross on January 23d, and the Order
of Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, January 24, 1883, in Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, at
Watsonville, Cal., of which body he has been the Sentinel since its organization, April 13, 1883.
Notwithstanding his age of seventy-five years, he is present at all meetings of the Commandery,
summer and winter. In 1886 he joined the Knights Templar pilgrimage to St. Louis, from which
place he visited his old home in Canada.
W.\ BRO. DANIEL CAVE, P. M.
Brother Dan1el Cave was born in 1843 at Strasburg,

Alsace, now in Germany. His parents were Abraham and
Perle Cave. He received his education in the public schools
and graduated from the same in the city of Vienna, Austria.
He studied dentistry under private tuition in Paris prior to the
establishment of dental colleges, and has practiced his profession
as a dentist since 1867. On June 19, 1878, he was married
in San Diego, Cal., to Miss Rosa Meyer, by whom he has
had two children, his daughters Perle and Soph1e Cave. He
has resided in Austria and France (Europe), and in San
Diego, Cal., twenty-five years, and in Los Angeles, his present
place of residence, since July, 1897. In public life he has filled
the honorable positions of Trustee of the San Diego Public
Library fifteen years and Chairman of the Board eight years.
He was one of the fifteen freeholders that framed the present
charter of San Diego. He was elected an Alderman in San
Diego in 1889; has also been President of the San Dieg0
Chamber of Commerce, and since his arrival in the United States, and especially in California, his
record shows that he has been eminently successful in his efforts to enjoy the privileges and
exercise the rights of a truly naturalized free American citizen, public spirited and thoroughly
interested in the welfare, advancement, and prosperity of the people among whom he cast his lot
and so long continued to reside, an honored and respected citizen of California.
Mason1c Record.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on January 19th, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft February 5th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on February 23, 1875,
in San Diego Lodge, No. 35, at San Diego, Cal., and was elected Senior Warden of the same t0
fill an unexpired term in 1883. He was then re-elected and served as Senior Warden in 1884, and
elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1885, and of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on February 15th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master February 2 2d, received and acknowledged a Most
FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. 57
Excellent Master March 8th, and exalted to the more august and sublime degree of Royal Arch
Mason on March 15, 1886, in San Diego Chapter, No. 61, at San Diego, and of which he is still
a member.
He was greeted a Royal and Select Master, January 4, 1898, in Los Angeles Council, No. 1 1,
R. & S. M., Los Angeles, of which he is still a member.
W., BRO. JAMES H. RALSTON, P. M.
IT IS due to the memory of this eminent and distinguished

pioneer Mason of California that the following biographical sketch
and Masonic record should appear in this work, for without it this
history would be incomplete. Our honorable and distinguished
Bro. JAMEs H. RALSTON was born in 1807 in Bourbon County,
Ky. Soon after attaining his majority he removed to Quincy, Ill.,
and entered upon the practice of law. He served in the Black
Hawk War. Subsequently he represented his district in the House
of Representatives in the State Legislature of Illinois, at a time
when LINCOLN, DOUGLAS, HARDIN, SHIELDs, and Col. EDWARD D.
BAKER were members. In 1837 he was elected Circuit Judge,
resigning after two years' service. In 1841 he was elected to the
State Senate. He took an active interest in politics until the
Mexican War, when he was commissioned as Captain and Assistant
Quartermaster, and put in command of the Alamo at San Antonio,
Texas. From this place all supplies and munitions of war were
forwarded to the American Army operating in northern Mexico.
He removed to Sacramento, Cal., in 1850, where we first made his acquaintance. He was elected
State Senator from Sacramento County, and served in the Senate of the first Legislature of this State.
He practiced law at Sacramento until 1860. In 1855–6–7 we studied law in his office while County
Surveyor of Sacramento County.
In 1833 he married the daughter of Colonel ALEXANDER, a well-known citizen of Adams
County, Illinois. She died before he came to California, and in 1853 he married Miss HARRIET N.
JACKSON, the daughter of Rev. AARON JACKSON, a Baptist clergyman of Quincy, Illinois, by whom
he had one son, the Hon. JACKsoN H. RALSTON, who was born at Sacramento, Cal., in 1857, but
now of Washington City, D.C., a successful practitioner of law and a partner of the Hon. CURTIs J.
HILLYER, an eminent lawyer well known on the Pacific Coast.
Bro. JAMEs H. RALSTON was a Past Master of a Lodge in Illinois before coming to California.
He became a charter member and the first Senior Warden of /ennings Lodge, No. 4, at Sacramento
in May, and was elected Master in November, 1851. That Lodge surrendered its charter February
14, 1853. June 5, 1854, he was appointed Worshipful Master of Union Lodge, U. D. (No. 58), at
Sacramento, when under dispensation from M.\ W.\ N. Greene Curt1s, Deputy Grand Master, and
appointed Worshipful Master under the charter May 4, 1855, and served until December, 1855, when
he declined an election on account of his extensive law practice. He delivered the oration at the
laying of the corner-stone of the court house in September, 1854, the first corner-stone laid by the
Grand Lodge of Masons of the State of California. He dimitted as an active member of Union
Lodge, No. 58, Sacramento, in 1860, which then elected him an honorary member.
The great discovery of the Comstock and other silver mines in Nevada, then a Territory, in
1860, was the cause of his withdrawal from Union Lodge, and he removed from Sacramento to
Virginia City, Nevada, which proved to be a new and widespread harvest- field for the legal profes
sion, where Bro. Ralston was eminent among his peers. In 1862 he was a candidate for Delegate
to Congress, and we supported him in that free race for all, when publishing the Esmeralda Star at
Aurora, then represented in both California and Nevada. He was unsuccessful, however, and soon
afterward went to Austin, Reese River District, Nevada, where he was appointed Probate Judge of
Lander County, in place of Par1sh B. Ladd, who had been removed for disloyalty July 6, 1863,
during the late Civil War.
In November, 1863, he was a member of the Constitutional Convention to represent Lander
county in the formation of a State Government for Nevada, and when its labors were concluded he
returned to Austin to practice his profession. He had acquired a ranch in Smoky Valley, near a
small hamlet called Geneva, some thirty-five miles southeast of Austin across the Toiyabe range of
mountains. He was among the first in Austin to take the necessary steps for the formation of a
Masonic Lodge at that place, and for which a dispensation was granted by M.\ W. \ W1ll1am C.
Belcher, Grand Master of California, March 25th, as Lander Lodge, U. D., which was chartered
October 14, 1864, with twenty-four members, among whom was our late M.\ W.\ Bro. Isaac S.
T1tus, Past Grand Master (then Junior Grand Warden). We now come to the sad history connected
with the closing of his life, which is thrilling in interest, though the recital will be condensed and
necessarily brief.
Bro. Ralston left Austin April 28, 1864, in company with a Mr. Wh1tten, for Geneva, in
search of a yoke of oxen. Not finding them, Mr. Wh1tten returned to Austin and Judge Ralston
left Deering's at Birch Creek, intending to reach his ranch the same night by a short cut. He was
supposed to be on his ranch until the following Thursday night, when his hired man came to Austin
and reported that he had not reached the ranch. He was then sent in search of him but without
success. Mr. Wh1tten in company with others went out and traced him to a point within two
miles of his ranch, and from appearances he must have camped for the night but had evidently lost
the direction. A party from Austin (Mr. Hawk1ns and Col. Forman) joined Mr. Wh1tten at this
place, and accompanied by Indians they followed his trail. They found his footsteps sometimes in
the soft ground, and again through canons and over rocks apparently in search of water, to a point
twenty-five miles distant from his ranch. Night approaching the party was compelled to return for
want of water, and the Indians refused to proceed farther.
The terrible rough and rocky country, the long wastes of desert, alkaline plains totally destitute
of trees or verdure, made it evident that it would be a hopeless search to find Judge Ralston alive.
The Masons and the citizens of Austin generally contributed liberally to the furnishing and equipping
of parties sent out from time to time, who for ten days, with additional Indian guides, followed his
trail in which he must have traveled on foot at least two hundred and fifty miles over mountains
and deserts which would have reduced a fat rattlesnake to a mere string or thread to have followed
him. All old residents of Nevada will readily recognize the description. The last party sent out
from Austin were more experienced men, and with skillful Indian guides took up the search at the
spot where the others had abandoned it, at a distance of about ninety miles southeast of Austin, and
continuing on crossed Smoky Valley at the Indian Wells opposite Coyote Springs, and passing
Barnes' ranch and continuing several miles farther, they found some Indians who had been with the
other party on the previous trip. These told the party in search that the Judge was dead and
directed them to the body. A Mr. GILSON, being familiar with the Shoshone language, obtained
much information from the Indians respecting the death of the lost man and the disposal of the
body. They were piloted to the place where the remains were. These were found about eight
miles in an east, northeast direction from San Antonio, Austin being north twenty degrees west.
The Indian guide, ONEwoDA, was questioned by Mr. GILSON, and from him was elicited the following
information:
“My squaw saw him at the point of the mountain the day it snowed; he was very weak and
tottering. (This point was about five miles from where he died.) She wanted him to go to camp,
but he would not; she offered him some pine nuts, which he refused to take. He kept saying, “My
ranch—my ranch. (The Indian repeating these words in English.) Ques. How long after this did
you see him dead? Ans. The next day. Ques. How did you find him? Ans. We knew he would
die; it was cold and snowed that night. Ques. What did you do when you saw him dead? Ans.
We left him some days and then we burnt him/ Ques. Why did you burn him? Ans. To keep
him from being torn by the coyotes. Ques. Why did you not tell the white men? Ans. I told
the men at Barnes' ranch, but they could not understand; we were all afraid to tell the men at San
Antonio for fear of the whites. Ques. What did you find on him? Ans. Some money (twenty-five
cents was given up) and a watch; his spectacles were in some other pocket which I did not see.
Ques. Why did you not take the watch? Ans. I did not know what it was, and was afraid of it.
Ques. How long since you buried him? (Here the Indians all consulted and concluded that it was
fifteen days.) Ans. Fifteen days. Ques. Had he any papers or pocket-knife? Ans. No.”
From all information possible to obtain it was considered that Judge RALSTON had died May
8, 1864, and that previous to his death he had traveled at least two hundred and fifty miles. The
remains of Bro. RALSTON were then taken up and brought into Austin, together with the coin,
spectacles, watch, and everything that could be gathered. The watch and spectacles had been burned
with the body, and of course were ruined, but as melancholy relics of his sad fate will be invaluable.
His body upon its arrival in Austin was taken in charge of by Lander Lodge of Masons, of which
he was a member; he was also a Knight Templar. The funeral in charge of his Brother Masons
took place June 2, 1864. The procession formed in front of the court house at 1 o'clock, headed
by the Austin Brass Band, followed by the Masons in regalia, the members of the bar, firemen, the
family of the deceased, citizens on horseback and in carriages, and the cortege marched to the ceme
tery, where the remains of our deeply lamented and honored Brother, the Hon. JAMEs H. RALSTON,
were fraternally laid in the bosom of his mother earth with the tender and solemn ceremonies of the
Craft. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the bar of Lander County:
“The committee selected by the legal profession of Lander County to express their sentiments
about their late associate, Judge RALSTON, deplore his untimely and most melancholy decease.
“The Judge was a pioneer in this section, was eminent in his profession, and in an eminent
degree a good citizen. No higher appreciation of his worth than an almost entire population following
in sorrow and tears his remains to their final resting place. He was a man of decided and marked
character before his advent to our Territory, holding elevated civic positions.”
6O FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CyALIFORNIA.
There it lies, the charred body of the lost and reason-bereft, travel-worn, wandering, starving
Brother, who perished in the desert—reclaimed from the jaws of the prowling wolf, and by fraternal
hands reverently and tenderly laid away as a sleeping infant by its mother, there to repose at the
western base of the Toiyabe range and the border of the valley of Reese River until the bright sun
of the resurrection morn shall gild the crests of the mountains, and the strong hand of the Lion of
the Tribe of JUDAH shall prevail and raise our loved and noble Brother's form, glorified and trans
figured by the presence of his Almighty Deliverer and Redeemer—our good and beloved Bro. JAMEs
H. RALSTON.
W. BRO. JEROME PERCY CHURCHILL, P. M.
HE was born March 21, 1866, at Yreka, Siskiyou County, Cal., and
is the son of JEROME and JULIA CHURCHILL, his father being a California
pioneer of 1849, and he, an honored son of a pioneer and as a Mason,
is justly entitled to recognition and this sketch appearing in this work.
He was educated in the public schools at Yreka, where he has continued
to reside. He entered the Berkeley Gymnasium in 1881, graduating
in 1885; took a course in chemistry in the State University, a course
in pharmacy at California College of Pharmacy, and graduated from
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1890, though he had been a
druggist since 1886, and in 1891 he became a partner in the firm of
J. Churchill & Son. He was married in Oakland in June, 1891, to
Miss JosepHINE WHEELER of that city, and one son born in 1893 has
blessed their union.
His Masonic history, though necessarily brief by reason of age, is as worthy to be recorded
of his seven years of service as that of JACOB, who served LABAN and was cheated out of the object
of his affection, put off with LEAH as a substitute, and then had to work for his father-in-law seven
years more to get RACHEL. Bro. CHURCHILL was more fortunate in securing his companion for life,
without paternal and patriarchal delays in his case, and was therefore duly and truly prepared to enter
upon his Masonic career and wear his apron as a married Master Mason, and at last to reach the
Oriental Chair and wear the Master's square.
Brother CHURCHILL was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on February 7th, passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft February 21st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on
February 28, 1891, in St. /ohn's Lodge, No. 37, at Yreka, Cal. He was elected and served as
Senior Warden in 1896 and Worshipful Master in 1897, and of which Lodge he is still a member,
and is now justly entitled to wear the Past Master's jewel, the badge of honorable service in the
Oriental Chair as Master of St. /ohn's Lodge, No. 37, in his own native town, and is one of those
of whom ST. JoHN the Evangelist wrote, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis (Yreka) which
have not defiled their garments, and they shal/ walk with me in white for they are worthy."
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNI;4. 6I
W. BRO. DR. THOMAS FLINT, 32°, P. M.
£%)' ROTHER
G| |
THOMAS
town of New FLINT,
Vineyard, Maine,thebeing
subject
theofoldest
this sketch, wasWILLIAM
child of born May 13, and
REED 1824,ELECTA
in the
(WESTON) FLINT. His ancestors participated in the war of the Revolution. In early life,
in addition to his occupation as a farmer, his father was a teacher in the public schools, a land
surveyor, County Commissioner of Somerset County for many years and in later life served three
terms as State Senator in the Legislature of Maine.
Brother FLINT has led a most active, enterprising, and useful private and public life, which has
been full of rich experience and crowned with success. He was brought up on a farm, and educated
by private tutors; in the public schools, and in the academies of Anson, Bloomfield, and North
Yarmouth, Maine.
In 1851 Bro. FLINT came to California via Panama, since which time he has made this State
his place of residence, and for many years has resided near the town of San Juan, San Benito
County. On the first of January, 1853, he returned to Maine on a short visit and in the same
year crossed the continent from Maine to California. Instead of undertaking an expedition, like
JASON with the argonauts, in search of the Golden Fleece, he risked health, life and property
to bring many a valuable fleece to California, crossing waterless deserts, alkaline plains and
verdureless mountains; menaced by hostile Indians and treacherous Mormons, and was successful
in his undertaking.
With a flock of sheep collected in Illinois, he left the Mississippi River May 7, 1853, and
started on the slow journey across the plains via Salt Lake, thence by Fremont's trail to Los
Angeles County, arriving at the Mission of San Gabriel January 8, 1854, and thence up the coast,
arriving in San Jose in April. In 1855 he moved to the San Justo Ranch, where he has since
resided.
May 20, 1857, having returned East via the Nicaragua route, on a visit to his former home, he
married at Woodstock, Vermont, MARY A., daughter of Josh UA and MEHITABLE (GILMORE) MITCHELL,
and returned with his wife to California.
Bro. THOMAS FLINT has practiced his profession as a physician incidentally and is a member
of the California State Medical Society and also of the American Medical Association. As a member
of the firm of Flint, Bixby & Co. he has been engaged in a general and miscellaneous business:
ranching, stock-raising, mining, as a mail contractor, and member of a wool commission house, operator
in real estate in California and the State of Washington, etc. He was among the first in the State
of California to engage in the manufacture of beet sugar. He is a director of the Somerset Railway
Company, Maine, and is also a director, at the present time, in nine corporations in California, not
heretofore mentioned.
In public life he was elected and served as State Senator in the twenty-first and twenty-second
sessions of the California Legislature; was for many years Supervisor in Monterey and San Benito
counties; has also served as Court Commissioner for partition of several Spanish grants, as State
Director of District Agricultural Society, and as a member of State and Congressional committees;
is a member of State Dairy Bureau; is a Director of the Bank of Hollister; and at the last session
of the Legislature was elected a Trustee of the State Library.
Mason1c Record.
Bro. Thomas Fl1nt was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason March 16th, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft May 13th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason June 10, 1871,
in Texas Lodge, No. 46, at San Juan, San Benito County, Ca'. He was elected and served as
Senior Warden in 1879 and Worshipful Master in 1 880-1-2-3-4, 1892-3-4-5-6-7.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master August 1 6th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master August 23d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason September 20, 187 1, in Temple
Chapter, No. 41, at Watsonville ; dimitted therefrom and became a charter member of Hollister
Chapter, No. 68, at Hollister, February 6, 1886, acting as Scribe until elected High Priest in 1887.
He was re-elected and served in 1888-9, 1 890-1-2. He received the Order of High Priesthood
previously in 1888, was appointed Grand Royal Arch Captain in 1891, Grand Captain of the Host
in 1892, elected Grand Scribe in 1893, Grand King in 1894, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1895,
and Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of
the State of California in 1896.
Bro. Fl1nt was greeted a Royal and a Select Master April 29, 1885, in California Council,
No. 2, at San Francisco.
He received the Order of the Red Cross October 18th, and was created a Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta November 22, 1882, in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, at San Jose; was
honorably dismissed therefrom and became a charter member of Watsonville Commandery, No. 22,
January 23, 1883, at Watsonville. He was elected Eminent Commander of the same December
7. 1887.
fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, August 7, 1895, by communication from Thomas H. Caswell,
330, Lieut. Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the 330 of the A. & A. S. Rite of
Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. He affiliated with Yerba Buena
Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at San Francisco, February 6, 1896.
He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast at
San Francisco August 24, 1889, and an Active Member of the National Masonic Veteran Association
of the United States August 9, 1892, at its first Triennial Session in Colorado, at which he was
present and participated in its deliberations as an Active Member.
He joined Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco, July 12, 1883.
Bro. Fl1nt is a charter member of Ceanothus Chapter, No. 45, O. E. S., at San Juan, San
Benito County, Cal., and was elected and served as Patron in 188 1-2, and Grand Patron of the
Grand Chapter of California in 1888-9.
Such is the biography and Masonic record with all its "dips, spurs, and angles" (to use a
mining phrase) of our good, esteemed, beloved, and honored Bro. Thomas Fl1nt, whose son, M.\ W.\
Thomas Fl1nt, Jr., is now the Grand Master of Masons of California, while another son, Bro.
R1chard Hall Fl1nt, Past Senior Deacon and now Junior Warden of Texas Lodge, No. 46,
and Past Captain of the Host of Hollister Chapter, No. 68, is traveling the same road of deserved
official preferment, and in years to come he, too, may occupy the Grand Oriental Chair of the
Grand Lodge, or that of the Grand Chapter, in like manner as his honored father and brother have
done who have gone that way before him.
ILL.-. BRO. FRANK RADER, 33°.
p||||l|ri\ late illustrious and honorable Bro. Frank Rader

| BIS J was born at Easton, Penn., April 8, 1848, a son of
Aaron and Sab1na Rader of that town. His father
was a well-to-do miller and of German descent from one of
those connected with Baron von Steuben, the great military
instructor and volunteer general under Wash1ngton, who aided
very materially in the cause of the American Revolution for
independence. Bro. Frank Rader graduated from Heidelberg
College at Tiffin, Ohio, in the year 1868. He then became
the editor of the Tiffin Star from 1869 to 1874, when he
was engaged in the hardware business at Clyde, Ohio, from
1874 until 1883, when he removed to Los Angeles, Cal.,
where he became a capitalist and remained such until the day
of his death, March 28, 1897. He was a Director in the
Southern California National Bank and also in the Home
Investment and Building Association. In public life he was
elected to and honorably and faithfully filled the office of Mayor of the city of Los Angeles, being
elected in 1894. He was married June 16, 1880, to Clara A. Bunnell, at Erie, Pennsylvania.
Bro. Frank Rader was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 13th, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft March 13th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 24,
1876, in Monticello Lodge, No. 244, at Clyde, O., dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Southern
California Lodge, No. 278, at Los Angeles, August 3, 1887, of which he remained a member until
death. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided in the
Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and on January
7, 1878, exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Clyde Chapter, No. 90, at Clyde,
Ohio; he afterward withdrew therefrom and affiliated with Signet Chapter, No. 57, at Los Angeles,
of which he remained a member until the end of life. He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master
February 28, 1878, in Morton Council, No. 38, at Clyde, O. He received the Illustrious Order of
the Red Cross, and created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta July 9, 1879, m De Molay
Commandery, No. 9, at Tiffin, O.; was honorably dismissed therefrom and affiliated July 21, 1887,
with Cceur de Lion Commandery, No. 9, at Los Angeles. He was elected and served as Captain-
General in 1894, Generalissimo in 1895, and Eminent Commander in 1896, and was in command
until the ascension of his spirit to the Supreme Grand Commander above.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and held
office therein as follows. By dispensation Ill.\ Bro. James R. Dupuy, 32°, K. C. C. H., Special
Deputy, conferred upon Bro. Frank Rader, by communication at Los Angeles, the degrees from the
fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, and he became a member of King Solomon Lodge of Perfection,
No. 3, 140; Robert Bruce Chapter, No. 3, Rose Croix, 18°; Hugues de Payens Council, No. 3, Kadosh,
300, and Occidental Consistory, 320, at Los Angeles. He was elected and served as Venerable
Master of King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, in 1892-3, and Master of the Kadosh of
Occidental Consistory, 32°, at Los Angeles, in 1893-4. He was elected a Knight Commander of
the Court of Honor of the Supreme Council of the 330 for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United
States October 19, 1892 ; elected to receive the thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in October, 1893, and the degree conferred upon him on
January 9, 1894, by Bro. WM, FRANK PIERCE, 33°, Active Inspector-General for the State of California,
Southern Jurisdiction. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association
of the Pacific Coast June 23, 1894, as a just appreciation of his noble fraternal qualities, and for the
eminent services he rendered to Freemasonry. He was Illustrious Potentate of Al Malaikah Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S., Oasis of Los Angeles, for the year 1895.
MYm.
"T"
BRO. JOSEPH MAIER, 32°.

Bro. JosepH MAIER was born on the 30th day of October,
A. D. 1851, in Germany. He was the son of SIMON and
KATHERINE MAIER. He received his education in the public
schools of Germany, and from which he graduated in 1867.
He resided in Germany until 1872, when he removed to
the United States, where he finally located in the city of
Leavenworth, in the State of Kansas.
Brother MAIER was married on the 23d of April, 1875, in
the city of Leavenworth, Kansas, and his family now consists
of his wife and their two sons. His residence is at No. 1605
Figueroa street, Los Angeles.
About five years previous to his removal to the United
States, Brother MAIER learned the trade of brewer, engaging
himself with the best brewers in Germany, and since coming
to the United States has devoted himself to and become
an adept in the brewing of malt liquors. At the present time
he is one of the principal stockholders (holding the position
of President) of the large and well known brewing company of Los Angeles, California: the Maier
& Zobelein Brewery.
MASONIC RECORD.
Bro. Joseph MAIER was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason March 19th, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft March 26th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 16,
1894, in Los Angeles Lodge, No. 42, Los Angeles, of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master October 19th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master October 29th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master November 2d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason
November 26, 1894, in Los Angeles Chapter, No. 33, at Los Angeles, of which he is still a
member.
The fourth to the fourteenth degree, inclusive, August 29, 1896, in King Solomon Lodge of
Perfection, No. 3, at Los Angeles, California; the fifteenth to the eighteenth degree, inclusive,
September 4, 1896, in Robert Bruce Chapter, No. 3, of Rose Croix, at the same place; the
nineteenth to the thirtieth degree, inclusive, September 18, 1896, in Hugues de Payens Council of
Kadosh, No. 3, at the same place, and the thirty-first and thirty-second degree in Occidenta/
Consistory, Nov. 27, 1896, at the same place; of all which bodies he is still a member.
W.\ BRO. GEORGE SINSABAUGH, P. M., 32° , K. C. C. of H.
He was born June 28, 1 86 1 , in Iowa City, Iowa. His

parents were Rev. H1ram S1nsabaugh, D. D., and Sarah L.
S1nsabaugh. His father was a leading minister of the M. E.
Church and connected with the Pittsburg Conference but
came to Los Angeles, Cal., in 1881 on account of ill health;
afterward Director of the Los Angeles National Bank, and
organized the Broadway Bank of Los Angeles, and was
its first President. He was also President of the Los
Angeles City Council. Bro. George S1nsabaugh attended
the public schools, the High School at Denver, Colorado, in
1880, the University of Southern California in 1885; in the
meantime he studied law, and was admitted to practice in
the Superior Court of Los Angeles. He has held the
public positions of Director of the University of Southern
California and member of the Board of Fire Commissioners
of the city of Los Angeles. He was assistant cashier of
the University Bank of Los Angeles from 1886 to 1889,
and cashier of the Broadway Bank from 1890 to 1891, inclusive; since which time he has been
engaged in brokerage and administering upon his father's estate.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason Oct. 19th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft
Nov. 23d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Nov. 30, 1892, in Southern California
Lodge, No. 278, Los Angeles, of which he is still a member; he was appointed and served as Senior
Deacon in 1894; elected and served as Senior Warden in 1895, and W.\ Master in 1896. He was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master Jan. 17th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair
as Past Master Jan. 24th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master Jan. 31st, and exalted to
the degree of Royal Arch Mason Feb. 14, 1893, in Signet Chapter, No. 57, Los Angeles, of which he
is still a member. He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master July 21, 1896, in Los Angeles Council,
No. 11; elected and served as Principal Conductor of the Works in 1897, and is still in office.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross April 27th, was created a Knight Templar
May 25th, and Knight of Malta August 17, 1893, in Cceur de Lion Commandery, No. 9, Los Angeles.
He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1894, Captain-General in 1895, Generalissimo in 1896,
and Eminent Commander in 1897, and 1s now m office. He was appointed Grand Sword Bearer of
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of California in 1897, and is now serving in that office.
He received the degrees of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as follows: 4°, 5°, Nov. 10th; 6°,
7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, Nov. 17th; 11°, 120, 130, Nov. 19th, 140, Nov. 24, 1893, m King Solomon Lodge of
Perfection, No. 3, Los Angeles; 15°, 16°, 170, Nov. 26th, 18°, Dec 1, 1893, in Robert Bruce Chapter,
No. 3, of Rose Croix, Los Angeles; the 19°, 20°, 210, 220, 230, 24°, 25°, Dec 29th; 26°, 271., 28°, Dec
31, 1893; 29°, Feb. 2d, 300, Feb. 23, 1894, m Hugues de Payens Council of Kadosh, No. 3, Los Angeles.
He was elected and served as Second Lieut.-Commander in 1895, First Lieut.-Commander in 1896, and
Eminent Commander of said Council of Kadosh in 1897, and is now m office. He received the 310, 320,
March 9, 1894, m Occidental Consistory, Los Angeles, and was elected and served as Chancellor in 1895,
1896 and 1897, and is now in office. He was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor of
the Supreme Council of the 33° of the A. & A. S. Rite of FYeemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of
the United States at its Biennial Session in October, 1897, pro meritis.
66 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNI;4.
W. BRO. HENRY C. SHAW, P. M.
H E was born November 9, 1833, in the town of Steuben,

Washington County, State of Maine. He received a common
school education at North Yarmouth and then graduated from
the higher academy at Andover, Mass. He comes of old New
England stock and descended from THOMAS SHAw, a member of
one of the old Scottish clans, who emigrated to America among
some of the earlier settlers. The name SHAW or SCHAw is
Scotch and means defense, aid, assistance, help or a righteous

decision, and the exclamation of a Scottish chieftain in going to
battle with an enemy was, “GoD shaw the right,” or GoD help
the right.
Bro. SHAw's grandfather, FRANCIS SHAw, JR., held the rank of
Major and then of Colonel in the Revolutionary Army and
rendered gallant service in the cause of liberty and independence,
and died April 17, 1785, at Gouldsboro, while a younger brother,
SAMUEL SHAw, served as Lieutenant-Captain and Major of the
Artillery Brigade and was Aide-de-Camp of Major-General KNOx, and received a letter of high
commendation from General WASHINGTON on the 3d day of November, 1783.
When Bro. HENRY C. SHAw completed his education at Andover he went to Boston and was
employed as a clerk in a commission house in the foreign trade, Harris & Co., No. 8 India street.
In 1851 he decided to come to California and engaged passage on board the clipper ship Shooting
Star (Captain BAKER), from Nantucket, and after a stormy passage of 144 days he arrived in San
Francisco, and at once engaged in business with his brother, GEORGE N. SHAw, also a commission
house. On the first Sunday after his arrival he saw near his brother's store two men hung by the
Vigilance Committee. He soon left San Francisco for the mines. Returning, took a trip to the
Sandwich Islands, returned and went north to the straits of Juan del Fuca and the northwestern
coast, where he traded with the Indians for three years, and then returned to California. He went
to Stockton and was employed as a clerk and salesman in selling agricultural implements. He soon
went into business for himself and in 1879 commenced the manufacturing of plows on a large scale,
and now heads the H. C. Shaw Plow Works, one of the largest of its kind on the coast.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason September 4, 1862, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft September 25th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason October 31, 1862,
in Morning Star Lodge, No. 68, of which he is still a member, at Stockton, Cal. He was elected
Junior Warden December 22, 1864, and Worshipful Master of the same December 23, 1865.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, and inducted and presided in the
Oriental Chair as Past Master May 6th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master May
9th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason May 17th, in the year 1864, in
Stockton Chapter, No. 28, at Stockton, of which he is still a member.
He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master April 14, 1869, in Stockton Council, No. 10, at
Stockton, of which he is still a member.
He received the Order of the Red Cross April 1st and created a Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta April 8, 1868, in Stockton Commandery, No. 8, of Knights Templar, of which he is still a
member, at Stockton. He was appointed and served as Standard Bearer in 1870, and Junior Warden
in 1873.
W.\ BRO. HENRY PHILIP DALTON, P. M.
Was born April 27, 1860, near Sonora, Tuolumne County, Cal.,
and is the son of Henry N. and Jul1a A. Dalton, to whom
he has always been dutiful and maintained a most filial and
devoted affection, and he can truly say as did King Solomon,
"For I was my father's son, tender and beloved in the sight of
my mother." His occupation, a manufacturer, factory located on
Cedar street, between Ninth and Tenth, Oakland; residence, 1454
Eighth street, Oakland. When one year old his parents removed
to Pacheco, Contra Costa Co., and he was educated in the public
schools and entered the State University in 1877. He has resided
in Oakland for twenty-one years, engaged in the manufacture of
agricultural implements and carrying on the foundry business of the
firm of Henry Dalton & Sons Company. He was elected and served
as Councilman from the First Ward in the City Council of Oakland
from 1893 to 1895, and his term would have expired in April, 1895,
but in November, 1894, he was elected County Assessor of Alameda County, entering upon the duties
of that office January 1, 1895, his term ending in 1899, and which office he is now filling with credit
and honor to himself and to the general satisfaction of the people whom he serves.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason July 14th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft July 28th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason September 22, 1882, in Live Oak
Lodge, No. 61, at Oakland. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1883, Senior Deacon
in 1884; was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1885 and Worshipful Master in 1886, and is
still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master January 29th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master February 26th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason April 2, 1883, in Oakland Chapter,
No. 26 (now No. 36), at Oakland. He was appointed and served as Master of the 1st Vail in 1884,
Master of the 2d Vail in 1885-6-7, and Principal Sojourner in 1888, and is still a member.
Bro. Dalton was greeted a Royal and a Select Master in Oakland Council, No. 12, Oakland,
of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross September 10th, and was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta November 12, 1889, in Oakland Commander}', No. 11, Oakland, and
fourth to the fourteenth, inclusive, October 4, 1897, in Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 2, Oakland;
fifteenth to the eighteenth, inclusive, November 15, 1897, in Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 2,
at the same place; nineteenth to the thirtieth, inclusive, December 6, 1897, in De Molay Council of
Kadosh, No. 2, at the same place; thirty-first and thirty-second, December 27, 1897, in Oakland
Consistory, at the same place, and of which bodies he is still a member.
He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.
October 14, 1897, he having been a Master Mason fifteen years and more, with official service in
Masonry added thereto to make the twenty-one years required for active membership.
W.\ BRO. WILLIAM SEWALL WELLS, P. M.
"What manner of child shall this be?" was the general cry of
the people when they heard of the birth of Sr. John the Baptist;
and the Scriptures further state in connection with it, "And the
hand of the Lord was with him." Our late good W.\ Bro. Wm.
Sewall Wells, Past Master of Benicia Lodge, No. 5, in the early
fifties, and his beloved wife, El1za O. Wells, may have repeated
the question, "What manner of child shall this be?" when on St.
John the Baptist's Day, June 24, 1861, the subject of our sketch,
named for his father, was born to them at the town of Fairfield,
now the county seat of Solano County. And so our present W.\
Bro. Wm. Sewall Wells grew up a manly California boy, the
delight and comfort of his parents. He was educated in the public
schools of this Golden State, of which he is a Native Son, sent to
St. Augustine College (Episcopal) at Benicia, and then to Berkeley
Gymnasium, where he graduated in 1879. He then adopted the
legal profession, and after having resided a short time in Oakland,
he removed to Martinez, county seat of Contra Costa County, his present residence, practicing law.
He was married in Oakland, Nov. 4, 1885, and has one son 11 years old and a daughter 5 years old.
In Masonic affairs he had a bright example set before him by his loved and honored father,
who faithfully served as Worshipful Master of Benicia Lodge, No. 5, thrice High Priest of Benicia
Chapter, No. 7, thrice High Priest of Solano Chapter, No. 43, and in 1876-7 R.\ \V.\ Senior Grand
Warden of the Grand Lodge of California, having also been created a Knight Templar June 11, 1858,
in California Commandery, No. 1, at San Francisco.
W.\ Bro. W1ll1am Sewall Wells, the subject of our sketch, followed in the footsteps of his
illustrious father. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 23d, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft March 2d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 9, 1889, in
Martinez Lodge, No. 41, at Martinez, Contra Costa County. As was said of Sr. John the Baptist,
on whose birthday he was born, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, to guide their feet in the way of peace," just nine months after being raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason, on December 7, 1889, he was elected from the floor as Worshipful Master
of Martinez Lodge to carry out the instructions of St. John the Baptist, "Prepare ye the way of
the Lord and make His paths straight." He was installed January 4, 1890, and re-elected and
served as Worshipful Master of Martinez Lodge in 1891-2-3-4-5-6-7, having served eight years
continuously as Master of that Lodge. He was appointed Inspector of the 24th Masonic District in
April, 1890, and re-appointed in April, 1890- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7. He was appointed a member of the
Committee on the Pay of Members of the Grand Lodge of California in October, 1890, on Committee
on Correspondence in 1892, on Committee of Grievances in 1893-4, and tr1e chairman of the latter since
1895. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master April 20th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master May 20th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
July 1st, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason July 16, 1889, in Martinez Chapter,
No. 31, at Martinez. He was appointed and served as Principal Sojourner December 20, 1889, and
served as such until December 6, 1897, a continuous period of eight years, when he was elected
High Priest of Martinez Chapter, and installed January 3, 1898, which office he is now filling.
BRO. LEWIS AMISS SPITZER
Was born February 10, 1840, in New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va., his
parents being Charles Sp1tzer and El1zabeth F. Sp1tzer (nee Am1ss).
His father was a gunsmith whose make of arms was noted through
the Middle and Southern States.
He left his home in Virginia April 26, 1857. Went to Vicksburg,
Miss., thence up to Minneapolis, Minn., thence to Belleville, Ill.,
and then to St. Louis, Mo., clerked in a clothing store opposite
the Planters' House until the spring of 1858; then went to Kansas,
joined one of Majors, Russell and Waddell's freight trains, driving
an ox team to Camp Floyd, Utah, thence to San Bernardino,
where he arrived November 17, 1858. He then went to the
Gila River mines, thence to Los Angeles and Kern County,
where he followed mining until February, 1859, when he joined
the Bishop and Beale party, under the leadership of Samuel A.
B1shop, to lay out a wagon road from Fort Tejon, Cal., to Fort
Smith, Ark., he being the youngest of the party. After having
much trouble with the Indians, the party returned to California. He then made a trip to San Francisco
and San Jose, and then went to Visalia and wintered until the spring of 1860, mined in Mono
County summer of 1860, spent the winter of 1860 in Fresno County, afterward lived in Monterey
and San Luis Obispo counties until the spring of 1863; he then worked in the redwoods of Santa
Clara County, starting East in the fall of 1863 with the intention of returning home, but was taken sick
in Austin, Nev., and the trip was abandoned. He remained in Nevada until 1865. July 4th of that
year he married El1zabeth F. Easterday, of Austin, formerly from Carroll County, Ky., and in the
fall returning to Santa Clara County; went to San Luis Obispo County, where he remained until
1868, when he went to Oregon, and returning to Santa Clara County same year, engaged in farming
until he was elected County Assessor in November, 1882, and has for the fourth time been re-elected.
He served previously as Deputy County Assessor in 1875-6-7-8. He has given universal satisfaction
to the people, and all parties have supported him at elections. His family consists of wife, two boys,
and five girls living, with two boys dead, all of the children being born in Santa Clara County. One
son and three daughters are married, and he has one little granddaughter, who rules the house, for is
it not written that "a little child shall lead them?"
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason March 20th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft August 14th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason September u, 1884, in
Friendship Lodge, No. 210, at San Jose. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1887
and 1888. He was appointed Tyler of the same in 1890- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master September 9th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master October 7th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master October 28th, and exalted a Royal Arch Mason November 18, 1887, in Howard
Chapter, No. 14, at San Jose, of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross February 15th, and created a Knight
Templar and a Knight of Malta March 21, 1888, in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, San Jose.
Was appointed and served as Standard Bearer 1889, 1 890-1-2-3-4-5-6-7, and is now filling that office.
Brother Sp1tzer is a member of Islam Temple, A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.
October 16, 1896, and on October 14, 1897, Venerable Grand Marshal of the same, and is now
serving in that office.
He and his wife are members of San Jose Chapter, No. 31, O. E. S.
W.\ BRO. DANIEL REAM, P. M.
"I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and
that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. * *
And over these, three presidents, of whom Dan1el was the first, because
an excellent spirit was in him."
Bro. Ream was born June 20, 1830, near Hagerstown, Md., and his
parents were Dr. Henry Ream (a physician and surgeon, very religiously
inclined) and Nell1e (Coffman) Ream. His residence, Yreka, Siskiyou
County, Cal. ; occupation, physician and surgeon. He received a common
school education, residing in Illinois and Iowa before coming to California
in 1852. Feb. 12, 1867, he was graduated as a Licentiate and holds a
diploma of the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, O. He has been a
practicing physician from 1848 to 1898, a period of fifty years. He was elected and served in the field as
Captain of a Volunteer Cavalry Company against the Indians in northern California and southern
Oregon during the early Indian hostilities. In 1859 he was elected County Coroner, in 1861 Sheriff
and foreign miners Tax Collector. In 1872 he was appointed United States Pension Examiner and
resigned in 1877, when he was elected State Senator of the 28th Senatorial District, comprising Shasta,
Trinity, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties. At that session he was chairman of the Committee on State
Asylums and Hospitals, and on the committees on Education, Mining, Mines, etc He was Resident
Physician and Surgeon of the County Hospital of Siskiyou County over twenty years. He was married
Sept. 12, 1864, at Yreka, to Miss Al1ce Augusta Belden, who died May 7, 1867; October 13, 1875,
he married Miss Lora V1rg1n1a Calhoun, also at Yreka.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice June 6th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft June 12th,
and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Dec 11, 1858, in North Star Lodge, No. 91, at Fort
Jones, Siskiyou Co., the first Master of which was the late Gen. H. M. Judah, U. S. Army, then Captain,
a brother of the late T. M. Judah, the engineer who surveyed the line of the Central Pacific R. R. over
the Sierra Nevada. As soon as Bro. Ream received the Master Mason's degree he was elected from
the floor to be Master of the Lodge and re-elected in 1859, 1860-1-2-3, and is still a member of that
Lodge. March 24, 1864, he was appointed Deputy Grand Lecturer by M.\ W.\ Grand Master Wm.
C. Belcher and was re-appointed to the same office by M.\ W.\ Grand Master Leon1das E. Pratt.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master June 1st, inducted and presided in the
Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master June 3d, and
exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason June 3, 1863, in Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, Yreka, of
which he is still a member. He was elected Scribe Dec 8, 1863, and High Priest Dec 13, 1864.
Bro. Ream never applied to receive any more degrees in Masonry ; has always been a contributing
member, and never had to apply for or receive financial aid from the Order, for which he is truly thankful.
PAST COMMANDER, K. T.
W.\ BRO. JOHN DICKSON STEPHENS, P. M.
E was born September 23, 1826, in the town of Bunceton, Cooper County, Mo. Residence,
Woodland, Yolo County, Cal. ; capitalist; occupation, banker, farmer, and stock -raiser. His
father, Joseph Stephens, was a native of Virginia and of Welsh descent of ante-Revolutionary
period, and his mother, Cather1ne (D1ckson) Stephens, the daughter of Jos1ah and Isabella D1ckson,
who were born in Scotland and of the Presbyterian faith. His father was a successful stock -raiser
and farmer in Missouri, the father of twenty -four children, of whom Bro. John D. Stephens was
the second child by the second wife, who had four sons and five daughters. He was educated
at a private school in Missouri, there being then no public schools in that part of the State. He
having had trained instructors, after completing his education taught school himself for two years,
until the Mexican War broke out in 1846, when he enlisted as First Sergeant in a Company of
Missouri Volunteers, of which his relative Joseph L. Stephens was elected Captain, and was mustered
into service at St. Louis in June, 1846, just after the victorious battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de
la Palma, by Gen. Zachary Taylor, on May 8th and 9th. The company, however, was held as a
reserve and ordered home, to hold itself in readiness whenever it should be called upon.
Early in 1849 with his brother George D., he joined a party of about forty- five mountaineer
trappers at Independence, Mo., among whom were two of Fremont's men, and started overland for
California, arriving at Sacramento August 1, 1849, from whence he went to Mormon Island on the
American River with his party to mine, but not being successful he returned to Sacramento and to
Cache Creek, Yolo County, near W1ll1am Gordon's ranch, and located in that vicinity, near the
present town of Madison. Here on Cache Creek and vicinity Bro. Stephens commenced farming
and raising stock, and soon afterward joined the Sacramento Society of California Pioneers. He did
not take kindly to ranching so near the mouth of Cache Creek Canon alone, and so made a trip to
his native State, and on January 4, 1854, at Bellair, Mo., was married to Miss Mary F. Alexander,
a native of Kentucky, a highly educated and an accomplished lady of refinement and culture, with
whom he returned to California, and there where the Coast Range of Mountains open their eastern
slope to give drainage to the great watersheds of the Great Basin of Clear Lake at the mouth of
Cache Creek Canon, the Capay Valley, and rancho opening out on the broad plain of the western
portion of the Sacramento Valley, Bro. Stephens for nearly fifty years has lived a well -spent two-
thirds of his life. There he raised his little family, but two of his children dying in infancy, the
only survivor is his daughter, Kate S., the wife of Hon. Joseph Cra1g, at one time State Senator
from the Tenth District of San Francisco, and also one of the Board of State Prison Directors. His
wife's family were of Scotch descent and settled in Virginia at an early day, and the city of Alexandria
was named for her grandfather, so that she brought historic record of an interesting character into
the family.
In 1859 he organized the Capay Ditch Company to bring the water from Cache Creek Canon
to the valley below for irrigation, which was in a few years completed to near the town of Madison,
about ten miles below. In 1864 he went to Virginia City, Nev., where for three years he was
engaged in mining and commercial matters on the Comstock Lode, and then returned to Yolo County,
no loser by his ventures in the silver and sagebrush State. In 1868 he with others organized the
Bank of Woodland with a capital stock of $100,000, which has now increased to $1,000,000. Bro.
Stephens has been its President from the start. Since its organization the bank has paid as much
in dividends as the present amount of capital stock. As has been well said, " He has been the pro
moter and patron of almost every work of public necessity and improvement in the town of Wood
land, and to none of the pioneers is northern California more deeply indebted for the development
of her natural resources." His home in the southern portion of the town is an elegant mansion,
surrounded by an orange grove in full bearing, and every variety of semi-tropical shade trees with
native oaks, a beautiful grass lawn, and a parterre of the choicest varieties of Mowers. He has no
occasion to display the motto, "God bless our Home," for He has already done so in profusion.
He has also been an extensive traveler for pleasure and observation in Europe as well as
America, and in that respect he has been able to gratify his desires to the uttermost limit. As one
of the staff of Grand Master Edmund C. Atk1nson he accompanied him on his official visit to
Hawaiian Lodge, No. 21, at Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, saw the crater of the great volcano
Kilauea, and brought away a few specimens of the lava as he had before from that of Vesuvius in
Italy. In 1888 he made a trip to Alaska and visited Glazier Bay, Sitka, Fort Wrangel, Juneau,
and other places, but did not extend his tour to the Klondyke. Having gratified his pleasure and
tastes, he returned to his home at Woodland, where being now past the age of threescore years and
ten, he is in the golden crimson glories of the latter part of the afternoon of life, looking serenely
forward through the Golden Gate that leads to immortality beyond.
Blue Lodge Record.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason August 25th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft September 22d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason September 29, 1855, in
Yolo Lodge, No. 81, at Yolo, Cal. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1857, Senior
Warden in 1858, and Worshipful Master in 1859, 1860. He dimitted therefrom in September, 1S65,
and affiliated with Woodland Lodge, No. 156, at Woodland, Yolo County, in 1870.
Royal Arch Record.
He was advanced to the honorable degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided in the
Oriental Chair as Past Master, and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master July 26th,
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason August 16, 1859, in Sacramento Chapter,
No. 3, at Sacramento. He dimitted therefrom April 5, 1870, and became a charter member and
Scribe of Woodland Chapter, No. 46, at Woodland, April 9, 1873. He was elected Treasurer in
1874 and served until the present time, a period of twenty-four years.
Crypt1c Record.
He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master January 2, 1875, in Sacramento Council, No. 1,
at Sacramento, and of which he is still a member.
Ch1valr1c Record.
Bro. Stephens received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross March 19th, and was created
a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta March 25, 1875. He was honorably dismissed therefrom
in April, 1883. He was one of a number of Brethren who signed a petition December 10, 1882,
for a Commandery to be constituted at Woodland. The dispensation being granted, Woodland Com-
mandery, U. D., now No. 21, held its first meeting under dispensation January 13, 1883, at which
time he was elected Generalissimo and appointed Chairman of the Committee on By-Laws. He
was elected Treasurer December 8, 1883, and served in 18S4-5 6-7, when he was on December 10,
1887, elected Eminent Commander and served one year; December 14, 1889, he was re-elected and
served as Treasurer of the same in 1890- 1-2-3-4 5-6, unt1l June 12, 1897, and of which he is still
a member. He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast December 29, 1897, and of which he is still a member.
W.\ BRO. CALVIN LEVI GREGORY, P. M.,
Was born April 13, 1852, at New Antioch, Ohio, his parents being W.
L. and J. A. Gregory. His great-grandparents came from Scotland and
located in the State of New York, his ancestors being farmers in New
York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for more than a century. His grandfather
Gregory served in the American Army in the war of 1812. Bro. Gregory
was educated in the public schools of Ohio, the National Normal University
at Lebanon, O., and in the Northern Indiana Normal School, Valparaiso,
graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He graduated from
the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1874, and has been a
practicing physician and surgeon from that date. He taught in the public
schools when seventeen, and since graduating in medicine has been con
nected as a teacher with some one or other educational institution until
locating in Yreka. He taught modern languages and mathematics in the
N. I. N. School, and later natural sciences, Greek, and Latin in the W. N. College. He was the Vice-
Principal of the Modesto High School before removing to Yreka, and holds a life diploma as a teacher. He
was married Aug. 13, 1874, near Versailles, ()., and his family now consists of wife and five children.
Bro. Gregory was initiated an Entered Apprentice May 9th, passed as a Fellow Craft June 6th,
and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Aug. 8, 1873, in Versailles Lodge, No. 290, Versailles,
Ohio; dimitted and affiliated with Howard Lodge, No. 96, Yreka, in December, 1886, of which he is still
a member. He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1889, and elected and served as Master
in 1 890- 1. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master Jan. 15th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master January 23d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
January 28th, and, with Bros. J. V. Brown and Dr. C. A. Lar1son, exalted to the sublime degree of
Royal Arch Mason Feb. 2, 1889, in Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, Yreka, of which he is still a member. He
was appointed and served as Principal Sojourner in 1890-1, and elected and served as High Priest in
1892-3. He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master, with Comp. Dr. C. W. Nutt1ng of Etna Mills,
April 21, 1892, in Oakland Council, No. 12, Oakland, of which he is still a member. He was created
a Knight of the Red Cross May 26th, and Knight Templar and Knight of Malta May 27, 1891, in Red
Bluff Commandery, No. 17, at Red Bluff, and immediately honorably dismissed and with eight others
obtained a dispensation for Mt. Shasta Commandery, at Yreka, of which he was the moving spirit ;
appointed E. \ Commander under dispensation, re-elected under the charter, and in that office conferred
the Orders of Knighthood upon some thirty Companions. He was elected an Honorary Member of the
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast May 18, 1891, while Worshipful Master of Howard
Lodge, No. 96, Yreka, as the official head of that Lodge, in recognition of the generous contribution of
the members to the banner fund of said Association. In addition to the mere data of honors received
in the scale of degrees and promotion in office, which have been richly deserved by him, he has ever
been ready to fill any position (being perfect in the work) when called upon by his Brethren, Companions,
and Fraters. By his urbanity and uniform kindness to all, he has endeared himself to them in their
fraternal affection and esteem, and they, recognizing his noble qualities as their chief officer, and as
tokens of their appreciation of his services and devotion, presented him with a beautiful Past High
Priest's jewel from Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M., and an elegant and costly gold watch from Mt.
Shasta Commandery, No. 32, K. T., which was suitably engraved with an appropriate inscription
acknowledging his services as its founder and first Eminent Commander.
BRO. JAMES HEDGES HALL.

HE was born December 2, 1838, in Tiffin, Ohio. His
parents were LUTHER A. and CYNTHIA A. (HEDGEs) HALL. His
residence is on North Main street, Santa Ana, Orange County,
Cal., and his occupation horticulturist. His father was the Hon.
LUTHER A. HALL, an attorney at law, who was elected one of
the Presidential Electors on the Republican ticket of Ohio in
1860 when ABRAHAM LINCOLN was elected President of the
United States, and was appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue

and served until 1868 in the Ninth Congressional District of
Ohio. His mother, CYNTHIA A. H EDGES, was the daughter of
JosLAH H EDGE's, Esq., the founder of the city of Tiffin, Ohio.
Bro. HALL was educated in the public schools and at Heidelberg
College at that place, where he resided until 1861, when he
removed to Butler County, Iowa, where he farmed and remained
until August 14, 1862, when he enlisted as a private and was
mustered into the United States service as First Sergeant of
Company H, 32d Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers at
Dubuque, Iowa, in October, 1862, was promoted to Second Lieutenant July 2, 1863, First Lieutenant
in June, 1864, and discharged August 24, 1865, returning to Tiffin, Ohio, in the fall of that year.
Bro. HALL was appointed Deputy United States Internal Revenue Assessor in 1866, served
until January, 1867, when he removed to Toledo, Ohio, resided there two years, and then removed
to Columbus in that State. He remained at Columbus from 1869 to December, 1876, removing to
Orange, Cal., in April, 1877, where he remained until January, 1891, when he removed to Santa Ana,
Orange County, where he has continued to reside until the present time. He has been Auditor of
the county since January, 1891. He was married September 19, 1867, at Tiffin, to Miss ELIZABETH
BAKER, daughter of THOMAS and SALLY BAKER. His wife died February 14, 1893.
When on furlough he petitioned for the degrees of Masonry July 13, 1863, to Tiffin Lodge,
No. 32O, now No. 77, at Tiffin, Ohio, and was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason July 13th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft July 15th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
July 17, 1863, in said Lodge. He dimitted therefrom in 1887 and affiliated with Orange Grove
Lodge, No. 293, at Orange. He then dimitted from that Lodge in 1896 and in that year affiliated
with Santa Ana Lodge, No. 241, at Santa Ana, of which he is still a member.
He petitioned for the Capitular Degrees in Orange Chapter, No. 73, at Santa Ana, February
21st, and was elected March 24, 1894. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master
April 7th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master April 11th, received and
acknowledged a Most Excellent Master November 1, 1894, and exalted to the sublime degree of
Royal Arch Mason February 16, 1895, in said Chapter. He was elected and served as King in
1896, High Priest in 1897, and is still a member. He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master
April 28, 1897, in Santa Ana Council, U. D., at Santa Ana, and of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross in 1895, and was created a Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta in the same year in Caeur de Lion now Los Angeles Commandery,
No. 9, at Los Angeles. He dimitted therefrom in December, 1895, and became a member and
founder of Santa Ana Commandery, U. D., now No. 36, at Santa Ana, and was elected Recorder
in December, 1895, and Senior Warden in May, 1897, which office he is now filling.
W.\ BRO. JAMES ROBERT TAPSCOTT, P. M.,
Was born near Staunton, Virginia, Sept. 9, 1865, the fifteenth

anniversary of the admission of California into the Union. His
parents were James F. and I. J. Tapscott. He was educated
in the public schools of Augusta County, Virginia, near Staunton.
He came to California in October, 1883, spent the following winter
in Colusa County, and in March, 1884, located at Red Bluff, Cal.,
and commenced the study of law with Ch1pman & Gar ter (Gen.
N. P. Ch1pman and Col. Chas. A. Garter), remaining with
them until May, 1889, when having been admitted to the bar,
he accepted an offer of partnership with \Y.\ Bro. Hudson B.
G1ll1s, and removed to Yreka, Siskiyou County, California, where
was formed the law partnership of G1ll1s & Tapscott, which has
ever since been actively engaged in a large and successful practice.
October 16, 1889, he married Miss Kat1e Merr1ll, at
Red Bluff, by whom he has two children, Robert Merr1ll
Tapscott, born June 5, 1893, and Kathar1ne Isabel Tapscott,
born July 1, 1895.
He petitioned for the degrees of Masonry in Howard Lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M., at Yreka,
January 13th; was elected February 10th; initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 15th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft March 2 2d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
May 12, 1890, in that Lodge. He was elected, and served as Junior Warden during 1891, Senior
Warden during 1892, W.\ Master during 1893, re-elected and served in the latter office during 1894.
He was appointed and served as Marshal during 1895-96, and is still an active member of this Lodge.
He petitioned for the degrees of Capitular Masonry in Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M., at
Yreka, May 12th, and was elected June 9th, advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master June
1 6th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master June 20th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason June 23, 1891, in said
Chapter. He was appointed and served as Captain of the Host during 1894 and 1895; elected
and served as High Priest during 1896, and until his successor was installed Jan. 12, 1897, having
declined re-election for want of time to satisfactorily perform the duties of the office, other official
fraternal duties requiring his attention, but he still retains his membership in said Chapter and gives
it faithful support. He received the Holy Order of High Priesthood in San Francisco soon after his
installation, and was appointed on a Standing Commitee of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of California
in 1896.
He petitioned for the Orders of Knighthood in Mt. Shasta Commandery, No. 32, of Knights
Templar, Yreka, Oct. 10th, was elected Nov. 21st, received the Order of the Red Cross Nov. 21st,
and created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta Nov. 23, 1891, in said Commandery, and being
the second Knight created therein. He was elected and served as Senior Warden during 1894 and
1895, and was elected and served as Captain-General during 1896 and 1897, and 1s now filling that
office.
He was elected Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star of California (which jurisdiction
includes the States of California and Nevada) October 22, 1896, and filled the office until the
expiration of the term, October 22, 1897, and being the youngest Mason ever elected to the position.
During his term he personally instituted Mission and King Solomons Chapters of the Order of
the Eastern Star in San Francisco, it being the first time that two Chapters had ever been instituted
in any city in this Grand Jurisdiction during a single term. During his administration he was
successful in keeping the affairs of the Order throughout the Jurisdiction in a harmonious and prosperous
condition and manifested in every way his deep interest in and love for Masonry and its recognized
ally, the Order of the Eastern Star.
He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.
W.\ BRO. HENRY CALCUTT KEYES, P. M.
He was born May 12, 185 1, in London, Ontario, Canada,

of old Canadian stock, and received his education in the common
schools of that city. Leaving his home at an early age, he emigrated
to Chicago and resided there in 1871 when the great fire in that
city occurred. In 1876 he came to California and first settled at
Dutch Flat, residing there about five years, when in 1881 he removed
to Stockton, where he now resides, and has been engaged for many
years in the insurance business. He was elected a member of the
City Council, serving with marked ability. As a representative of the
people of that city in its municipal government he has been faithful and
reliable, commanding general confidence and esteem.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason October 4th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft October 1 8th, and raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason November 1, 1883, in Morning Star Lodge, No. 68, at Stockton.
He was appointed and served as Steward in 1884-5, Senior Deacon in 1889, elected and served as
Senior Warden in 1 890-1, and Worshipful Master in 1892-3, and of which he is still a member.
He was appointed and served as Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge in 1896. He was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master April 15th, inducted and presided in the Oriental
Chair as Past Master May 27th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master June 10th,
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason June 27, 1884, in Stockton Chapter, No.
28, Stockton, and of which he is still a member. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red
Cross August 22d, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta September 5, 1884, m
Stockton Commandery, No. 8, Stockton, and of which he is still a member.
Bro. Keyes was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast July 7, 1896, in consideration of his services as an officer of the Grand Lodge at the
laying of the corner-stone of the Sloat Monument at Monterey on the above date, the fiftieth anni
versary of the taking possession of California and hoisting of the American flag by Com. John D.
Sloat of the United States Navy at that place on July 7, 1846. He became a member of Islam
Temple, A. A. (). N. M. S., at San Francisco, in October, 1897.
BRO. HERMAN W. HELLMAN
Was born September 25, 1843, in Bavaria, Southern Germany,

and was educated in the public schools of that country. He
came to the United States locating in Los Angeles, Cal. For
nearly forty years the H 1:1.1. man brothers have been identified with
the local history of Los Angeles in particular and of Southern
California in general as enterprising merchants and bankers, and
with a commendable public spirit have aided in the promotion of
many of the water enterprises for the irrigation of large sections
,J| of that part of the State, which became productive of the orange,
the fig, the olive, and the vine, literally causing "the desert to
blossom as the rose." The history of Los Angeles and Southern
California could not be written without including that of Bros.
Herman W. and Isa1as W. He1.lman. Great as their fortune is
at this time, to their everlasting credit be it said that it was not
founded upon the misfortunes of their fellow-citizens. To quote a
prominent Los Angeles journal: "To these two men more than to
any other agent does Southern California owe its present high state of development. They have assisted
in building cities as well as fortunes. In this the whole community has shared. There is many a snug
fortune or fixed income enjoyed in Los Angeles which owes its existence to the good judgment of the
Hellmans. They have not only been the means of creating many fortunes in the flush times of the
city but they also guarded them when the panic of 1893 was tearing them to shreds in other places.
How well they succeeded in doing this is best told by the fact that the city of which they are the
financial heads had but one bank failure in that dark period. Out of all the banks in which they
were interested there was not one that closed its doors for a single minute during banking hours.
As the result of foresight they were not only able to guard against loss themselves but to extend
valuable assistance to others. To their judgment more than anything else does Los Angeles owe its
escape from the disaster of 1893. They proved themselves friends of the city in a time of need.
Instead of locking up their vast wealth and waiting for an opportunity to buy in valuable securities
through the stress of foreclosure they came to the front and saved the city from the cruel fate meted
out to others. The Hellmans have been to the financial world of Los Angeles what J. P1erpont
Morgan has been to New York or Lyman J. Gage to that of Chicago."
Bro. Herman W. He1.lman by his energy, sagacity, and enterprise, has already reaped the reward
of his industry and skill, and is still active in the conducting of business as Vice-President and local
manager of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, which is the largest as well as one of the oldest banking
institutions in California, outside of San Francisco, and requires the most of his time and attention.
He is also a director of the Southern California Railway Company since 1890.
Bro. Herman W. Hellman was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason September 20, 1869,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft March 21st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
June 14, 1870, in Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, Los Angeles, of which he is still a member. He was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master July 10th, inducted and presided in the Oriental
Chair as Past Master July 17th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master August 8th,
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason August 14, 1883, in Signet Chapter, No.
57, Los Angeles, and of which he is still a member.
W.\ BRO. CARL FREDERICK AUGUST LAST, P. M.
He was born October 17, 1 86 1 , 0n the island of Ruegen,

Germany. His parents were Car1. J. and Lou1se Last, whose
maiden name was Lemmen. He came with his parents to the
United States when he was three years of age. His parents
moved with him to Wisconsin in 1864, where they resided
until 1868, when they came with him to San Francisco that
year, thence six months at Santa Cruz Island, thence to San
Mateo County, where they remained with him from 1869 to
1872, when they returned to San Francisco. He received his
education in the public schools of San Francisco. At the age
of thirteen years he commenced to learn the engraver's trade,
which he followed for four and a half vears, when he entered
a business college to learn bookkeeping, which profession he
followed for seven years in a counting-house in San Francisco.
He was married in San Francisco on the 30th of December,
1886, to Miss Agnes Menz1es, a daughter of Bro. Stewart
Menz1es, Past Master of Excelsior Lodge, No. 166, of that city.
In- 1886 he removed to Los Angeles, his present residence, where he engaged in business as
a wholesale wine merchant and also in the development and sale of crude oil in that city. In
political life he has been identified with the Democratic party and was elected Chairman of the
Democratic County Central Committee for Los Angeles County and served from 1892 to 1894,
inclusive. His father having been for ten years an officer of the Prussian Hussars, he naturally
inherited an inclination for military service and tactics, and on August 7, 1879, he enlisted in the
National Guard in San Francisco as a private in Company F in the Second Regiment of Artillery,
now the First Infantry. He was promoted to Corporal, then Sergeant, then First Lieutenant, and
Commissary on April 7, 1884, and May 19, 1885, was elected Second Lieutenant of Battery F of
the Second Regiment 6f Artillery. He resigned August 28, 1886, on his removal to Los Angeles.
On October 8, 1895, he was appointed and commissioned Brigadier-General commanding the F~irst
Brigade of the National Guard of California, which position he now holds.
Mason1c Record.
Bro. Last was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason June 1 8th, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft July 11th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason July 18, 1888, in Los
Angeles Lodge, No. 42, in Los Angeles. He was appointed and installed Senior Deacon December
28, 1888; elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1890, and re-elected and served as such in the
years 1892-4-5, and is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master November 12, 1888, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master January 30th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master February 20, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason February
27, 1889. He was elected High Priest December 10th, installed on December 12, 1890, and served
one term (without having previously been appointed or elected to any office whatever) in Los Angeles
Chapter, No. 33, at Los Angeles. He was elected, re-elected, and continued to serve as Treasurer
of said Chapter since 1891 to the present time.
WAs born July 26, 1815, in North Bellville, Essex County, New Jersey,
and his residence is at St. Helena, Napa County, Cal. His trade is
that of a shipwright, which he followed for fifty-four years; his parents,
SAMUEL S. and HANNAH (GARRABRANT) RUTAN. He was educated in
the public school in the town where he was born. He was married
April 1, 1838, in New York City, N. Y., and was the father of seven
children, of whom only three are now living. He had resided in New
York City, and Newark, N. J., which places he left for California on
April 26, 1852, via the Isthmus of Panama, and arrived in San Francisco
May 23d, and visited California Lodge, No. 1, the same evening.
He went to the mines, and on his return to San Francisco he passed
through Sacramento the next morning after the great fire of 1852.
He remained in San Francisco all the winter of 1852–3. In May he
went to Crescent City, from thence to Jacksonville, Rogue River Valley, Oregon, and arrived there
in the afternoon of the day that Gen. JoE LANE had a battle with the Rogue River Indians. He
stayed there two days and then went up the valley, crossed the Siskiyou mountains, arriving at Yreka
the next day, and was present at the organization of St. /ohn's Lodge, No. 37, when under
dispensation in June, 1853. He left Yreka in February, 1854, and returned to San Francisco. In May,
1855, he went to Vallejo, where he was employed in the Mare Island Navy Yard until 1885, a
period of thirty years, when he removed to St. Helena, where he has continued to reside until the
present time, a period of nearly thirteen years.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in February, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in March, 1852, in St. /ohn's Lodge, No.
1, at Newark, N. J. He dimitted therefrom in October, 1858, and was elected an affiliated member
of Naval Lodge, No. 87, at Vallejo, at the annual stated meeting and for the election of officers in
December, 1858. In 1859 he was elected and served as Senior Warden, Worshipful Master in 1860,
re-elected and served in that office in 1861–2, and is now the oldest and senior Past Master borne
on the roll of Naval Lodge, No. 87. He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran
Association of the Pacific Coast on December 29, 1897, and of which he is still a member.
—— — K
W. . . BRO. WILLIAM WHITTINGHAM LYMAN, P. M.
HE was born July 28, 1850, in Pittsburgh, Pa. His parents were
- THEODORE B. and A. M. LyMAN. His father was the Right Rev.
THEoDoRE B. LyMAN, D. D., D. C. L., of the Protestant Episcopal
Church and Bishop of North Carolina from 1873 to 1893, where he
died. Bro. LvMAN was educated and graduated from St. Peter's Col.
lege, Radley, England, School of Mines at Freiberg, Saxony, and at
the University of Berlin, Germany. He has resided in Pennsylvania,
Europe, and his present residence is at St. Helena, Napa County, Cal.,
his occupation since 1871 being farmer and viniculturist. He was
elected and served as Supervisor of Napa County from 1882 to 1884,
and President of the Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Union High
School in 1897-8. He was married in Sacramento July 21, 1889, and
his family consists of his wife and two sons.

8O FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 7th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft March 1st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 14, 1882, in St. Helena
Lodge, No. 93, at St. Helena. He was elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1893-4, and of
which he is still a member.
Oriental Chair as Past Master May 5th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master May
26th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason June 22, 1882, in Mapa Chapter,
No. 30, at Napa. He dimitted therefrom September 28, 1883, and became a charter member of
St. Helena Chapter, No. 63, was elected King January 3, 1884, and elected, re-elected, and served
as High Priest from 1886, a period of twelve years, which office he is now filling.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters July 25, 1883, in California Council,
No. 2, at San Francisco, and of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross July 18th, and was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta August 8, 1882.
He was appointed Inspector of the 17th Masonic District in October, 1897, which position
he now holds.
December 29, 1897, and of which he is still a member.
W. BRO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KETTLEWELL, P. M.
HE was born May 8, 1857, in Iowa City, Iowa, and his parents were
JosepH R. and ELIZA JANE (PAUL) KETTLEWELL. His residence is at
St. Helena, Napa County, Cal., and he is by trade a blacksmith. Until
he was six years of age he resided in Iowa City, and then crossed the
plains with his parents, stopping over one year en route in 1863 at
Austin, Nev. In 1864 he removed with them to San Francisco, and
in 1872 he removed to St. Helena, where he still resides. He was
educated in the common schools of San Francisco and at St. Helena,
and entered Heald's Business College at San Francisco, October 30,
1876, graduating therefrom May 8, 1877, on his twentieth birthday.
He was in the hardware business from 1877 to 1895. He celebrated
his twenty-seventh birthday, May 8, 1884, at Santa Ana, Orange
County, Cal., by being married to Miss LIBBIE R. VANDERLIP, by whom
he has had two sons, CHARLIE E. and BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KETTLEwBLL, JR. In public life he was
elected Town Trustee of St. Helena in 1887, and in 1896 Trustee of the St. Helena Public Library
for four years. He was appointed Postmaster of St. Helena in 1895, which office he has continued
to hold to the present time and still performing its duties to the satisfaction of that community.
Bro. KETTLEWELL was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in St. Helena Lodge, No.
93, and initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason November 22d, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft
December 13th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason December 20, 1879, in said
Lodge. He was appointed and served as Steward in 1880–1–3–4, Senior Deacon in 1892. He was
elected and Served as Secretary in 1882, Senior Warden in 1893–4, Worshipful Master in 1897–8,
and now serving in said office. He was elected to receive the Capitular Degrees in Napa Chapter,
No. 30, at Napa City, and was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master January 27, 1882.
He was inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged
a Most Excellent Master February 10th, and exalted a Royal Arch Mason March 10, 1882, in said
Chapter. He dimitted therefrom September 28, 1883, to become a charter member of St. Helena
Chapter, No. 63, on January 3, 1884. He was appointed and served as Royal Arch Captain in
1884-5-6-7, and Captain of the Host in 1888-9, 1 890-1-2-3-4-5- 6-7-8, which office he is now
filling. He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast
December 29, 1897, and of which he is still a member.
W.\ BRO. ISAAC HENRY ROBINSON, P. M.
He was born October 17, 1856, near Santa Rosa, Sonoma

County, Cal., and therefore is a native son of the Golden West.
His parents were R1chard and Letty Rob1nson, pioneers of
1851 from Canada and descendants of good old English stock.
His residence is at Stockton, San Joaquin County. He was
educated in the public schools of the State and has lived all
of his life in California. He is a machinist by trade and was
employed in the factories at Stockton until the beginning of
his political life in that city, where he has resided for the last
fifteen years. He was appointed and served as Deputy Sheriff
of San Joaquin County four years, giving perfect satisfaction
while discharging the duties of that office. He was appointed
and served two years as Chief of Police of Stockton, and now
is City Clerk of that city, faithfully at work in that capacity
for the people. "There is a time and tide in the affairs of
men that taken at the flood bears them on to fortune," says
the poet. So it was with him; for May 9, 1894, he was
married in Stockton to Miss Henr1etta Fortune, daughter of H. N. Fortune, Esq., of San Francisco,
and by that streak of good luck misfortune befell him and there is no longer Miss-Fortune in his
family, though he deprived his father-in-law of his fortune!
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason May 4th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft June 22d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason July 20, 1885, in San Joaquin
Lodge, No. 19, at Stockton. He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1887, elected and
served as Senior Warden in 1888-9, and Worshipful Master in 1895, and of which he is still a
member. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master March 30th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master April 4th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master April 6th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason May 2, 1893, in
Stockton Chapter, No. 28, at Stockton, and of which he is still a member. He was greeted a Royal
and a Select Master December 20, 1893, in Stockton Council, No. 10, at Stockton, and of which he
is still a member.
PHILIP CROSSTHWAITE, P. M.
JOHN W. THOMPSON, P. M. EMANUEL J. LEWIS, P. M.
ELITUCKER BLACKMER, P. M., G. H. P. STEPHEN H. OLMSTED, P. M.
(See Aages & 7, 84, & 5, &o.)
W.\ BRO. PHILIP CROSSTHWAITE, P. M.
Bro. Ph1l1p Crossthwa1te was born on St. John the Evangelist's Day, December 27, 1825,
in Athy, County Kildare, Ireland, while his parents were on a visit to their old home in that coun
try, but whose residence was in the United States. On the return of his parents to America, young
Ph1l1p was left in charge of his grandparents in Ireland where he remained until he was sixteen
years of age, when he came to America on a visit to his mother. In 1843 he returned to Ireland
and entered Trinity College in Dublin. On the death of his grandmother he again visited America,
intending to return and finish his education ; but while in Philadelphia he, in company with another
young man, shipped for what they supposed to be a cruise to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland,
but learned when well out to sea that the vessel was bound for the Pacific via the Cape of Good
Hope and the Pacific Ocean.
He landed in San Diego, Cal., October 16, 1845, has been a resident there and in Lower
California ever since. In 1846-7 he served as a private in the San Diego Volunteers of the Amer
ican Army, when that company went out to meet Gen. Stephen Kearney and join his forces on
their way to San Diego, and he was in the battle of San Pascual where Gen. Kearney had his fight
with the Mexican forces under Col. Andreas P1co. He was the first Treasurer of San Diego County
in 1850, and was afterward elected and served as County Clerk of that county. Bro. Crossthwa1te
is a large landowner in Lower California and extensively engaged in raising cattle.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason July 28th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft September 17th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason November 4, 1852, in San
Diego Lodge, No. 35, at San Diego. He was elected Worshipful Master in December, 1853, being
the first Master elected under the charter (the Lodge being worked under dispensation more than
two years), and was installed on his twenty-eighth birthday, St. John the Evangelist's Day, Decem
ber 27, 1853, and is the sole surviving charter member of San Diego Lodge. He was also elected
and served as Senior Warden in 1855. When our late Worshipful and distinguished Brother, Capt.
George H. Derby of the United States Engineer Corps, the immortal "John Phoenix," editor of the
"Squibob Papers," was about to leave San Diego, he being ordered elsewhere for duty by the War
Department, he presented W.\ Bro. Crossthwa1te with his Past Master's jewel, which Bro. Crossth
wa1te has recently presented to San Diego Lodge.
Comp. Ph1l1p Crossthwa1te was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master May 17th,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master May 21st, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason August 1,
1892, in San Diego Chapter, No. 61, at San Diego, of which he is still a member.
October 14, 1897, and of which he is still a member.
W.\ BRO. ELI TUCKER BLACKMER.
He was born February 14, 1831, in New Braintree, Mass. His parents were Lew1s and
Nancy (Keep) Blackmer. Residence, San Diego, Cal. He was educated in the public schools, and
graduated from the High School in North Brookfield, Mass. His occupation is that of merchant
and dealer in pianos, organs, and musical merchandise. He enlisted and was mustered into the
United States service in 1862 as First Lieutenant of Company A, 37th Massachusetts Volunteers.
He resided in New England until 1866, then in Indianapolis, Ind., one year, and in Chicago from
1867 to 1873, when he came to California and resided at National City until November, 1886, when
he removed to San Diego, where he has continued to make his residence until the present time.
He represented San Diego County in the State Constitutional Convention of 1879, 1880, and was
Superintendent of Schools of San Diego County during 1880–1. He was first married in 1850 to
LUCY ANN RICHARDs of Massachusetts, and his second marriage was to Louis E. H. KIMBALL of New
Hampshire, who died in 1886; and his family consists of a daughter and son.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason December 18, 1886, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft January 5th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason January 15, 1887, in
San Diego Lodge, No. 35, at San Diego. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1888,
Senior Warden in 1889, and Worshipful Master in 1890, and of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master October 17, 1887, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master February 13th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master February 27th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason March
12, 1888, in San Diego Chapter, No. 61, at San Diego. He was elected Scribe in December, 1888,
King in December, 1889, High Priest in December, 1890, and served as High Priest during 1891–
2-3, and of which he is still a member. He was appointed and served as Grand Royal Arch
Captain in 1893, Grand Captain of the Host in 1894, elected and served as Grand Scribe in 1895,
Grand King in 1896, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1897, and was elected M. E. Grand High
Priest of the M. E. Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California in 1898.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in April, 1896, in Los Angeles Council,
No. 11, at Los Angeles, of which he is still a member. -
fourth to the eighteenth, inclusive, December 16, 1895, by communication from WM. FRANK PIERCE,
33°, Active Inspector-General for California, and elected Venerable Master of Constans Lodge of Per
fection, No. 8, as charter officer and member, December 16, 1895, which office he is now filling.
April 24, 1897, for his eminent services to Freemasonry.
BK –– - -
W. BRO. EMANUEL J. LOUIS, P. M.
HE was born May 17, 1868, in Strasburg, Prussia. His parents were IsIDOR and VALENTINE
Louis, the former of whom passed away December 5, 1895, in Los Angeles. He came to the
United States at the age of one and one-half years and finally located at San Diego, where he has
ever since resided. He was educated in the public schools of that city, and was graduated in 1885.
Bro. LOUIS has always been identified with all public matters at his home, and is at present a member
of the City Board of Education, having served since May, 1895, and holds until May, 1901. At
the age of seventeen he was business manager of the San Diego Sun, resigning that position January
1, 1886, to accept a position with the Russ Lumber and Mill Company, which he held until the first
of November, 1897, when he resigned to accept a position as Special Agent and Adjuster of the
Fire Association of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Underwriters, his territory comprising California,
Nevada, and Arizona, which business promises to be his life's work, and in which he will undoubt
edly make his mark. Bro. Louis has for several years represented the Republic of Peru at San
Diego as Vice-Consul, and is a staff officer on Capt. Louis H. TURNER's staff of the Naval Militia
of the State. He comes under the category of an American citizen born abroad, his father being
an American citizen residing temporarily in Prussia, during which time Bro. LOUIS was born.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on his twenty-first birthday, it being May 17,
1889, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft June 14th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason June 28, 1889, in San Diego Lodge, No. 35, at San Diego. He was appointed and served
as Steward in 1 890-1, Senior Deacon in 1892-3, elected and served as Junior Warden in 1894,
He was advanced to the h0norary degree of Mark Master June 29th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master July 27th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
August 10th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason August 24, 1891, in San
Diego Chapter, No. 61, at San Diego. He was appointed and served as Captain of the Host in
1894, and of which he is still a member.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters January 4, 1898, and the Super Excel
lent degree on May 3, 1898, in Los Angeles Council, No. 11, at Los Angeles.
At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, held in San Francisco, October, 1897,
M.\ W.\ Grand Master Thomas Fl1nt, Jr., appointed Bro. Lou1s as Junior Grand Deacon, which
position he is ably filling, and his friends in the fraternity hope to see him advanced to higher honors.
*
W.\ BRO. STEPHEN HORATIO OLMSTED. P. M.
H1i was born February 6, 1858, in Allen County, Ohio. His parents were Jesse Doud
and Leanna (Bemus) Olmsted. He was educated in the public schools and at the Valparaiso, Ind.,
Normal School. His residence is at San Diego, California, and occupation that of printer and
publisher. Besides residing in his native State of Ohio he lived one year in Iowa, one year in
Nebraska, two years in Colorado, and nine years since 1889 in San Diego. He has been prom
inently identified with political affairs ever since becoming of age, as an editor, committee man, and
zealous worker, having on several occasions represented his political party in county, district, and
State conventions. He has been a member of the San Diego City Council for three successive
terms, from May 1, 1893. He married Miss Mary Colorado Graham at Middlepoft, Ohio, in
1886, who died in San Diego in 1890. No children blessed their union.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason June 27th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft October 1, 1885, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason January 5, 1886, in
Morning Dawn Lodge, No. 7, at Gallipolis, Ohio. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Silver
Gate Lodge, No. 296, at San Diego, in 1890. He was appointed and served as Steward in 1891,
elected and served as Secretary in 1892, appointed and served as Chaplain in 1893, elected and
served as Treasurer in 1894, Junior Warden in 1895-6, and Worshipful Master in 1897, during which
time as Master and in the first six months he conferred twenty-two degrees in said Lodge, of which
he is still a member. He was again elected Treasurer in 1898.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master March 22d, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master April 26th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
April 27th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason May 3, 1886, in Gallipolis
Chapter, No. 79, at Gallipolis. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with San Diego Chapter, No.
61, at San Diego, in 1891, and was appointed an officer in 1898.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in November, 1886, in Moriah Council,
No. 32, at Gallipolis.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross October 23d, was created a Knight Tem
plar October 24, 1888, and Knight of Malta February 20, 1889, in The Rose Commandery, No. 43,
at Gallipolis; was honorably dismissed therefrom and aff1liated with Colorado Commandery, No. 1, at
Denver, Colo., in 1889; honorably dismissed therefrom and affiliated with San Diego Commandery,
No. 25, at San Diego, in 1891. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1896-7, Senior
Warden in 1897-8, and Captain-General May 3, 1898.
fourth to the fourteenth, inclusive, in 1897, in Constans Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, at San Diego,
of which Lodge he is still a member, and holds the office of Expert.
*
W.\ BRO. JOHN WALDO THOMPSON, P. M.
He was born April 6, 1842, in Birmingham, Oakland County, Mich. His parents were Wm.
Mann1ng and Margaretta Ann (Waldo) Thompson. His father was a prominent journalist and
politician in Michigan from 1839 to 1854; was a member of the Baltimore Convention in 1852, and
a candidate for Presidential Elector on the Whig ticket for Michigan that year. His mother was a
pioneer in Nebraska during Territorial days, but now living in San Diego, Cal. Bro. Thompson
has resided in Pontiac, Mich., Council Bluffs, la., Omaha and Nebraska City, Neb., Fort Laramie
and Sweetwater Bridge, Wyo., Fort Bridger and Bear River, Utah, Jacksonville, Galesville, Salem,
and Portland, Or., Petaluma, Marysville, Yreka, and San Diego, Cal., as well as at Ruby Valley,
Virginia City, and Carson City, Nev. He was employed in the construction of the first overland
telegraph line from the Missouri River to California and also the first line from California to Oregon.
He was educated in the public schools of Michigan and Iowa. He was employed in telegraphy from
1 86 1 to 1886 as operator, manager, and superintendent with the Pacific Telegraph Company, Califor
nia State Telegraph Company, and Western Union Telegraph Company; also agent for Wells, Fargo
& Co.'s Express from 1878 to 1887; president, owner, and manager of the San Diego Telephone
Company from 1881 to 1894. Bro. Thompson was elected Chairman of the Republican Central
Committee of the Seventh California Congressional District in 1892, has been re-elected at each
convention since, and still occupies that position. He was elected Treasurer of San Diego County in
1894. He was first married October 22, 1868, to Em1ly B. Moore (no issue), and second to Hortense
Euuanks, April 18, 1873, by whom he had two sons and three daughters — Waldo M., Elmore E.,
Emma, Abby P., and Ella H.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason January 7th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft February 4th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 4, 1871, in St. Johns
Lodge, No. 37, at Yreka. He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1872, elected and
served as Junior Warden in 1873, Senior Warden in 1874. He withdrew therefrom in 1875 an^
affiliated with San Diego Lodge, No. 35, at San Diego. He was elected and served as Senior
Warden in 1876-7, Worshipful Master in 1878, and of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master June 11, 1872, inducted and pre
sided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master March 11th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master March 18th, and exalted a Royal Arch Mason April 8, 1873, in Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, at
Yreka. He was elected and served as Secretary in 1874, but dimitted therefrom in 1882 and became
a charter member and King of San Diego Chapter, No. 61, April 11, 1883, elected and served as
High Priest in 1885, and Secretary from 1888 to 1897, inclusive.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross May 6th, created a Knight Templar May
13th, and Knight of Malta in June, 1890, in San Diego Commandery, No. 25, at San Diego, and
He was a charter member of Southern Star Chapter, No. 96, O. E. S., San Diego, and
served as Patron in 1894.
W.\ BRO. SIMON LEVI, P. M.
He was born December 26, 1850, at Tachau, Austria. His

parents were Bernard and Anna Lev1. He came to America
in the fall of 1862, at the age of 12 years, direct to the Pacific
Coast, lived two years in Auburn, Placer County, Cal., and
eight years in San Francisco. He entered and was graduated
from Heald's Business College in San Francisco. He was for
twenty-one years in San Diego in the wholesale grocery business,
of the firm of Klauber & Levi, and is now in the wholesale
commission business by himself. He has been President of the
Chamber of Commerce, ten years a member of the Board of
Aldermen, and is now President of that Board ; President of the
Board of Trade two years, and Director in the Southern Cali
fornia Railway Company three years; and been identified with
and an active promoter of public and commercial interests in
that part of the State of California. He was married July 26,
1876, to Miss Emance Meyer in San Francisco, by whom he has
three children, two girls and one boy—Sara, Al1ce, and Bernard.
Craft March 4th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 21, 1876, in San Diego
Lodge, No. 35, at San Diego. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1877, Senior
Deacon in 1878, elected and served as Junior Warden in 1879, 1880, Senior Warden in 1881, and
Worshipful Master in 1882-3-4, and of which he is still a member.
When Bro. Lev1 became enrolled as a Master Mason of San Diego Lodge it was on the
wane as to members, having lost 5 per cent. of its membership. In 1876 there were 76 members;
in 1877 it was reduced to 72. When he was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1878, it
increased to 76 again, and during his two terms as Junior Warden in 1879, 1880, it was increased
to 80; when Senior Warden in 1881 it remained stationary, but in 1882, the very first year of his
occupying the Oriental Chair as Master, he infused new life into the Lodge and 12 were added to
its roll, or 15 per cent., making 91. In 1883 he added 10 more, or 11 per cent., making 101. In
1884 there were 4 more added to the roll, making 105, or a total increase under his administration
of 30 per cent., besides overcoming the loss of 18 by withdrawal, 9 by suspension for non-payment
of dues, and 9 by death, or 36 in all—a loss of 50 per cent., or equal to half of the membership at
the time' he entered upon the duties of Junior Deacon in 1877. All this he had to overcome as a
dead weight and drag, and a heavy burden to carry ; but by earnest zeal, devotion, application, and
energy, he advanced the Lodge on the high road to prosperity.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master November 14th, inducted and pre
sided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
November 20th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason December 18, 1882, in
San Diego Chapter, No. 61, at San Diego. He was elected and served as Treasurer in 1883-4,
King in 1886, and High Priest in 1887, and of which he is still a member.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry from
the fourth to the thirty - second, inclusive, by communication from Thomas H. Caswell, 33°, Active
Inspector-General for California, May 11, 1886.
He is a member of Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Oasis of Los Angeles.
W.\ BRO. LEWIS HENRY BROWN.
H1': was born March 24, 1857, at Haywards, Alameda County, Cal. His
parents were the late George and F1del1a Brown. His father was a pioneer
merchant from his native State of Maine and came to California in a forty-nine
ton vessel in 1852. His mother was a native of Indiana; and he being born in
California, in him flows the blood of the extreme East, the middle West, and
the Golden West —coursing across our whole country—and on his father's side
he springs from the Mayflower stock, and on his mother's from La Belle
France. He was educated in the public schools at Haywards. For eight years
he followed the occupation of merchant and kept a country store of general
merchandise at Haywards, and for a little more than three years the same
business at Collinsville on the Sacramento River. His public life has been
rather a remarkable and successful one, considering his age and opportuni
ties. When twenty-one he was elected Trustee and then Treasurer three times of the town of Hay
wards. At twenty-five years of age he was elected and served as Assemblyman from the Haywards
District, Alameda County, in the State Legislature, serving at one regular and an extra session
during one term. On his removal to Collinsville, Solano County, he was elected and served as
School Trustee and Justice of the Peace. In 1890 he was elected Clerk of the Supreme Court from
Solano County. Having removed his residence to San Francisco, in 1894 he was elected Secretary
of State, receiving the highest plurality vote ever given to a candidate in California, being nearly 41,000.
In 1878 he was married at Haywards to Miss W1ll1etta Long, the daughter of Hon. W1ll1am G.
Long of Tuolumne County; has one son, George Chester, born in January, 1880. His residence is in
San Francisco, but his official residence is at Sacramento, where he is ably performing the duties of
SecretarvJ of State.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason April 1 6th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft October 5th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason December 7, 1878, in Eucalyptus
Lodge, No. 243, at Haywards. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1879, 1880,
elected and served as Junior Warden in 1881, and Worshipful Master in 1882-3-4, during which time
he raised eighteen to the sublime degree of Master Mason. He was advanced to the h0norary degree
of Mark Master May 15th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and
acknowledged a Most Excellent Master May 25th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch
Mason June 15, 1881, in Alameda Chapter, No. 36, at Oakland, and of which he is still a member.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters April 16, 1885, in Oakland Council, No. 12,
at Oakland, and of which he is still a member. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
September 2d, and created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta September 16, 1884, in Oakland
Commandery, No. 11, at Oakland, and of which he is still a member.
The fourth December 6, 1883, and completed the fourteenth, inclusive, March 14, 1884, in Oakland
Lodge of Perfection, No. 12 (now No. 2), at Oakland; the fifteenth to the eighteenth, inclusive, in
Gethsemane Chapter, No. 5 (now No. 2), Rose Croix, at the same place — was elected and served as
Orator in 1886, and Junior Warden in 1887; the nineteenth to the thirtieth, inclusive, October, 1884,
in De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2, at the same place; the thirty -first and thirty -second, Janu
ary 15, 1885, in the Grand Consistory of California. He was elected an Active Member of the
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast December 29, 1897, of which he is still a member.
He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. (). N. M. S., of San Francisco.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNly!. 89
M.'. W. BRO, MORRIS MARCH ESTEE, P. G. M.
#T is a pleasure to write the biographical sketch of a personal friend and Brother, whom we
have known in California for over forty years. He was born November 23, 1834, in the
* township of Freehold, Warren County, Pa., and when but a child his parents, ANSELL and
PHOEBE ESTEE, removed with him to Concord, Erie County, Pa., where in early life he was raised
on a farm, taught habits of industry, principles of honesty, and the strictest integrity, which have
ever characterized his course in life, to be a broad-minded, liberal, and independent man in his views,
and never to “crook the pregnant hinges of his knees that thrift may follow fawning." He attended
the public schools, for a short time a select school, and finally went to the Waterford Academy in
Waterford, Erie County, Pa. In the spring of 1853 he left that academy and started for California,
where, after the usual hardships and delays, he arrived in September following and commenced mining
at Cold Springs, El Dorado County. From there he went to Volcano, Amador County, where he
mined for two years and a half, when he concluded to study law, and entered the office of Bro. Judge
F. M. PAULING, a fellow Pennsylvanian.
In 1857 he came to Sacramento, where we first made his acquaintance, and he accepted a
position in the law office of Judge RoHERT C. CLARK and JoHN H. GAss. In 1859 he was admitted
to practice in the Supreme Court, and then opened a law office in that city. In 1863 it was a year
of love, war, and politics, which changed his destiny. On February 2, 1863, he was married to Miss
FRANCEs DIVINE, a daughter of Judge DAVIs DIVINE of San Jose, when the country was in the
throes of the War of the Rebellion and politics were at a furnace heat. Being but recently married
the laws of Moses were in force: “When a man hath taken a new wife he shall not go out to war,
neither shall he be charged with any business; but he shall be free at home one year and shall cheer
up his wife which he hath taken." But his matrimonial affairs were not allowed to interfere with his
political duties, and being remote from the field of war he was elected to the Assembly of the Cal
ifornia Legislature that year, where he acquitted himself with honor, and at the close of his legislative
term he was elected to the office of District Attorney of Sacramento County, which he filled to the
satisfaction of that community. In 1866 he removed to San Francisco. -
In San Francisco he built up a large legal practice, became a leader in politics as a public
orator, and obtained a commanding influence in his party. He was elected an Assemblyman from
one of the San Francisco Districts in 1875, and with but little opposition was chosen Speaker of the
Assembly, and no better parliamentarian ever filled that office. In 1878 he was a member of the
New Constitutional Convention which framed the so-called New Constitution of California, was the
Chairman of the Committee on Corporations, and performed valuable services in framing the People's
Charter or Bill of Rights. In 1882 he was nominated for Governor by the Republican party, but
as there were three principal conflicting interests, that party was defeated and he shared its fate.
He was one of the Presidential Electors of California when RUTHERFORD B. HAYES was elected, a
Delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1888, and was made its permanent Chairman.
In 1894 he was again nominated by the Republican party for the office of Governor and met with
defeat by the treacherous janissaries of San Francisco, who counted him out. He has at all times
occupied a prominent place before the public. As a member of the Pan American Congress he did
good work and left the impression of his abilities upon the deliberations of that body of the repre
sentatives of his own country and of the Central and South American Republics. Always capable,
honorable, and upright, and, to use an old California expression, “his blankets are too long and too
wide for his mattress, and will slide off." Of broad and liberal views, with a keen, penetrating, and
comprehensive intellect, and distinct individual independence of character.
Bro. Estee's lovely home in Napa Valley, where he can sit under his own vine, orange, and
fig trees, gather the nuts, fruits, and flowers from the seeds of his own planting, has greater charms
for him than the most gorgeous palace with all its luxuries within and lordly surroundings without.
With a loving wife, the light of his home for thirty -five years, he has enjoyed the fullest domestic
felicity, while his record is indelibly engraved in the history of California, and his three volumes of
"Pleadings, Practice, and Forms," are his monument in law, more practical and enduring than
"Justinian's Pandects."
Blue Lodge Record.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason July 1, 1864, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft July 22, 1864, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason August 12, 1864,
at Sacramento. He aff1liated with California Lodge, No. 1, July 2, 1868, was elected and served as
Junior Warden in 1870, Senior Warden in 1871, and Worshipful Master in 1872, of which he is
still a member.
He was appointed and served as Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge in 1885-6, elected and
served as Senior Grand Warden in 1886-7, Deputy Grand Master in 1887-8, and Grand Master in
1888-9, 1890. When Senior Grand Warden he was deputed on September 17, 1887, as Acting Grand
Master to lay the corner-stone of the San Benito County Court House at Hollister. As Deputy
Grand Master he was deputed as Acting Grand Master to lay the corner-stone of the Masonic
Temple at South San Francisco, on May 30, 1889. As Grand Master he laid the corner-stone
of the Masonic Temple of Yount Lodge, No. 12, at Napa, on December 13, 1888. On
February 7, 1889, he laid the corner-stone of the Hall of Records of Yolo County at Woodland.
On March 7, 1889, he dedicated the Hall of Suisun Lodge, No. 55, at Suisun. On April
6, 1889, he laid the corner-stone of the Women's Relief Corps Hall at San Jose. On May 30,
1889, he dedicated the Masonic Hall of South San Francisco Lodge, No. 212. On August 29,
1889, he dedicated the Masonic Temple at Napa. On June 24, 1890, he laid the corner-stone of
the Masonic Temple at Alameda. On August 16, 1890, he laid the corner-stone of the First Unita
rian Church at Oakland, which completed that line of his official work, while his other acts and
official visitations as Grand Master were productive of great good and lasting benefit.
Royal Arch Record.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master October 1 8th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master October 25th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master November 1st, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason November 15, 1870,
in California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco, of which he is still one of the most energetic
members.
Ch1valr1c Record.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross July 28, 1885, and created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta August 11, 1885, in Araval Commandery, No. 19, at Vallejo. He was
honorably dismissed therefrom February 6, 1894, and affiliated with Napa Commandery, No. 34, at Napa,
of which he is still a member. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran
Association of the Pacific Coast for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry, to bear date of
October 12, 1889, when first elected Grand Master.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 9«
W.\ BRO. JAMES BESTOR MERRITT, P. M., 33c.
Th1s Brother and distinguished Mason was born Decem

ber 31, 1839, in Spring Hill, Marengo County, Ala. His
residence is on Damon avenue, Seminary Park, Alameda
County, Cal., and he is the Manager of the Fuse Association.
His parents were James Bestor Merr1tt and Sarah Goodw1n
(Humphrey) Merr1tt, and were both school teachers. His
father died young. His mother's family on the male side
were Masons. He was educated in the public schools of
Connecticut, then in Wilbraham Academy, Massachusetts, in
1853-4, and was a special student at Amherst College in 1855.
In early boyhood he worked in a fuse factory. From 1856
^ ^ to 187 1 he taught school in Connecticut, New Jersey, and
Illinois, but farmed in the summer. He first took charge of
a fuse factory near his residence in 187 1, has been Manager
of the Fuse Association since 1879, and has been a member of the firm of Ensign, Bickford & Co.
since 1887. In public life he has filled the office of Justice of the Peace in Illinois in 1870-1, and
in California in 1874-5-6-7-8; that of School Director in Illinois in 1868-9, 1870-1, and Township
Trustee in 1870-1. He was married in the town of Payson, Adams County, Ill., in 1863, and his
family consists of wife, four daughters, and one son. Coming from a family of school teachers, hav
ing been one himself, and possessing the rare qualification of being able to commit to memory and
retain that which he had learned, he was mentally thoroughly prepared for imbibing the teachings of
Masonry and intelligently imparting the same in its rituals to others, and in that respect he has no
superior; while his vigor of intellect, indomitable will, and physical powers, with a laudable ambition
to excel, has placed him in the front rank where figures more than feathers count, yet the desert
bird of Arabia has supplied him with the latter, and the figures have come from Arabic source.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason January 8th, passed to the degree of I7ellow
Craft January 17th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason January 22, 1866, in St.
Marks Lodge, No. 36, at Simsbury, Conn. He withdrew therefrom and in 1867 affiliated with
Payson Lodge, No. 379, at Payson, Ill., of which he was Senior Deacon in 1870-1. He withdrew
therefrom and in 1881 affiliated with Oak Grove Lodge, No. 215, at Alameda, Cal. He was elected
and served as Junior Warden in 1882, Senior Warden in 1883-4, and Worshipful Master in 1885,
of which he is still a member. He was also appointed and served as Inspector of the 25th Masonic
District in 1886.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master January 26, 1881, in Alameda (now
Oakland) Chapter, No. 36, elected and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master February 2d,
received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master February 23d, and exalted to the sublime
degree of Royal Arch Mason March 2, 1881, in said Chapter. He was elected and served as King
in 1892-5, High Priest in 1896, and is now serving as Principal Sojourner in 1898.
He was the first petitioner for the degrees in Oakland Council, No. 12, and was greeted a
Royal and a Select Master June 15, 1882; elected and served as Deputy Master in 1883, and Thrice
Illustrious Master in 1884, 1894; elected and served as Grand Principal Conductor of the Works in
1885, Deputy Grand Master in 1886-7, and Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of
Royal and Select Masters of California in 1888. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
July 19th, created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta August 23, 1881, in Oakland Command
ery, No. 11, at Oakland. He was appointed and served as Standard Bearer in 1882-3, elected and
served as Generalissimo in 1884–5, Commander in 1887, and is now (1898) Prelate, of which he is
still a member. -
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and held
office in the same as follows: The 4th to the 14th, inclusive, in the summer of 1882 in Yerba Buena
Lodge of Perfection, No. 6 (now No. 1), at San Francisco; 15th to the 18th, inclusive, November
24th, in Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 4 (now No. 1), at the same place; 19th to the 30th, inclusive,
December 12, 1882, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1, at the same place; 31st and
32d January 11, 1883, in the Grand Consistory of California, at the same place. He withdrew from
the local bodies at San Francisco January 4, 1884, and became a charter member and Senior Warden
of Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 12 (now No. 2), Gethsemane Chapter, No. 5 (now No. 2), Rose
Croix, and De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2, at Oakland. He served as Venerable Master of
Oakland Lodge of Perfection in 1885–6; elected and served as Wise Master of Gethsemane Chapter
of Rose Croix in 1886. He was elected and served as Second Lieutenant Commander in 1883–4–5,
First Lieutenant Commander in 1886, and Eminent Commander of De Molay Council of Kadosh in
1887. He was appointed and served as Bearer of the Beauseant in 1886–7–8–9, elected and served
as Grand Constable in 1890, Grand Preceptor in 1891, Grand Prior in 1892, and Venerable Grand
Master of the Grand Consistory of California in 1893; was elected and served in 1895 as Grand Minister
of State. He was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor and to receive the 33d degree
as Honorary Inspector-General of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United
States in October, 1886, and was coronetted a 33d January 16, 1887, at San Francisco, by THOMAS
H. CASWELL, 33°, Active Inspector-General for California. He is now Orator for all the Oakland
bodies of the A. & A. S. Rite, as well as rendering additional services when called upon.
He received the Royal Order of Scotland in the Provincial Grand Chapter at Washington in
October, 1892. He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast April 14, 1887, of which he is still a member.
He received the Order of the Eastern Star in June, 1883, in Oak Leaf Chapter, No. 8, at
Oakland; was elected and served as Worthy Patron in 1887, and Grand Patron of California in 1896.
— K–– - - -
W. BRO. ANDREW ROCCA, P. M.
THIS Brother and fellow native countryman of the Italian patriots GAR1
BALDI, MAZZINI, and CAVOUR, was born October 8, 1838, in Borgonovo, a
province of Genoa, Italy, and his parents were BARTHOLOMEW and MARY RocCA
of that place. He was educated in the Endowed School and College of
Borgonovo in his native town, from which he graduated in 1852. In the
year 1853 he came to California, where he has continuously been engaged in
mining. From 1869 to 1875 he was Superintendent of Golden Rock Water
Company of Tuolumne County and also of Spring Creek Mining Company
of Shasta County from 1875 to 1876, when he was placed in charge as the
Superintendent of the Great Western Mining Company of Lake County, which
- position he now holds, his residence being at the Great Western. On April
14, 1880, at Elk Grove, Sacramento County, he was married to Miss MARY THOMPsoN, the only
daughter of BERNARD THOMPsoN of that place.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIM. 93
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the year 1871 in Mount /efferson Lodge, No. 107,
at Garrote, Tuolumne County. He was elected and served as Senior Warden in 1872–3–4–5.
Al/ount /efferson Lodge, by approval and direction of the Grand Lodge, consolidated with Tuolumne
Lodge, No. 8, at Sonora, in December, 1876. In April, 1888, he withdrew therefrom and affiliated
with Ca/layomi Lodge, No. 282, at Middletown. He was elected and served as Senior Warden in
1889, Worshipful Master in 1891–2, and appointed and served as Steward in 1896, and of which he
is still a member.
Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and on January
4, 1893, exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in St. Helena Chapter, No. 63, at St.
Helena, Napa County, of which he is still a member. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red
Cross, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta February 7, 1894, in Napa Com
mandery, No. 34, at Napa, of which he is still a member. He was elected an Active Member of
the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, December 29, 1897.
-
*— - -
W. BRO. HENRY WITHERS BROWN, P. M.
HE was born February 10, 1823, in Jackson County, State of Ohio,

and his residence is at Red Bluff, Tehama County, Cal., his occupation
that of farmer. His parents were ZEPHANIAH and ELIZABETH BROWN.
He came to California in 1850. In public life he has been honored
with the position by appointment by the United States Government as
Postmaster at Red Bluff, and has filled the offices of County Assessor
and as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Colusa County with
| ability and general satisfaction to the people.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason March 11th, passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft March 28th, and raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason April 8, 1854, in Forbestown Lodge, No. 50,
at Forbestown. He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1855,
elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1856–7-8. He dimitted
therefrom in 1859, and on May 30, 1861, was appointed Worshipful Master under dispensation and
May 15, 1862, reappointed under charter of Molino Lodge, No. 150, at Tehama, Tehama County,
and by appointment and election served as Worshipful Master in 1861-2-3-4-5–7, or six years.
He dimitted therefrom and on May 4, 1870, was appointed Worshipful Master of Mewville Lodge,
U. D., at Newville, Colusa County, and was reappointed Master of Mewville Lodge, No. 205, under
charter, October 14, 1870, the first Lodge chartered by the Grand Lodge at its twenty-first Annual
Communication, serving that Lodge as Master in 1870–1–2–3. He withdrew therefrom in 1874, and
in 1882 affiliated with Vesper Lodge, No. 84, at Red Bluff, Tehama County. He was elected and
served as Senior Warden in 1883, and of which he is still a member. Having served one year as
Senior Deacon, one year as Senior Warden, and eleven years as Worshipful Master, he has made a
splendid record and proved himself worthy of the honors he has received. He is the owner of the
Masonic Hall in Red Bluff.
Bro. BRow N is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Red Bluff, and being a
farmer, like BOAz of old, he sees to it that RUTH is well supplied with barley in the sheaf.
W., BRO BRILSFORD PEASE FLINT, P. M
THIs distinguished Brother was born September 19, 1842, in the town of North Anson, Me.,
and the son of WILLIAM R. and ELECTA (WESTON) FLINT. His residence is in San Francisco, and
occupation wool merchant. He was educated in the public schools and North Anson Academy in
his native town. His father was a Senator in the Legisla
ture of Maine two terms and was the intimate friend of Hon.
HANNIBAL HAMLIN, Vice-Pres ident of the United States, and
Hon. JAMEs G. BLAINE, Secre tary of State. Bro. FLINT re
mained in his native State until he attained his majority when
he removed to Ohio where he resided for three years, and
then came to California, arriving March 16, 1867, where he
has lived ever since. On March 23, 1871, he was married at
Chillicothe, O., to Miss GER TRUDE V. GILMORE, the daugh
ter of WILLIAM Y. and MARY TIFFIN GILMORE of that place.
In San Francisco he has served one term as School Director
and for nine years as President of the Associated Charities, and

been most generous and liberal in contributing to and directing
the dispensing of charity to the worthy distressed and suffering
poor. He is also an ex-Pres- ident of the State of Maine
Association. Bro. FLINT was nominated for Mayor of San
Francisco by the Republican party in 1879, during the “sand
lot” excitement, and was defeated by the candidate of the
so-called Workingmen's party, which was an honor to him but a misfortune to the people of San
Francisco.
MASONIC RECORD.
Bro. FLINT was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason April 24, 1876, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft January 22d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason January 29, 1877,
in Occidental Lodge, No. 22, at San Francisco. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in
1878–9, Worshipful Master in 1880, and of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master May 8th, inducted and presided in
the Oriental Chair as Past Master May 15th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
May 29th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason May 29, 1877, in California
Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco, and of which he is still a member.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters October 28, 1885, in California Council,
No. 2, at San Francisco, and dimitted January 1, 1896.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross August 19th, and was created a Knight
Templar and a Knight of Malta September 16, 1881, in California Commandery, No. 1, at San
Francisco. He was appointed and served as Standard Bearer in 1883, elected and served as Junior
Warden in 1884, Senior Warden in 1885, Captain - General in 1886, Generalissimo in 1887,
Eminent Commander in 1888, and appointed Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery in April,
1898, of which he is still a member.
He is Past Potentate of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
W.\ BRO. JEROME BONAPARTE RICHARDSON.
He was born June 10, 1827, in the town of Leroy, Genessee

County, New York. His father was Mann1ng R1chardson, and
his mother's maiden name Nancy Curt1s. His father was born in
Y . Coventry, Conn., and served his country in the last war with Great
JEl' sQ^.^- Britain in 18 1 2—14, as a volunteer soldier in the Army at Buffalo,
W)|a jjp^ N. Y. Bro. R1chardson is of the sixth generation from Amos
R1chardson, who landed and settled in Massachusetts in 1640.
Bro. R1chardson attended public school at Leroy from an early
age until old enough to work on the farm, when he went to school
only in the winter time. On arriving at manhood he continued to
work on the farm and taught a district school in winter. He emi
grated to Lafayette County, Wis., in 1848, and in 1852 returned
to Leroy, where he was married to Miss Kather1ne R1chardson,
and then went back to his farm in Wisconsin. At Janesville in
that State he conducted a boot and shoe business one year in 1856, and was County Supervisor of
Lafayette County for the years 1854-5-6. On May 1, 1860, with his wife and two small children,
accompanied by two men, he started on the journey across the plains with a small band of horses.
Soon after his arrival in California that year he commenced teaming, hauling freight and mer
chandise from Sacramento to Washoe, and for five years he was engaged in that and various other
kinds of business, having settled in 1860 in Suisun, Solano County, where he has continued to reside.
For awhile he kept a variety store in Suisun, when in October, 1865, he was appointed United
States Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the district embracing the counties of Solano, Yolo,
and Lake, which off1ce he filled until August, 1885.
Craft March 17, 1859, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 4, 1860, in Evening
Star Lodge, No. 64, at Darlington, Wisconsin. He dimitted therefrom in the latter part of April,
1860, and affiliated with Suisun Lodge, No. 55, at Suisun, California, November 16, 186 1. He was
appointed and served as Tyler in 1863, Junior Deacon in 1864, Senior Deacon in 1870-9, 1880-1-
2-3-5-6, elected and served as Secretary in 1866, Junior Warden in 1865, Senior Warden in 187 1,
and Worshipful Master in 1873, 1885, and of which he is still a member. He was appointed and
served as Grand Bible Bearer of the Grand Lodge from October, 1895, to October, 1896, and was
present as such at the laying of the corner-stone of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, July 7, 1896,
by the Grand Lodge. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master January 17th,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master January 31, received and acknowledged
a Most Excellent Master (in the afternoon) and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason
(in the evening) February 21, 1872, in Solano Chapter, No. 43, Suisun. He was appointed and
served as Royal Arch Captain in 1872-3, 1886, Captain of the Host in 1874, Principal Sojourner in
1877-8, Marshal in 1885, elected and served as Treasurer in 1881-2-3-4, Scribe in 1879, 1880-9,
1890-1, King in 1875, 1892-3, and High Priest in 1876, 1894-5-6-7-8, and is now serving the
seventh term in that office.
W.\ Bro. R1chardson received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and was created a
Knight Templar and Knight of Malta January 17, 1873, in California Commandery, No. 1, of which
he is a Life Member. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association
of the Pacific Coast on July 7, 1896, for eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
W.". BRO. ALBERT ALEXANDER DICKIE, W. M.
HE was born September 26, 1840, in Brantford, Ontario, Dominion of

Canada. His parents were JoHN and MARIA DICKIE. His residence is in
Suisun Valley, Solano County, Cal., and his occupation that of farmer, stock
and fruit-raiser. He was educated in the public schools. In public life he
has held the offices of School Trustee and Clerk for a period of fifteen
years. He says, “I have run for office as Assemblyman and Sheriff in the
People's Party but got left." He belonged to the Sixth Infantry Band of
the United States Army and was stationed at Benicia, from which he was
honorably discharged in May, 1861. He has resided in Collinsville, Den
verton, and Suisun, all in Solano County; also two years in Austin, Nev.,
and in 1867 he resided at Summit City for six months. He was married
September 26, 1869, and his family consists of five children, four boys and one girl, all grown, and
the youngest twenty-three years of age.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in May, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft
in June, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in July, 1868, in Suisun Lodge, No. 55,
at Suisun, Solano County (actual dates not given, the Lodge records being destroyed by fire). He
was appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1877, Senior Deacon in 1890, elected and served as
Junior Warden in 1882, Senior Warden in 1884–5, and Worshipful Master in 1886–7–8–9, 1891–2–
6–7–8, and is now serving his ninth term in that office. He was advanced to the honorary degree of
Mark Master, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged
a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1882,
in Solano Chapter, No. 43, at Suisun (records destroyed by fire). He was appointed and served as
Royal Arch Captain in 1882–3–4, 1890–1–2–3–5. He was elected and served as High Priest in
1885, and of which he is still a member. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
November 28th, and created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta December 15, 1882, in Naval
Commandery, No. 19, at Vallejo, and of which he is still a member. He has been the Worthy
Patron of Suisun Chapter, No. 2, O. E. S., for nine years.
*––––– -----
W. BRO. CHARLES FREDERICK OTT, P. M.
TIIIs worthy Brother is a native son of the Golden West, having been
born August 28, 1859, in San Francisco. His parents were JACOB and
AppoloNIA OTT ; his residence, Oakland. He was educated in the public
schools of San Francisco and Oakland. He was Sanitary Inspector of
Oakland two years and is now Assistant Superintendent of Streets, and in
both capacities has shown himself to be an efficient and capable officer.
Bro. OTT was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 2d,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft February 9th, and raised to the sub
lime degree of Master Mason March 23, 1889, in Oakland Lodge, No. 188,
at Oakland. He was appointed and served as Steward in 1890, Junior
Deacon in 1891, Senior Deacon in 1892, elected and served as Junior
Warden in 1893, Senior Warden in 1894, and Worshipful Master in 1895.
It was while serving in the latter office that he initiated, passed, and on May 11, 1895, raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason Bro. Walter C. W1lcox, the ward of the Grand Lodge, in the
presence of the Grand Master and officers of the Grand Lodge and Brethren from all parts of the
United States. He is now a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Temple Association
of Oakland. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast June 23, 1894, for valuable services rendered to that Association. He received the degrees of
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and held office in the same as follows: The
fourth to the fourteenth, inclusive, May 26, 1890, in Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 2, at Oakland.
He was appointed and served as Junior Expert in 1894, and Senior Expert in 1895. The fifteenth
to the eighteenth, inclusive, in Gethsemane Chapter, No. 2, Rose Croix, at Oakland, in 1893.
He was appointed and served as Senior Expert in 1895, and elected and served as Junior Warden
in 1897-8. The nineteenth to the thirtieth, inclusive, in De Molay Council, No. 2, Kadosh, at
Oakland, in 1894. He was appointed and served as First Deacon in 1895.
BRO. SAMUEL STEWART.
T1hs pioneer Brother was born August 13, 1828, in Newark,

Licking County, Ohio. His parents were George Y. and Margaret
(Ekhor) Stewart. His residence is at Denverton, Solano County,
Cal., and occupation that of farming and stock-raising. He came to
California with his father, arriving at Sacramento in July, 1849, and
soon after went to Placerville, but returned in 1850 to Sacramento
County, where he resided for six years, when he finally located in 1856
in Solano County, where he has continued to reside until the present
time, engaged in cultivating a fine farm of nearly four thousand acres,
*\ raising mostly wheat and a fine stock of horses, cattle, and sheep, for
which there is an active demand, causing him to be a prosperous and
successful farmer and producer, receiving the substantial reward of an
industrious and well-spent life in his comfortable home, where happiness
and abundance is found. He was married to Miss Jane E. Fothr1ngham, a pioneer of 1850, in
Chicago, Ill., October 4, 1853, a daughter of Dr. George Fothr1ngham of that city.
Craft March 11th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 18, 1854, in Savanna
Lodge, at Savanna, Mo. He dimitted therefrom and in 1862 affiliated with Suisun Lodge, No. 55,
at Suisun, Solano County, of which he is still a member. The records of the Lodge were destroyed
by fire. He is a Trustee of the Masonic Hall at Suisun, and was appointed Trustee and Superin
tendent to rebuild the hall immediately after the fire.
Oriental Chair as Past Master October 4th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
November 8th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason December 20, 1871, in
Suisun Chapter, No. 43, at Suisun, of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross March 13th, and created a Knight Tem
plar and Knight of Malta March 27, 1883, in Naval Commandery, No. 19, at Vallejo, and of which
he is still a member.
December 29, 1897, of which he is still a member.
He is a member of the Mistletoe Order of the Eastern Star, and Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
COMP. SAMUEL FRANKLIN GEIL, P. H. P.
He was born September 28, 1841, in Bucks County, Pa.,

and his parents were Jacob and Anna Geh., whose ancestors
were originally from Germany for several generations back.
Comp. Geh. received an academic education in Rucks County,
read law in the office of Herrick & Barlow, Cleveland, Ohio,
graduated at the Ohio State and Union Law College on May
26, 1862, and four months later, September 26th, he was
admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Ohio. Previ
ously, however, at the breaking out of the Civil War in 1861,
he was among the first to enter the volunteer service and was
appointed First Lieutenant in the 2d Regiment Ohio Cavalry,
but finding that it would be destructive of his efforts to com
plete his legal education, he resigned December 11, 1861, and
received from General Buell, the Department Commander, an
honorable discharge and resumed his studies in the law until
he graduated. He then decided to try his fortunes in Cali
fornia, and coming by the Nicaragua route, he arrived in San Francisco by steamer in 1862. Finding
it to be somewhat of a barren field for a young lawyer and a stranger, with no encouraging prospects
to follow his profession and make it his home, he went to Monterey early in 1863 and there opened
a law office. In the fall of the same year he was nominated on the Democratic ticket and elected
by a large majority over his opponent as District Attorney of Monterey County, which office he filled
with credit to himself and benefit to the people. He remained in Monterey until 1868, and while
serving his first term as District Attorney in 1866 he was married to Miss Josefa Sanchez, a lady
of Spanish extraction and a member of the noted Castro family which figured prominently in the
history of California, by whom he has two daughters as the fruits of that marriage, which make a
happy family.
After having been temporarily engaged in mining affairs he resumed his law practice in 1873,
and opened an office in Salinas, where he settled, the county seat having been removed to that place,
and in the same year was appointed District Attorney by the Board of Supervisors, to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of the incumbent. He filled the unexpired term and during that period pros
ecuted and secured the conviction on a charge of murder of M1guel Moreno, one of the noted
Vasquez band of robbers and murderers. He formed partnerships with Hon. P. K. Woods1de,
ex -Clerk of the Supreme Court of California, and with Hon. H. V. Morehouse, but their removal
elsewhere caused dissolution, and since 1890 he has continued the practice of law alone, and during
the twenty -five years that he has been a member of the Salinas bar he has built up one of the
largest practices of any lawyer in the interior of the State.
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1862 in Iris Lodge, Cleveland, O. He dimitted
therefrom and affiliated October 14, 1865, with Texas Lodge, No. 46, at San Juan, San Benito
County, from which he dimitted July 10th, and affiliated November 15, 1869, with Confidence Lodge,
No. 203, at Castroville, Monterey County, from which he dimitted May 1st and on June 28, 187 1,
affiliated with Monterey Lodge, No. 217, at Monterey, of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master August 24th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received a Most Excellent Master on September 7th, and
exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason September 21, 1881, in Temple Chapter, No.
41, at Watsonville. He withdrew therefrom and at once united with Salinas Chapter, No. 59, at
Salinas, was elected Scribe March 14, 1882, King in 1884, and High Priest in 1886-7-8, of which
he is still a member.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters in 1885, in California Council, No. 2,
at San Francisco, of which he is still a member. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red
Cross February 24th, and created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta February 25, 1883, in
Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, of which he is still a member.
He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco ; also Past Patron of
Reveille Chapter, No. 47, O. E. S., at Salinas City.
BRO. HENRY VINCENT MOREHOUSE.
He was born April 1, 1849, in the town of Elkhart, Ind.

His parents were Nathan B. and Susannah Morehouse. His
residence is in San Jose, Cal.; occupation, attorney-at-law. He
came to California in 1853, when only four years of age, and
lacks that much time and place in being a "native son." He
attended the public schools and the Sotoyome Institute. From
1867 to 1869 he taught school in Mendocino County. In
November, 1869, he went to Salinas City and commenced
teaching in 1870, but from May, 1874, also engaged in the
1 Û^.A i^^. practice of law, ami so continued until 1S76, when he entered
the practice of law strictly and continued so engaged at Salinas
City until January 1, 1890, when he removed to San Jose,
2 A j| where he has been practicing law ever since. He was District
Attorney of Monterey County one term, and has been engaged
in some of the most important cases in the State, in the capacity of an attorney for the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company and several other corporations. He was elected State Senator for the
Thirty -first District at the last election and is now a hold-over Senator. He was a Presidential
Elector on the National Republican ticket for President Harr1son, and also held the position for
four years as Major and Judge Advocate on the staff of Brigadier -General W. W. Sm1th of the
National Guard of California. He was a member of the Board of Education of Monterey County
while residing at Salinas, the county seat, and where he was married in October, 1872, to Miss Jenn1e
F. De W1tt of Savanah County, Wis., by whom he has two daughters. He is now permanently
located at San Jose.
He was initiated »an Entered Apprentice Mason November 10th, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft November 17th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason November 22,
1890, in San Jose Lodge, No. 10, at San Jose, of which he is still a member.
Bro. Morehouse is a representative of the latter day push-and-get-there element that is putting
California in the front rank of the States. Progressive and alert, he is watchful of home interests,
and is loyal to whatever will promote the welfare of San Jose. In State affairs he is broad-gauged,
lOO FJFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
and is a valuable member of the General Assembly. Such men are the bulwark of good government.
Bro. Morehouse enjoys the confidence of his neighbors and the respect of the public His life has
been pure and worthy, and his future is full of promise for the betterment of his own community
and the advancement of his beloved State.
W.\ BRO. WILLIAM HAYES PERRY, P. M.
He was born October 17, 1832, in Newark, Licking County,

Ohio. His parents were John and Anna Perry. His residence
is Los Angeles, Cal. He received his education in his native town,
and learned the trade of furniture manufacturer, which business he
followed up to 1853. He came to California in 1854 and located at
Los Angeles, where he was engaged in the furniture business, and
where we first made his acquaintance in December, 1859. He formed
a partnership with Bro. Wallace Woodworth and engaged in the
business of lumber dealing in 1858, which he has followed for forty
years to 1898, as well as banking. He married in Los Angeles in
1858, and has two daughters and one son. In public life he served
as Common Councilman of Los Angeles in 1863-4-5, is at present
President of the Los Angeles .City Water Company, and has always
been an industrious, enterprising business man, a good citizen, fully
imbued with public spirit, and deeply interested in the prosperity of his adopted city.
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1853 in Jackson Lodge, No. 85, Ohio. He dimitted
therefrom and affiliated with Los Angeles Lodge, No. 42, at Los Angeles, April 30, 1855. He
withdrew therefrom in 1885 (soon after the death of his partner, Bro. Woodworth) and that year
aff1liated with Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, at that place, of which he is still a member.
Oriental Chair as Past Master July 2 2d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master July
24th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason July 27, 1883, in Signet Chapter, No.
57, at Los Angeles, of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross August 9th, and created a Knight Tem
plar and Knight of Malta August 10, 1883, in Ca'ur de Lion Commandery, No. 9, at Los Angeles,
4th to the 32d degrees, inclusive, on December 13th, 14th, and 15, 1885, ^t Los Angeles, by com
munication from Edw1n A. Sherman, 33°, Hon. Deputy Inspector -General, and was then added to
the membership of King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, No. 14, Robert Bruce Chapter of Rose Croix,
No. 6, and Hugues de Payens Council of Kadosh, No. 3, at that place. He became a charter
member of Occidental Consistory at Los Angeles, Oct0ber 17, 1888, of which he is still an active
member.
W.\ BRO. ALLEN CHARLES MILLER, P. M.
He was born October 29, 1830, at Mt. Joy, Lancaster County,

Pa. His parents were Arch1bald and Esther Hettv (Mart1n)
M1ller. Resides at Suisun, Solano County, Cal. He comes
of a long and honorable line of ancestors, who from the earliest
period of American history were largely connected with public
affairs and who entertained our distinguished Bro. General Lafay
ette on his visit to the United States in 1821, when he was
the guest of the nation. Our limited space forbids us to give
further account of his ancestry, from whose descent he may justly
feel proud, and confine our sketch to himself alone. He remained
at home until a little past ten years of age, being a good English
scholar then, having been taught by his father and reciting to
him at night. He then went to the Erie Academy at Erie, Pa.,
for a year and a half, then to Prof. F. P. Cumm1ngs' College at
Laporte, Ind., when fourteen to sixteen years of age, where he
graduated. He learned the drug business at that place, and when
eighteen years of age took charge of a branch store at Plymouth, Ind., for Dw1ght Dem1ng of South
Bend, Ind. He was also Deputy Postmaster at Plymouth for two years, 1 850-1. He started across
the plains for California on April 10, 1852, with a party from Laporte, Ind., consisting of his brother-
in-law (J. B. Lemon) and others, and after enduring considerable hardships, arrived at Sacramento
October 20, 1852, and thence to Green Valley, Solano County, where the party mostly settled,
having driven a band of cattle across the plains with them. Bro. M1ller engaged in mining in
1853-7 in Calaveras County, and then returned to Suisun, Solano County, as bookkeeper for J. B.
Lemon & Co., and has resided there ever since. He was employed as clerk from 1858 to 1861, when
he engaged in merchandising as partner in the firm of Ferrell, Miller & Co. until 1863, when he
retired and for a short time followed farming. He was appointed Deputy Postmaster at Suisun and
served from 1858 to 1861 ; was appointed Deputy County Treasurer and Tax Collector for ten years
at various times from 1866 to 1886, under J. B. Lemon, and in 1895 was again appointed to the said
offices as Deputy under James A. Keves, serving about thirteen years as Deputy County Treasurer
and Tax Collector of Solano County. He was appointed and served as Postmaster of Suisun from
1886 to 1890 under President Cleveland. Bro. M1ller has proven himself a public officer of rare
ability and of the strictest integrity, worthy of the confidence and support of the people.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason October 19, 1861, passed to the degree of
bellow Craft March 1st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason September 6, 1862, in
Suisun Lodge, No. 55, at Suisun. He was elected and served as Treasurer in 1863-4-5-6-7, Junior
Warden in 1873-4, Senior Warden in 1875, Worshipful Master in 1876, and appointed and served as
Marshal in 1883, of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master July 12th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master August 23d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master October 24th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason October 25, 187 1, in
Solano Chapter, No. 43, at Suisun. He was appointed and served as Master of the 1st Vail in
1873; Master of the 2d Vail, 1893; Master of the 3d Vail, 1874; Royal Arch Captain, 1894-6;
Captain of the Host, 1875-6-7-9, 1880-1-2; elected and served as High Priest in 1878, of which he
is still a member.
BRO. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN RUSH.
He was born October 12, 1852, at the Fourteen- Mile House, on

the Coloma Road, Sacramento County, his father, the late Bro. H1ram
Rush, being descended from the old Doctor Rush family of Philadel
phia, of Revolutionary stock and friends and neighbors of Bro. Benjam1n
Frankl1n. Bro. H1ram Rush was born in Ohio and came to Califor
nia overland in 1849 and settled in Sacramento County, where we knew
him from the time he located and kept a good country hotel on the
road to Mormon Island and the mines in that vicinity, when he after
ward removed to Solano County, where he became a member of Suisun
Lodge, No. 55, at Suisun. On December 4, 1869, he was thrown
from a buggy and killed, his loss being greatly deplored by the com
munity where he had resided for many years, and commanding the love
and esteem of his Brethren and respected by all who knew him. His
son, the subject of this sketch, having removed to Suisun with his parents when he was but a child,
has continued to make that place his residence, his occupation being farming and stock-raising. He
was educated in the public schools, the Presbyterian College at San Francisco, and at McClure's
Military Academy at Oakland, where by close application to study he stored up knowledge that in a
great measure proved to be of service to him in after life. Preferring a farmer's life to a profes
sional one, he returned to Suisun and devoted himself to agriculture and stock-raising, and by indus
try, prudence, and economy, acquired additional property to that of his paternal inheritance ; and like
a good, true American citizen, by marrying has reared a family with several sons, of whom he is
justly proud, and who ere long will hail him Brother as well as father. He was elected Sheriff of
Solano County in 1894, which office for nearly four years he has faithfully filled with honor and
credit to himself and the satisfaction of the people. He is exceedingly modest and even bashful in
regard to himself, but calm, cool, and courageous as an officer of the people in the performance of
duty. He is a Trustee of the Masonic Hall at Suisun and earnestly devoted to Masonry, and,
while not seeking any official preferment therein, enjoys the fellowship of his Brethren.
Blue Lodge Record.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason March 31st, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft April 15th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 21, 1883, in Suisun Lodge,
No. 55, at Suisun, of which he is still a member.
Royal Arch Record.
Oriental Chair as Past Master June 4th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master and
exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason June 9, 1883, in Suisun Chapter, No. 43, at
Suisun, of which he is still a member.
Ch1valr1c Record.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross July 24th, and was created a Knight Tem
plar and Knight of Malta July 27, 1883, in Naval Commandery, No. 19, at Vallejo, of which he is
still a member.
He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
M.\ W.\ EDWARD MYERS PRESTON, P. G. M.
F is a most pleasurable duty to write the biographical sketch and Masonic record of so
courteous and distinguished a Brother Mason as M.\ W.\ Edward Mvers Preston, Past
Grand Master of Masons of California. He was born May 4, 1841, in Freedom, Washtenaw
County, Mich. His parents were Jacob and Lucy W. Preston. He was educated in the public
schools and entered Michigan Agricultural College in 1858, graduating from the same with the degree
of B. S. in November, 1862. He came to California via the Panama route, arriving in San Fran
cisco June 6, 1863, and soon after went to Nevada City, where he has continued to reside. He
followed the profession of druggist until 1876, when he changed his occupation to that of banker,
and has continued in the same to the present time. He was married at Nevada City on November
8, 1870, to Miss Magg1e H. H1nds, by whom he had one son, Dr. M. A. Preston of San Francisco.
She was a native of Kentucky, and died June 2, 1889.
Bro. Preston was elected two terms as Superintendent of Public Schools of Nevada County,
in the years 1868-9 and 1874-5. He was elected and served one term as State Senator from
Nevada County in 1889-91, in which body he was distinguished as a wise and humane legislator.
During the Legislative session of 1889 he introduced a bill establishing a State reformatory for
wayward boys, which included a provision for transferring boys who had been sentenced to the pen
itentiary to that school for reformation. When the bill was up for final passage in the Senate the
title of the school was unanimously amended so that it should be officially designated as The Preston
School of Industry. In the spring of 1893 he was appointed by Governor Markham a Trustee of
The Preston School of Industry, at lone, Amador County, and he was elected and has served as
President of the Board of Trustees since the date of its organization.
We now take up his splendid Masonic record. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and on May 4, 1863, raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason in Washtenaw Lodge, No. 65, at Dexter, Mich., just prior to his departure for Cal
ifornia. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Nevada Lodge, No. 13, at Nevada City, in 1873.
He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1878, elected and served as Treasurer in 1879,
Worshipful Master two consecutive terms in 1 880-1, re-elected Treasurer in 1887, and is now filling
that office. He was appointed and served as Senior Grand Deacon in 1889-90, elected and served
as Junior Grand Warden in 1892—3, Senior Grand Warden in 1893-4, Deputy Grand Master in
1894-5, and M.\ W. Grand Master of Masons of California in 1895-6. During his term of office
as Grand Master, at the request of the Committee of Design and Construction, he convened the
Grand Lodge of California at Monterey and laid the corner-stone of the Sloat Monument at that
place on July 7, 1896. He also laid the corner-stones of the Court House at Santa Cruz and of the
Masonic Temple at Los Angeles. On October 9, 1889, as Past Master of Nevada Lodge, and repre
senting it in the Grand Lodge, he introduced the following resolution in that body : "Resolved, That
the Grand Lodge take such measures as may be deemed proper to establish and foster an institution
for the care of destitute orphan children of Masons, and that a committee of five be appointed by
the Grand Master to report a plan therefor at the next Annual Communication." The resolution
was adopted. He was appointed the Chairman of that committee, and at the next Annual Commu
nication of the Grand Lodge he presented a most carefully digested and admirable report on October
15, 1890, but it was rejected and the matter was again referred to a special committee. The next
year the report of the committee was referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence, with instructions
to report the next day, which it did on October 16, 1890, recommending that a committee of nine
be appointed to organize a Widows' and Orphans' Home Association, and Bro. Preston was appointed
IO4 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Chairman. On October 11, 1892, at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, the Trustees
appointed by the Grand Master made report Bro. PRESTON had been unanimously elected President
of the Board. At that Annual Communication he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and while he
was laboring in the cause of this great work he was steadily advanced to the Grand Oriental Chair
of the M. W. Grand Mastership of the Grand Lodge of California, and his last official act as
Grand Master was on October 14, 1896, near Decoto, Alameda County, to lay the corner-stone of
the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home, an honor most faithfully earned and justly deserved, after
seven long years of patient waiting and labor from the time he first introduced the resolution.
The Preston School of Industry at Ione and the Masonic Widows and Orphans' Home at
Decoto are monuments of State and of Masonic pride, and glory in the redemption and blessing of
humanity, spanned by Heaven's own grand prismatic arch the keystone of which is Charity, on which
will ever appear the name of EDwARD MYERs PRESTON. The committee to whom was referred the
Grand Master's Address, in the conclusion of their report said, “Permit us in concluding this report
to express to you, and with you to our M. W. Grand Master EDWARD MYERs PRESTON our token
of the great esteem in which we all hold him, not alone for the zeal and fidelity with which he has
at all times labored for the welfare of this Grand Lodge and for that of our noble fraternity, but
also for his constant exemplification of those grand characteristics of noble manhood that have
uniformly presented him to his Brethren and to the citizens of this lovely commonwealth as one
deserving of all honor." This report was unanimously adopted, and at the close of the session of
the Grand Lodge, M. W.'. Past Grand Master JAMEs B. STEVENs presented the following resolution,
which was unanimously adopted by a rising vote: “Aesolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge
are hereby tendered to our retiring Grand Master M. W. EDWARD MYERs PRESTON, for the able,
dignified, and impartial manner in which he has conducted the affairs of this Grand Lodge during his
term of office, and that in his retirement he carries with him the best wishes of every member of
this Grand Jurisdiction.” Scarcely had one year passed from the time he laid aside the insignia of
office and invested his successor with the Grand Master's square when on October 16, 1897, like the
mantle of ELIJAH which fell upon ELISHA, the judicial robe worn with such honor for twenty-eight
years by our late beloved M. W. Past Grand Master WILLIAM C. BELCHER and M. W. Past
Grand Master NATHANIEL G. CURTIs for sixteen years, fell upon the shoulders of our beloved Past
Grand Master PRESTON, as Chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence in the Grand Lodge of
California, and it could not have fallen upon a better or more capable one in the Grand Lodge.
In Capitular Masonry he was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master,
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1865, in Manzanita Chapter, No. 29, at
North San Juan, Nevada County. He was appointed and served as Captain of the Host in 1865,
elected and served as Scribe in 1866; dimitted therefrom, and in 1870 affiliated with Nevada Chapter,
No. 6, at Nevada City, was elected Treasurer in 1888–9, 1890, and High Priest in 1891.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, and on May 21, 1874, created a Knight
Templar and a Knight of Malta in Nevada Commandery, No. 6, at Nevada City. He was elected
and served as Prelate in the years 1876–8–9, 1880–1–2, 1890, as Junior Warden in 1877, 1889,
Captain-General in 1883, and Eminent Commander in 1884–5.
July 7, 1896, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
M.'. W. Bro. PRESTON's portrait adorns the Pantheon of Past Grand Masters of the Grand
Lodge of California in the Masonic Temple at San Francisco, and while he lives on earth he will
ever have the esteem and love of all of his Brethren. So mote it be
W.\ BRO. ELIAS DELEVAN GARDNER, P. M.
He was born March 22, 1867, in Otsego County, N. Y.

His residence is at Red Bluff, Cal. His parents were H1ram
S. and Cynth1a A. Gardner. He received a common school
education in his native State and in California, and left school
at the age of eighteen. He resided in New York until 1878,
when he came to California in November of that year, located
on a farm near Corning, Tehama County, where he remained
until twenty-three years of age. On December 23, 1890, he
removed to Red Bluff, and for a period of six years he has
been engaged in the insurance and real estate business, in
which he has met with more than an ordinarv success. In
public life he has served the people as Deputy Sheriff of
Tehama County from January 1, 189 1, to January 1, 1893,
and made a most faithful and capable officer, during which
time his duties were multifarious, requiring keen discrimination,
a patient disposition, and unflinching personal courage in the
enforcement of law, in the execution of the decrees of the courts, and preserving the public peace.
In all his walks, public and private, Bro. Gardner has enjoyed the confidence of the people—
a man to the manor born, one whose going and coming is upright and of value to the community.
On May 25, 1896, he was married to Miss Laura H. Bett1s in Red Bluff, and the home is the
fireside of happiness, the joy and contentment of domestic life.
Blue Lodge Record.
Bro. Gardner was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason April 21st, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft May 19th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason June 2, 1888, in Molino
Lodge, No. 150, at Tehama, Tehama County. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in
1889, and Worshipful Master in 1890-3-5. He dimitted therefrom on January 16, 1897, and at once
affiliated with Vesper Lodge, No. 84, at Red Bluff, was elected and on January 8, 1898, installed
Secretary, which office he is now filling.
Roya1. Arch Record.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master March 6th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master March 7th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
May 6th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason May 12, 1891, in Red Bluff
Chapter, No. 40, at Red Bluff. He was elected and served as Secretary in 1892, and High Priest
in 1893-4-5-6 7-8. He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters February 19, 1897, m
Shasta Council, No. 6, at Shasta, of which he is still a member.
Ch1va1.r1c Record.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross November 14th, and created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta November 21, 1891, in Red Bluff Commandery, No. 17, at Red
Bluff. He was elected and served as Recorder during 1892-3, elected and served as Generalissimo
in 1894-5-6-7, and Eminent Commander in 1898, which office he is now filling with distinguished
honor and ability.
IO6 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNly1.
BRO. GEORGE THOMAS GRIBNER, K. T., 32°.
BRO. GRIBNER was born in Sacramento on July 4, 1858. His father was JoHN VALENTINE
GRIBNER, who was married to Miss PHILLIPINA HAIN on May 5, 1850, in St. Louis, Mo., by whom
he had two sons, JoHN and GEORGE THOMAS, JoHN dying in infancy. The father of Bro. GRIBNER
arrived in California in April, 1852, and located at Long Bar on the Yuba River. He removed to
Marysville in 1861, and engaged in active business until his death, March 8, 1884. Bro. GRIBNER
was educated in the public schools at Marysville, attended the Franciscan College at Santa Barbara
in 1869, and Napa Collegiate Institute in 1875–6. He has resided in the cities of Sacramento and
Marysville, and his present residence is at San Jose, where he is retired from active business. He
has always been an enterprising and public-spirited man, enjoying the esteem of all who know him.
MASONIC RECORD.
Bro. GRIBNER was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason November 3d, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft November 10th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason November 17,
1880, in Yuba Lodge, No. 39, at Marysville, by W. Bro. CHARLEs E. STONE, then Worshipful
Master. He was appointed and served as Steward in
1881–2, and was made a Life Member on January 5, 1881.
He was advanced to the hon orary degree of Mark Master
September 8th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair
as Past Master September 29th, received and acknowl
edged a Most Excellent Mas ter October 6th, and exalted
to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason October 27, 1882,
in Howard Chapter, No. 14, at San Jose. He was ap
pointed and re-appointed Mas ter of the 1st Vail in January,
1883–4–5–7–8–9, 1890–1–2–3– 4–5–6–7–8, a period of four
teen years. Certainly his color is blue in the Royal Arch
Chapter as well as in the Lodge. He was greeted a
Royal and a Select Master April 7, 1884, in Marysville
Council, No. 3, at Marysville, of which he is still a member.
He was constituted and cre ated a Companion of the Illus
trious Order of the Red Cross March 19th, dubbed and cre
ated a Knight of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple March 28th, and created a
Knight Hospitaler of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta, May 21, 1890, in San /ose
Commandery, No. 10, at San Jose. He was installed and re-installed Warder January 14, 1891, and
January 13, 1892, Senior Warden January 11, 1893, Captain-General December 20, 1893, General
issimo January 9, 1895, and January 8, 1896, and Eminent Commander May 26, 1897, of which he
is still a member.
4th to the 32d, inclusive, February 20, 1885, by communication from Ill.'. THOMAS H. CASWELL, 33°,
at San Francisco, then Active Inspector-General for the State of California, and now the Sovereign
Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the 33d Degree of the A. & A. S. Rite of Freema
sonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. He was elected an Active
Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast August 20, 1896.
He is a member and Worthy Patron of Los Gatos Chapter, No. 128, O. E. S., at Los Gatos,
and is also a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco.
BRO. WILLIAM SPENCER LOWDEN.
He was born June 27, 1830, in the town of Windsor, Berk

shire County, Mass. His parents were Spencer Lowden and
Meh1table Wh1te Bates Lowden. His grandfather was in the
War of 18 1 2, and Bro. Lowden's father was with him at the time
when twelve years of age. When but a boy (four years of age) he
removed with his parents to Boone County, Ky., and two years
later to Mt. Sterling, Ill., where he was educated in the public
schools. He came to Sacramento, Cal., early in 1849, where he
was a contractor from August 28, 1849, until May 14, 1850, when
he went to Weaverville and engaged in mining, trading and con
tracting business there, and also commenced surveying in 1857.
He was United States Deputy County Surveyor and Notary Public
for Trinity County for many years, and his business is now sur
veying, engineering, and land attorney at Weaverville. He was
married in October, 1856, in Warren County, Pa. He rode as messenger for Adams' Express Com
pany, and holds the State record for the fastest time, which is five hours and thirteen minutes from
Tehama to Weaverville, a distance of one hundred miles, or at an average rate of about twenty
miles an hour. This record was made January 2, 1854.
Mason1c Record.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason April 28th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft May 11th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason May 13, 1850, in Tehama Lodge,
No. 3 (originally Connecticut Lodge, No. 76), at Sacramento. He dimitted therefrom on February
22d, and affiliated with Trinity Lodge, No. 27, at Weaverville, on March 25, 1876. He was
appointed and served as Steward in 1877-9, 1880-4-5-6-7, Marshal in 1895, having been elected
and served as Junior Warden in 1889, Senior Warden in 1881, 1890- 1-2, of which Lodge he is
still a member. He is now the senior Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason of the
first fourteen to receive the degrees of Masonry in California, of which eight received their degrees
in California Lodge, No. 1, at San Francisco, and six in Tehama Lodge, No. 3, at Sacramento.
His signature with the number 30 is on the first page of the recorded names in the historic Bible
belonging to that Lodge, as will be seen on page 61.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master July 25th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master August 8th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master October 23d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason October 24, 1876, in
Trinity Chapter, No. 19, at Weaverville. He was elected and served as Scribe in 1878-9, 1880-1-
2-3-4, King in 1885-6-7-8-9, 1890-1-2-4-5, and High Priest in 1896-7-8, or twenty-one years of
official service in the three highest offices in said Chapter. He was duly anointed and consecrated
in the Holy Order of High Priesthood April 20, 1897, in the Grand Convention of High Priests of
California at San Francisco.
He received the degrees of Royal and of Select Masters August 17, 1880, in Shasta Council,
No. 6, at Shasta, of which he is still a member.
December 29, 1897, of which he is still a member.
W.\ BRO. JOHN WILLIAM McFADYEN, P. M.
He was born June 24, 1833 (St. John the Baptist's Day), in Ports
mouth, N. H. His residence is at Dixon, Solano County, Cal., and
occupation farmer. He was educated in the public schools of his native
State and acquired a good education in these nurseries of the people for
the younger generations. He came to California in 1855 and located at
Sacramento, where he married, when he removed to Dixon, where he has
continued to reside until the present time. We knew him at Sacramento
during those years when he resided there as an honest, industrious man,
full of energy and spirit, and who never let the grass grow under his
feet. After his removal to Dixon we lost sight of him for many years
and did not meet him again until he appeared in the Grand Lodge as
Master and representative of his Lodge in 1886-7. He bears an honorable reputation in the com
munity where he resides as an excellent citizen and one of the early pioneers of that place.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason August 26th, passed to the degree of bellow
Craft October 28th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason November 4, 1876, in
Silveyville Lodge, No. 201, formerly at Silveyville but now at Dixon. He was appointed and served
as Steward in 1880-1, elected and served as Junior Warden in 1882-3-4-5, Worshipful Master in
1886-7, of which he is still a member, and his son Harry is its present Junior Deacon.
Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to
the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1878 in Dixon Chapter, No. 48, at Dixon (dates not
given, as the records were burned). He was appointed and served as Master of the 1st Vail in
1879, 1880, and Master of the 3d Vail in 1887-8. He was elected and served as Scribe in 1881,
King in 1882-3-4-5, and High Priest in 1889, 1890- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross March 12th, and created a Knight Tern-
plar and a Knight of Malta April 9, 1892, in Woodland Commandery, No. 21, at Woodland, Yolo
County, of which he is still a member.
*-
W.\ BRO. WILLIAM LORKIN WOODROW, P. M. and P. E. C.
H1: was born July 5, 1835, in Pembroke, Genessee County, N. Y.,

and his parents were Benjam1n and Mary Franc1s Woodrow. His father
was a native of England and his mother a native of Rome, Oneida County,
N. Y. His residence is at No. 260 North Third street, San Jose, Cal.,
and his occupation that of undertaker. He attended the public schools
of Churchville, Spencerport, and North Panna, N. Y., and Clay Grove,
la. He has resided in all of those places, Humboldt City and Virginia
City, Nev., and in San Jose, Cal., coming to California in 1862. He was
brought up on a farm, but for the past twenty -seven years has been
engaged in the undertaking business. He has been twice married — first
at Clay Grove, la., December 9, 1856, and second at San Jose, Cal.,
January 16, 1883. His first wife was Margaret E. Wh.coxson of Clay
Grove, la., and his present wife was Emma H. Kellner of San Francisco. His family consists of
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. log
his wife Emma H., daughters Jenn1e L. Flagg, Moll1e F. Brooks, Grace E. Woodrow, and one
son, Char1.es W. Woodrow, children by his first wife. Two children, George B., by his first wife,
and Hazel Augusta, by his second wife, are dead.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 1 2th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft February 26th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 19, 1874, in Friend
ship Lodge, No. 210, at San Jose. He was appointed and served as Steward in 1875, Marshal in
1876, Tyler in 1877, and Senior Deacon in 1881 ; was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1882,
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master April 15th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master April 24th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
May 17th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason May 31, 1876, in Howard
Chapter, No. 14, at San Jose. He was appointed and served as Master of the 2d Vail in 1879,
elected and served as Scribe in 1 880-1, King in 1882, and appointed and served as Chaplain in
1885, 1890-2-5-6, of which he is still a member.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross March 26th, and created a Knight Tem
plar and Knight of Malta May 7, 1890, in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, at San Jose. He was
elected and served as Junior Warden in 1 89 1 , Senior Warden in 1892, Prelate in 1893-4-5, and
Eminent Commander in 1896-7, of which he is still a member.
-*
W.\ BRO. JOSEPH ALBERT LOTZ, P. M.
A c1t1zen of San Jose whom the people delight to honor, and

whom the Masonic fraternity recognizes as a zealous friend and able
worker, is W.\ Bro. Joseph Albert Lotz, Past Master of Friendship
Lodge, No. 210, and Treasurer of Santa Clara County. Bro. Lotz
was born in New Orleans, La., on December 25, 1849. His parents
were Albert and Margaret Lotz. From New Orleans the family
removed to Cincinnati, O., and afterward to Nashville, Tenn. In
June, 1864, Bro. Lotz graduated with honors from the public schools
of Nashville, and shortly thereafter learned the trade of carriage
painter, which business he followed from 1867 to 1875. In the
interval he removed to Franklin, Tenn., and in 1870 came to Cal
ifornia and located in San Jose, which city has since been his home.
He was elected City Treasurer of San Jose, and acceptably served
the public in that capacity from March 1, 1876, to April 20, 1880. From January 1, 1885, to Jan
uary 1, 1893, he was Deputy Treasurer of Santa Clara County. In 1892 he was elected Treasurer
of the county, was inducted into office on January 1, 1893, and is still in the same office, now serving
his second term. On May 11, 1887, he married Miss Mam1e Cross, daughter of Mrs. L1zz1e Powell
Cross, of Sacramento.
His petition for the degrees of symbolic Masonry was received by Friendship Lodge, No. 210,
June 1, 1876, and he was elected July 6, 1876. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason
July 13th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft August 10th, and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason September 14, 1876, in that Lodge. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon
in 1876, elected and served as Senior Warden in 1879, Worshipful Master in 1 880-1, and Secretary
in 1884-5. He 1s st1" a member of Friendship Lodge.
I IO FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
May 24, 1898.
Bro. Lorz is an earnest member of the fraternity. In whatever capacity the Lodge has
desired his services he has brought to the discharge of his duties that same careful and faithful atten
tion which has characterized his service to the public He is an excellent ritualist and was a model
presiding officer as Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge. San Jose Masonic bodies are distin
guished for the ability of their workers, the energy and spirit of the membership. The long line of
Masters form a galaxy of bright lights, and among the number Bro. Lot/a is known to be as worthy
as he is personally and fraternally popular.
* :
W.\ BRO. THEODORE ELDON JONES, P. M.
W. Brq. Jones was born December 30, 1830, in Herkimer County,

New York. His parents were Eldon and Ann W. (K1ngsbury) Jones.
His father was a wealthy man, and in 1835 bought two-thirds of a ship,
loaded it with goods—putting his all in the venture— and sailed as super
cargo of the ship. Neither he nor the ship was heard of afterward, and
were supposed to have been captured by pirates. This was when Bro.
Jones was five years old. As a child he lived in New York, Pennsylva
nia, and Illinois. His mother being left with limited means, and depend
ing in part on her boy for support, she was unable to keep him in school
after he was nine years of age, except six weeks in the public schools of
Illinois. Bro. Jones may truly be said to be a self-educated and a self-
made man. He learned the trade of printer, itself being a good school
and the "art preservative of all arts," and coming to California in the early days, he followed
the occupation of mining in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, and Trinity counties, arriving in
Trinity October 26, 1853, where he has since continued to reside. He had not studied law, but
possessing a storehouse of good, strong common sense, and being a man of the strictest integrity,
a lover of justice, and having the confidence of the people, he was elected and served as Justice
of the Peace of Weaverville Township in 1864-5, an Assemblyman of the California Legislature in
1867-8, and County Judge of Trinity County in 1876-9. Up to the time he was elected County
Judge he had not studied law, but in July, 1879, near the close of his county judicial term, he was
admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State. He was elected Judge of the Superior
Court of that county in 1880, re-elected continuously, is holding that office at the present date, being
proof of the high estimation which the people of that county place upon his character and ability.
In 1867 Bro. Jones married Miss Sarah J. Puterman of Douglas City. His second wife was
Mrs. Mary A. Barnes, with whom he was united in 1877. Death again invaded his home, and in
1887 he married his present wife, Miss Clara I. Huggans of Weaverville. His only child is
Mrs. George I. Thompson of Portland, Or., daughter of his first wife.
Bro. Jones is a member and one of the organizers of the Old Settlers' Association of Trinity
County, beloved by a large circle of friends, and is a member of various societies.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason December 4th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft December 26, 1886, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason January 12, 1887, in
Trinity Lodge, No. 27, at Weaverville, Trinity County. He was elected and served as Junior
Warden in 1888, Senior Warden in 1889, and Worshipful Master in 1890- 1-2-3, and is st1" a
member of Trinity Lodge.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 11 1
W.\ BRO. CHARLES WILBER NUTTING, P. M.
Th1s active, industrious, and energetic Brother was born October 3, 1852, in Barnesville, Ga.
His parents were James F. and Eps1e A. Nutt1ng. His residence is at Etna, Siskiyou County, Cat.
He was educated in the private schools in the towns in which he lived in his native State, and
graduated from the Atlanta Medical College on March 1, 1876. He practiced his profession two
years in Atlanta, and in 1878 he removed to Etna, where for the past twenty years he has continued
to practice with success. He enjoys the confidence of the entire population of that county and
vicinity for his skill and ability as a physician and surgeon, and their respect and esteem as a good
citizen. He has been a member of the State Board of Health for the period of seven years, was
President of it one year, and is still a member of the Board. He is also the President of the Etna
Development Company, a local water and lighting company of that town, and is interested in every
thing which conduces to the general and public improvement of that place. He was married October
3, 1 88 1 , at the home of her parents in Siskiyou County, to Miss Janet Parker, the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Parker, Sr. He has had six children, three boys and three girls. His
father's ancestors came to America from England in 1650, and settled in Groton, Mass.
He was initiated an En- tered Apprentice Mason Sep-
tember 24, 1881, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft January
28th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Feb-
ruary 25, 1882, in Evening Star Lodge, No. 186, at Etna, Sis-
kiyou County. He was appointed and served as Senior
Deacon in 1883, elected and served as Treasurer in 1884-5,
Senior Warden in 1887, and Worshipful Master in 1888, re-
appointed and served as Senior Deacon again in 1889, 1890,
re-elected and served as Wor- shipful Master in 1891, re-ap-
pointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1892-3-4-5, and re
elected and served as Worship- fill Master again in 1896-7-8,
making seven years service as Senior Deacon, one year as
Treasurer, one year as Senior Warden, and five years as Wor-
shipful Master, or fourteen years of official service in that Lodge.
He has been Inspector of the Second Masonic District, which
composes Siskiyou County, for ten years. He was advanced
to the honorary degree of Mark Master June 20, 1887, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master February 5th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason February 6, 1888, in
Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, at Yreka, Siskiyou County.
He received the degrees of Royal and of Select Masters August 21, 1892, in Oakland Council.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross May 26th, and created a Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta May 27, 1891, in Red Bluff Commandery, No. 17, at Red Bluff, Tehama
County. He was honorably dismissed therefrom and affiliated with Mt. Shasta Commandery, No.
32, at Yreka, October 10, 1891, was appointed Prelate on said date, and became a charter member
thereof on April 22, 1892.' He was elected Prelate December 11, 1892, installed January 21, 1893,
and served until the following election. He was elected Eminent Commander May 21st, installed
June 18, 1898, and is now serving in said office. He was elected an Active Member of the Masonic
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast May 24, 1898. He is also a member of Islam Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco.
I I2 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
There are few Masons in Northern California better known, and none more favorably, than Bro.
Nutt1ng. A most thorough ritualist, an accomplished man, affable and courteous in intercourse with
his fellows, he is regarded as an exemplar, and a splendid exponent of Masonic principles. In his
own district and in the Grand Lodge Bro. Nutt1ng is a forceful character and his advice is always
good.
W.\ BRO. JOHN McARTHUR, P. M.
He was born January 2, 1842, in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

His parents were Duncan and Ann (Ham1lton) McArthur. He was
educated in the public schools of the towns of Troon, Ayrshire, and
Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. On leaving school he entered the
service of Allan Mu1r, a merchant of Greenock, where he remained
fourteen years, the last five of which he was foreman. He married
Miss Agnes Henderson, the eldest daughter of Robert Henderson, a
merchant of Greenock, the officiating clergyman being Rev. John Nelson,
D. D., of the Free Church of Scotland, of which he was a member in
Greenock. He and his wife soon afterward decided to come to Cal
ifornia and make it their "ain sweet hame." He secured passage in
the steamship Cambria of the Anchor Line Steamship Company for
himself and wife, and sailed from the Clyde on August 1, 1869. Procuring overland tickets from
New York to San Francisco, they were informed by the agent that they were among the first
through passengers on the great overland railway to the Pacific Coast, and they arrived at Sacra
mento August 28, 1869. He obtained employment at the Central Pacific Railroad Company's shops
in Sacramento September 1st, in the locomotive department, and in May, 1870, he was appointed
time-keeper of the round-house at that place, which position he still holds, a period of twenty- nine
years of steady employment by that company. This record of service speaks volumes for the faith
fulness and integrity of Bro. McArthur. Always reliable and ever on duty his life work is "as a
tale that is told," a beneficence by the wayside.
He petitioned Union Lodge, No. 58, at Sacramento, for the degrees of Masonry, and was
elected April 7th, initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason April 14th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft April 28th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 12, 1875, in said Lodge.
He was appointed Steward December 1, 1875, elected Junior Warden December 6, 1876, Senior
Warden December 5, 1877, Worshipful Master December 4, 1878, and elected and served three
consecutive terms as Master in 1879, 1 880-1, and on retiring from the Chair was presented by the
Brethren with a handsome Past Master's jewel. He was then elected Secretary, which he continues
to hold, making twenty-three years of constant official duties performed by him in the Lodge room.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master October 21st, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair October 28th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master November
11, 1879, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason March 23, 1880, in Sacramento
Chapter, No. 3, at Sacramento.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters November 29, 1880, in Sacramento
Council, No. 1, at Sacramento.
October 15, 1 891, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. "3
W.\ BRO. GEORGE JOHN HENRY HOBE; P. M., 33c.
Bro. Hobe was born August 8, 1825, in the city of Hamburg, Germany. His parents were
Charles F. and Anna Hobe. They came to the United States when the son was a child and
located in New York City. From 1839 until 1849 Bro. Hobe was employed as a merchants' clerk.
With the excitement about the California gold discoveries came the desire to seek a fortune in the
new El Dorado, and with other sturdy argonauts he took passage on the ship South Carolina,
arriving in San Francisco June 30, 1849. His first adventure in the mining camp was on the north
fork of the American River, where he remained until early in 1850. Preferring a mercantile life,
Bro. Hobe went to San Jose and a year afterward located in San Francisco, which city has since
been his place of residence. As a merchant, accountant, and bookkeeper he has had a busy and
successful life. He was married July 31, 1857, in San Francisco; his family consists of wife, daughter,
and one son living. Bro. Hobe has been smitten with sorrow and bereavement, for three sons are
dead who were looked upon with pride and hope to comfort their parents in their old age, but they
have gone on before them through the Golden Gate. Bro. Hobe was elected to the office of School
Director of San Francisco and honorably served a term of two years in 1885-6. His honor and
integrity have never been questioned, and his friends are attached to him as with bands of steel.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason
May 20th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft May
23d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
June 24, 1852, in California Lodge, No. 1, at San Fran-
cisco. He dimitted therefrom and became one of the
charter members under dispensation of Golden Gate
Lodge, No. 30, at San Fran- cisco, on October 12, 1852.
The Master and Junior War- den having left the city, the
Grand Master on November 8th following appointed Bros.
W1ll1am S. Moses as Wor- shipful Master and John Hun-
tkr as Junior Warden, and on Tuesday, November 16,
1852, the Lodge was duly organized. On May 6, 1853,
the Lodge was granted its charter, and Bro. Hobe hav-
ing been appointed Senior Deacon on November 16,
1852, when organized under dispensation, was continued,
and served in that office until December, 1853, when
he was elected Senior War- den and served until Decern
ber, 1854. He was then elected Worshipful Master and served until December, 1855. He was
elected Secretary in 1866-7, re-elected in 1885 and has served until the present time in 1898, com
pleting his fourteenth consecutive term. He has been a member of the Grand Lodge of California
and served on various committees since 1854, a period of forty-four years.
Bro. Hobe received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, from
the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, July 27, 1868, by communication from the late Bro. Ebenezer H. Shaw,
33=, Active Inspector-General for the State of California under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council
for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. Bro. Hobe was the sheet-anchor of the Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry in California in earlier days when interest lagged and several charters were
surrendered. The exemplification of its incomparable ritual is largely due to his intelligent and per
sistent effort. In 1870 he was elected Venerable Master of Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No.
6 (now No. 1 ), at San Francisco, and from that time the noble Order maintained steady advance-
H4 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
ment. He held that office four years. There are other Brethren who have done nearly as well,
but justice to this patient, untiring, and faithful Bro. Hobe requires that full and due credit be given
to him. He was elected Secretary of the Lodge of Perfection June 5, 1885, and has continuously
served in that office to the present. He was elected Secretary of Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose
Croix, No. 4 (now No. 1), at San Francisco, August 16, 1872, and has continuously held that office
until the present. He was elected Recorder of Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1, at
San Francisco, May 5, 1873, and has also since continuously held that office. He was appointed
Grand Registrar of the Grand Consistory of California to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation
of that officer October 15, 1872, and elected Grand Registrar January 8, 1873, which office he
held until its dissolution in 1897, a period of nearly twenty -five years. He is now the Registrar
of San Francisco Consistory at San Francisco, the successor of the Grand Consistory of California,
and acting as General Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Scottish Rite on all occasions and Director-
General of the drama of the work, filling any office whenever requested. He was coroneted an
Honorary Inspector -General of the 33d Degree July 26, 1876, by the late Bro. Albert P1ke, 33°,
Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the 33d Degree of the A. & A. S. Rite for the
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.
He was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast January 7, 1888, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
In 1870 Bro. Hobe was Worthy Patron of Golden Gate Chapter, No. 1, O. E. S., at San
Francisco, and was one of the organizers of the Grand Chapter and its first Grand Patron.
He is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
—*
W.\ BRO. JOHN DEVANA GRADY, P. M.
He was born May 1, 1858, in Honesdale, Pa. Residence, Dixon,

Solano County, Cal. ; occupation, Telegraph, Railroad, and Wells, Fargo
& Co.'s Agent. He was educated in the public schools. His father
was a Union soldier and was killed during the War of the Rebellion.
Bro. Grady resided in Pennsylvania from 1858 to 1870, when he
removed to Michigan, where he remained until 1877, and then came
to California, where he resided until 1879, when he removed to Nevada
and remained there until 1883. He returned to California again and
to Dixon, Solano County, having been in the employ of the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company and of Wells, Fargo & Co. since 1877.
He was elected and served as Town Trustee of Dixon in 1896-7.
In June, 188 1 , he was married in East Saginaw, Mich., and his family
consists of wife, two sons— Park E., aged 16 years; Stuart, 14 years—
and a daughter, Gladys, aged six months.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason May 26th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft July 21st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason September 15, 1888, in Silveyville
Lodge, No. 201, at Dixon, Solano County. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1893,
Senior Warden in 1894-5, and Worshipful Master in 1896-7-8, being still in that office.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master February 1 6th, inducted and pre
sided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master March 23d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master April 19th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason June 11, 1889, in Dixon
Chapter, No. 48, at Dixon. He was appointed and served as Royal Arch Captain in 1892-3, and
King in 1894-5-6-7-8, and is still occupying that office.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross March 12th, and was created a Knight
Templar and a Knight of Malta on May 14, 1892, in Woodland Commandery, No. 21, at Woodland,
Yolo County.
*
VYV. BRO. JOHN MoMURRY, P. M. and P. H. P.
He was born April 1, 1830, in the State of Kentucky. His parents

were James S. and Ellen (Gassaway) McMurry. On his father's side he
was of Scotch descent, and on his mother's Welsh. He received his edu
cation in the public schools, was a bright scholar, and closely attentive to
his studies, which produced good fruit in his after years. He is a veteran
of the Mexican War, having served in Company C, 3d United States
Dragoons, in Gen. John A. Qu1tman's Division, in the Valley of Mexico
and in the capture of the City of Mexico by the American Army under
the command of General Scott, September 14, 1847; General Qu1tman,
being appointed to lead with his division and raise the American flag
over the National Palace, was appointed Governor of the City of Mexico.
Bro. McMurry's Company was the mounted guard at his headquarters.
Bro. McMurry came to California in 1850 and went to mining in Yuba and Nevada counties,
and in the spring of 1853 went to Weaverville, Trinity County, his present residence, where he owns
and is now working a large gold mine. In public life he has faithfully represented the people of
Trinity County in both houses of the Legislature of California — in the Assembly in 1869, 1 870-1,
in the Senate in 1871-2-3-4, and again in the Assembly in 1881 — rendering good service to the
people of his county and the State. He was married November 5, 1874, at Fairfield, Solano County.
Craft May 28th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason July 30, 1855, in Trinity Lodge,
No. 27, at Weaverville. In this Lodge he has been an indefatigable worker in the following offices:
He was appointed and served as Marshal in 1864 and 1887, Senior Deacon in 1888-9, elected and
served as Junior Warden in 1858, 1894, Senior Warden in 187 1-3-6, 1895-7, and Worshipful Master
in 1868-9, 1 883-4-5. He is the second Past Master on the roll of Trinity Lodge.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master December 23, 1874, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as a Past Master January 26th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master February 23d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason March 23,
1875, in Trinity Chapter, No. 19, at Weaverville. He was appointed and served as Principal
Sojourner in 1883-4, Captain of the Host in 1885, elected and served as King in 1876-7-8-9, 1880,
1896-7, and High Priest in 1882-6-7-8-9, 1890- 1-2-3-4-5.
May 24, 1898.
He officiated as Past Grand Associate Patron in 1889 of the Grand Chapter, O. E. S.
II 6 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNI;4.
W., BRO, WILLIAM SCHUYLER MOSES, P. M., K. T., 32 Grand Cross.
BRO. Moses was born August 8, 1827, in Rochester, N. Y. His parents were SCHUYLER and
ELSIE MARGARITA (CARPENTER) Moses. His father was a pioneer of Rochester, settling there in 1818,
and where he died in 1889, aged 91 years. He was made a Mason in January, 1821. Bro.
WILLIAM SCHUYLER Moses was educated in the public schools in Rochester, then learned the trade
of carpenter, and afterward that of millwright. At present he is the efficient Superintendent of the
Masonic Cemetery at San Francisco, where he resides. He remained at Rochester until 1846, when
he went to Chicago, thence in 1847 to Niagara Falls, N. Y., thence in 1848 to Wheeling, Va.
From there he went to New York City and embarked on the bark Alice Tarlton for California May
21, 1849, and came around Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco January 11, 1850, having been
nearly nine months on the passage. Since that time he has made California and Nevada his trestle
board, and some of the finest specimens of his handiwork were the beautiful Corinthian columns of
Asmeralda Lodge, No. 170, when it was first instituted at Aurora, then in Mono County, Cal., but
now in Esmeralda County, Nev., in 1863–4.
He is an active member of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Coast, and for twenty-one
years the Marshal of the Sons of the American Revolution. Prior to his return to San Francisco,
he was five years the Secretary of the Yreka Fire Department
and five years a Town Trustee, and rendered faithful service.
He was married November 12, 1855, at Fredonia, Chatauqua
County, N. Y., to Miss ADDIE WARREN, daughter of LEvi R.
and SYLVIA WARREN of that place, but has no children liv
ing. It is in his Masonic ca reer, however, that his nature
and character can be chiefly traced, as the worthy scion of
a determined, inflexible, cour ageous Brother Mason as his
noble father was in the time of the persecution of the Order
in New York State, nearly three-quarters of a century ago.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February
19th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. March 5th, and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 12,
1849, in Valley Lodge, No. Io9, at Rochester, N. Y. He
was appointed Worshipful Mas ter of Golden Gate Lodge, No.
30, when under dispensation at San Francisco, November 8,
1852. He was elected Wor shipful Master of the Lodge
on reception of its charter, May 6th, re-elected in December, 1853, and again in December, 1854,
but declined to serve. He has been a continuous member of Golden Gate Lodge from the begin
ning, a period of nearly forty-six years, and is the oldest Past Master on the rolls in San Francisco,
and nearly forty-six years a member of the Grand Lodge of California, in which body he served two
terms as Grand Bible Bearer in 1893–7. He was present as a visitor at the organization of the
Grand Lodge of California, of which M. W.'. JoHN A TUTT, P. G. M., is the only surviving mem
ber. There are only two beside himself now living who were visitors in that Grand Body, Bros.
RICHARD H. McDoNALD, a charter member of Tehama Lodge, No. 3, at Sacramento, and Moses W.
PERSONETTE, then a member of New /ersey Lodge, U. D., at Sacramento, but chartered as /ennings
Lodge, No. 4, and now a member and Secretary of Trinity Lodge, No. 27, at Weaverville, Trinity
County. Bro. Moses has been a member also of the Past Masters' Association since 1869.
Royal Arch Record.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided in the Ori
ental Chair as Past Master in May, 1853, in San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, at San Francisco.
[Owing to his absence in the mountains, he did not receive the other degrees until his return.] He
was received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on May 2d, and exalted to the sublime
degree of Royal Arch Mason on May 9, 1864, in said Chapter. He subsequently dimitted and
affiliated with Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, at Yreka.
Ch1valr1c Record.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross September 21st, and created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta on November 9, 1888, in California Commandery, No. 1, at San
FVancisco.
Anc1ent and Accepted Scott1sh R1te Record.
4th to the 32d, inclusive, June 11, 1869, at San Francisco, by communication from Ill.\ E. H. Shaw,
33°, Active Inspector-General for California, and on the same day was elected Venerable Master of
Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 6 (now No. 1), and served until July, 1870, since which time
he has almost continuously served in the offices of Orator and Almoner in that body. He was elected
Wise Master of Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 4 (now No. 1), Rose Croix, at San Francisco, in 1875-6,
and also served in other offices in that body, as well as being elected and serving continuously as
Almoner in Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1, at the same place. He was elected
and served as Grand Chancellor of the Grand Consistory of California in 1889 and Venerable Grand
Master of the same in 1891. He was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (the
vestibule) of the Supreme Council of the 33° for the Southern Jurisdiction, October 21, 1886, and by
unanimous recommendation of the Grand Consistory of California he received the Order and Jewel of
Knight Grand Cross, 32 , in 1892, being the first and only one to receive that honor from the Supreme
Council of that Rite in California. He is justly proud of the honor, and prizes it more highly than
to have received the 33d Degree.
Mason1c Veteran Record.
April 14, 1887. He was elected Most Venerable Grand President October 10, 1889, and re-elected
October 10, 1890, serving two terms. He was elected a Life Member October 11, 1894.
He is also a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco.
Bro. Moses is the founder of the Order of the Eastern Star in California, and was Deputy
Grand Patron of the Supreme Grand Chapter of the United States for the State of California, and
instituted Golden Gate Chapter, No. 1, at San Francisco, May 10, 1869, of which he was the first
Worthy Patron, and his wife, Sister Add1e W. Moses, was the first Worthy Matron and the second
in the work. He granted ten charters to the first ten Chapters in the State, and instituted the Order
in Oregon in person in March, 1880, and in Nevada by Deputy in 1872. He served two terms as
Worthy Patron of Golden Gate Chapter, No. 1.
II 8 - FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIA.
W. BRO, WILLIAM VANDERHURST, P. M., P. G. M.
THE State of Mississippi had the honor to furnish a Grand Master, a Grand High Priest, a
Grand Commander of Knights Templar, and an Active Inspector-General of the 33d Degree to add
luster to the American Arms in hoisting the Stars and Stripes over the Halls of the Montezumas,
in the taking of the City of Mexico, on September 14, 1847, by General Scott. And M. W.'.,
M. E., M. Em., and Ill.". Bro. Maj.-Gen. JoHN A. QUITMAN raised our National Ensign over the
Capital of Mexico. A Military Lodge named for him accompanied the United States Army, chartered
by the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, and when temporarily in camp at Vera Cruz, a then future Grand
Master of California was initiated, passed, and raised in that Lodge. He was the Secretary of the
convention that organized the Grand Lodge of California, and afterward became its Deputy Grand
Master in 1851 and Grand Master in 1852. Mississippi gave birth to another Grand Master of
California who served as Deputy Grand Master in 1883–4 and Grand Master in 1885, M. . W. Bro.
WILEY J. T.INNIN, whose portrait adorns the gallery of our Temple in San Francisco.
W. . Bro. WILLIAM VANDERHURST was born January 12, 1833, in Columbia, Marion County,
Miss., and his parents were MICHAEL and EMMA A. (SoNEs) VANDERHURST. His residence is at
Salinas, the county seat of Monterey County, Cal. He attended the common schools in his native
State, where he grew up to young manhood, and shortly
before attaining his majority he, like thousands of other
young men, came to Califor nia to seek and make his
fortune. Like all other em igrants in those early days
who came to this State, he at first tried his luck in the
mines, but seeing that it was somewhat of an uncertain
character, greatly depending upon chance, hard manual

labor, and sustained by ar dent hopes, the fickle God
dess Fortune coquetting with all and partial to but a com
paratively few, Bro. VANDER HURST abandoned his mining
interests and turned his face toward the then much derided
“cow counties," as they were termed by the mining popu

lation. In November, 1853, he removed first to Santa
Cruz and then to Monterey County, and principally in

the latter he has resided ever since, engaged in farming
and merchandising, building up a large business at Salinas,
and is one of the most pros perous business men in that
part of the State. He was married December 3, 1856, to Miss JANE HATCH, daughter of Joseph
HATCH, Esq., in Pajaro Valley, Monterey County.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason January 18th, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft February 15th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 15, 1862, in Pajaro
Lodge, No. 1 Io, at Watsonville, Santa Cruz County. He was appointed and served as Junior
Deacon in 1863 and Senior Deacon in 1864. He was elected and served as Secretary in 1868.
He dimitted therefrom in 1869, became a charter member and the first Senior Warden of Salinas
Lodge, No. 204, at Salinas, September 20, 1869, when under dispensation, and was continued in that
office until December 26, 1871, when he was elected Worshipful Master and served two consecutive
terms in 1872–3, and was again elected Master in 1876.
ental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to the
sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in January and February, 1882, in Temple Chapter, No. 41,
at Watsonville. He dimitted therefrom and became a charter member and the High Priest of Salinas
Chapter, No. 59, on April 11, 1883, was re-elected and served in 1883-4-5. He was appointed and
served as Grand Royal Arch Captain in 1884, Grand Captain of the Host in 1885, elected and
served as Grand Scribe in 1886, Grand King in 1887, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1888, and
Grand High Priest of the M.\ E.\ Grand Chapter of California in 1889.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters July 25, 1883, in California Council,
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross October 11th, and created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta November 8, 1882, in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, at San
Jose. He was honorably dismissed therefrom and became a charter member and elected the first
Generalissimo of Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, at Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, April 13,
1883, and served as such two consecutive terms in 1883-4. He was then elected and served two
consecutive terms as Commander in 1885-6. He was appointed and served as Grand Standard
Bearer in 1887, Junior Grand Warden in 1888, and Senior Grand Warden in 1889. He was elected
and served as Grand Captain - General in 1890, Grand Generalissimo in 1891, Deputy Grand Com
mander in 1892, and R.\ E.\ Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of
California in 1893.
April 16, 1889, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
-*-
W.\ BRO. EDWARD ALEXANDER REID, P. M.
Th1s venerable pioneer and beloved Brother was born April 8,

1825, and is now over 73 years of age, hearty and well. The place
of his birth was at Ditto Landing, Alabama. There must have been
a previous landing near by for such a place to be called Ditto Landing.
We do not find it now in the list of post offices in that State, though
we do the town of Ditto in Texas, which was probably settled by
people from the former place where Bro. Rl1d was born. His parents
were James C. and Nancy (Murphy) Rehj of Tennessee. They sub
sequently moved to Illinois, where young Re1d attended the public
schools and acquired a good common school education. He like thou
sands of other energetic and courageous young men started for Califor
nia in 1849, arrived in that year, and went to work in the mines, but
finally in 1852 located in Shasta County, where at Weaverville and
other places he followed mining for a time and then engaged to a considerable extent in farming.
The town of Redding having been built on the line of the railroad to Oregon by the Shasta route,
and the county seat having been removed from Shasta to Redding, he also located at that place,
where he now resides and is engaged in the livery business. He was married about eighteen years
ago in Shasta County. He enjoys the respect and esteem of that community and that portion of
the State where he has so long resided.
I 20 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason June 1st, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft August 5th, and passed to the sublime degree of Master Mason September 30, 1871, in
Western Star Lodge, No. 2, at Shasta. He was appointed and served as Steward in 1877, elected
and served as Junior Warden in 1878-9. He then dimitted therefrom and affiliated on December 25,
1879, with Reading Lodge, No. 254, at Redding. He was appointed and served as Chaplain in
1 880- 1, elected and served as Senior Warden in 1882-3, and Worshipful Master in 1884-5. He
was then appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1886, and Chaplain again in 1887-9, 1 890-1-2-
3-4-6-7-8. He was also appointed Inspector of the Fourth Masonic District of the Jurisdiction of
the Grand Lodge, and faithfully served in that office in 1886-7-8-9, and as Past Master Frank M.
Swasev of Reading Lodge says, "He is one of the best posted Masons in the work in northern
California."
W.\ BRO. JOHN KING ALEXANDER, P. M.
Bro. Alexander was born October 8, 1839, in Brandon, Miss.

His parents were Benjam1n F. and Carol1ne W. Alexander. He
came with them from Brandon and Jackson, Miss., to Sacramento,
Cal., in August, 1854. In 1857-8, when but 18 years old, he was a
quartz miner in Calaveras County (Woodhouse Quartz Mill Company).
He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the High
School at Sacramento and taught in it as assistant one term, and
then entered the law office of Hon. George R. Moore, studying
law with him and with Hon. N. Greene Curt1s, P. G. M. On motion
of Hon. Morr1s M. Estee, P. G. M., on October 7, 1862, he was
admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of California. He then
formed a partnership with George R. Moore, which continued until
the hitter's death. He left Sacramento and removed to Salinas City in August, 1874, where he has
since resided. In public life he served as District Attorney of Sacramento County in 1 870-1, and
Judge of the Superior Court of Monterey County from January, 1880, to January, 1891. Was
appointed one of the Commissioners to settle the indebtedness between Monterey and San Benito
counties when divided. Has always been actively engaged in the practice and profession of the law
since his admission. On July 7, 1888, he received the degree of LL. D. in the Los Angeles Univer
sity at Los Angeles, Cal. Bro. Alexander was married August 2, 1865, to Miss Sarah B. Caro-
thers at Petaluma, by whom he has had two sons and one daughter, viz., Elmer P., now Tax
Collector of Monterey County, 27 years of age; Rov Lamar, 21 years of age, a law student; and
Al1ce M., 9 years of age.
His father, Bro. Benjam1n F. Alexander, it is proper to make mention of here, was born in
South Carolina, and was a prominent contractor and carpenter in Brandon, Miss. He started for
California in 1849, and arrived in Sacramento in January, 1850, and was superintendent of the con
struction of the first Court House at Sacramento, as well as being superintendent of carpenter work
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 12 1
on our present State Capitol. He was made a Mason in 1837 in Brandon, and was a charter member
of Concord Lodge, No. 117, at Sacramento, of which Lodge he remained a member until death,
December 21, 1896, aged 86 years.
W.\ Bro. John K1nc Alexander was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason February 14th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft March 14th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
April 8, 187 1, in Concord Lodge, No. 117, at Sacramento. Was elected and served as Secretary in
1872-3; dimitted therefrom in 1875 and affiliated with Salinas Lodge, No. 204, at Salinas, Monterey
County, in 1876; was elected and served as its Worshipful Master in 1877-8-9.
ental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to the
sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, in January and February, 1882, in Temple Chapter, No. 41,
at Watsonville, from which he dimitted and became a charter member and assisted in orranizinLr
Salinas Chapter, No. 59. He was elected and served as Principal Sojourner in 1883, Scribe in
1884-5, Kmg in 1886-7-8, and High Priest in 1889.
Bro. Alexander was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast, May 24, 1898.
Bro. Alexander is a Past Patron of Reveille Chapter, No. 47, O. E. S.
Thus is outlined the life of one whose early California years partook of the ruggedness of the
pioneer: whose student days were well tutored by a most eminent practitioner, whose years have
been busy, and whose success has been beneficial to community and of advantage to the State. As
an attorney Bro. Alexander is a wise counsellor and able advocate; as a Judge his decisions were
learned and seldom reversed by higher courts. His impress upon the judiciary of California is good
and his reputation is abiding. His Masonic life has been of the same lofty and high-minded char
acter. Not only an excellent worker in the Lodge, but zealous in the cause of Masonry, he has
done very much to put the superstructure in the Craft upon foundations as solid as the Rock of
Ages. To Bro. Alexander much credit must, and is, accorded for the organization of the Temple
Association and the erection of the splendid Masonic Temple in Salinas. His has been a good life,
and though still young, as this busy world counts a man's days, forty -one of his years have been
dedicated to the upbuilding of his adopted State and for the improvement and advancement of his
fellows.
BRO. STEPHEN WILLIAM SHAW.
There is not space to give the full record of this talented Brother, but the reader is recom
mended to go into the Masonic Temple at San Francisco, and as he ascends the grand staircase
from the first landing to the highest floor, and in every apartment adjoining the halls, he will see
the painted history of the succession in regular order of all the Past Grand Masters, Past Grand
High Priests, Past Grand Commanders, Past Masters, Past High Priests, and Past Commanders,
forming one grand gallery of the portraits of those who have made the history of California Masonry
what it is, and then one can appreciate the skill and art of the pioneer portrait painter of his Masonic
compeers, beloved Bro. Stephen W1ll1am Shaw — who, though now past eighty years of age, is in
full possession of all his faculties, with eyes undimmed, hand steady, and still at the head of his pro
fession, painting with accuracy the portraits of his Masonic Brethren and other distinguished men. He
was born December 15, 181 7, near the town of Windsor, Vt., and educated in the public schools of his
native State. He first learned the cabinet-makers' trade, but while proficient in that he soon laid it
aside for the pencil, brush, and pallet of the artist. He first taught a writing school and was then
elected Professor of Drawing in the Military College at Norwich, Vt. In the fall of 1840 he went West,
and at Ravenna, O., meeting a portrait painter who was a first-class artist, and observing his methods,
he turned his attention in the same direction and for three years studied the art, drawing from
Nature while he traveled through the most of the Southern and
Western States. In the spring of 1845 ne opened a studio in
Lexington, Ky., where he painted his first portrait in oil, that of
Mr. S. P. Chr1sty, now of San Francisco. While in that place,
Healey, portrait painter to Lou1s Ph1ll1pe, came to paint the por-
trait of Henry Clay, and from him Bro. Shaw received valuable
suggestions and advice. "Learn to see Nature, and you will have
no difficulty in representing her," said Healey. On the return of
Gen. Zachary Taylor from his victories on the line of the Rio
Grande during the Mexican War in 1846-7, Bro. Shaw went at
once to Baton Rouge, La., to meet him, and he had the good
fortune to be the first to put on canvas the hero of Palo Alto,
Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, and Buena Vista, afterward Pres-
ident of the United States, and who prepared the way for the
admission of California into the Union. This portrait received
the first premium at the exhibition of the American Institute,
a silver medal. In February, 1848, Bro. Shaw was sent to the City of Mexico by the City of New
Orleans to bear various congratulatory resolutions to Gen. Pers1fer F. Sm1th for his gallant conduct
and able generalship at the battle of Contreras, near the City of Mexico, and paint his portrait while
in the field, for which $1000 was appropriated. The war was still on and Bro. Shaw on his arrival
at Vera Cruz, at the invitation and request of Colonel Loom 1s of the 6th Regiment United States
Infantry, became his guest and aide-de-camp on his staff, to accompany his command, and after a
tedious march of twenty -two days arrived at the City of Mexico, where he received the thanks of
Colonel Loom 1s, and at once proceeded to perform his mission in presenting the resolutions of the
City of New Orleans to General Sm1th. On his return to New Orleans he painted the full length
portrait of General Sm1th. It still adorns the walls of the City Hall of the second municipality of
that city.
After visiting various cities in the East, Bro. Shaw went to Chicago, where he painted the
portrait of the last surviver of the "Boston Tea Party" of the American Revolution, Dav1d
Kenn1son, then one hundred and eleven years of age. On April 20, 1849, he sailed from New
Orleans on the steamer Isthmus for California via Panama, and arrived in San Francisco on August
30, 1849, after a trip of 132 days. He went to Sacramento, and the mines at Mormon Island and
vicinity, returned to San Francisco in the spring of 1850, and joined a surveying expedition up the
coast to find a harbor between San Francisco and Oregon. Char1.es G1lman, Jr., and N. Dupe1n
were his associates on that trip. The schooner Laura Virginia, on which the party sailed, touched
first at Trinidad, then continued north to Point St. George, now Crescent City; returning south, the
schooner anchored off the coast south of Trinidad. Bro. Shaw with several others volunteered to
make an effort to land inside, which was accomplished. Bro. Shaw mapped the bay and wrote
"Humboldt Bay" across its face, which gave it the name it still bears. He remained there a short
time and then returned to San Francisco. Receiving an order to paint the portrait of Captain Sutter,
he went to Hock Farm on the Feather River for that purpose. He was afterward retained by
Captain Sutter for eight months to help him arrange his business and financial affairs. In the
spring of 1861 he was married by Bro. Rev. Thomas Starr K1ng to Miss Mary F. Meacham, the
only daughter of Col. R. Meacham. The marriage was a happy one, although she lived but a few
years to grace and bless his home. Two children were born of this marriage, a girl and a boy, both
of whom are now living— Mrs. E. H. Mart1n and E. R. Shaw. In 1872, after a year spent abroad,
he returned to his easel again in San Francisco, and after a few months was married to Miss Lucret1a
S. Swa1n of Nantucket, Mass., who still remains the light of his home.
Bro. Shaw was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason December 1 6th, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason December 21, 1844, in Morrison
Lodge, No. 76, at Elizabethtown, Ky. He dimitted therefrom on the same date, all of which was
done by dispensation of Grand Master Dr. Young, Bro. Shaw being about to travel extensively and
not intending to remain long enough at any one place to acquire a permanent residence. He was
present at all of the meetings of the Craft held in Sacramento in February and March, 1850, and
came down with the delegation to San Francisco to confer with California Lodge, No. 13 (now
No. 1), in the matter of organizing the Grand Lodge of California, which Grand body was organized
at Sacramento on April 19, 1850, but at which meeting Bro. Shaw was not present, as he had joined
a surveying expedition about to start up the coast. Subsequently he affiliated with California Lodge,
No. 1, at San Francisco, on June 1, 1854, and he is the third one of the only three survivors
(Adolph Unzer, December 2, 1852; Mart1n J. Burke, June 2, 1853; Stephen W. Shaw, June 1,
1854) now remaining on the roll out of 165 Master Masons, 12 Fellow Crafts, and 17 Entered
Apprentices, or a total of 194 then on the roll, 44 years ago.
April 12, 1888, and a Life Member August 20, 1891, at the time of the consecration of its banner
in California Lodge, No. 1, at San Francisco.
It is seldom that so much of professional life comes to one man: such variety, such associa
tions, and such a succession of triumphs. Bro. Shaw earned his laurels. His manifold works will
almost escape "the lapse of time," and many of them in Southland already have been preserved amid
"the ravages of war." The influence of a good book affects generations; likewise the faithful old
portrait carries the present back to the past, and the associations of other days come trooping into
panoramic view — a study, a reverie, a wonderment. History is thus freshened; the lessons of the
past supply the link of the chain that binds after men put away earthly things and rest. Thus is
homage paid to the works of Bro. Shaw. The tendrils of respect and honor that cling to the man
lap over the edge and touch the faces of those he made on canvas almost to speak, in the Temple
of the Brethren, in San Francisco. Though gone, many of them, yet by his magic brush, they speak
of other Grand Lodges, of other Grand Chapters, of other Grand Commanderies — of the building,
and of the builders, of fifty years of Masonry in California. The theme is almost sublime. Here
are those who made our Craftship on this coast and in these mountains of everlasting white, and
here is the man who placed their memory on the walls. What a volume he has prepared. In his
own span of life is the history of Craftship and of nation — American Craftship that has grown
mighty and strong, a nation that has become strong and mighty.
Em.\ Sir JONATHAN MORFFEW PEEL, P. E. C.
A nat1ve son of the Golden West, the youngest Eminent Commander ever elected by
Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, a Mason of culture, grace, and ability, Jonathan Morffew Peel
of San Francisco is a worthy compeer of that galaxy of Brethren and fratres who have done so
much for Freemasonry on the Pacific Coast.
Bro. Peel was born in San Francisco on May 24, 1866. His parents were Jonathan and
Margaret Jane Peel. His mother was a member of the famous Crooks family, and his father was
a grandnephew of Sir Robert Peel, the renowned Premier of England. Jonathan Peel, pere, was
born in England and crossed the water to Canada about 1860. From there he removed to San
Francisco, where he resided the remainder of his life. Bro. Peel was educated in the public schools
of this city, and was graduated from Cooper Medical College at the age of 22 years, on November
13, 1888. In professional life he has practiced dentistry for seventeen years.
In symbolic Masonry Bro. Peel is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 144, at San Francisco.
He was initiated June 10th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft June 17th, and raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason June 24, 1890.
In capitular Masonry Comp. Peel is a member of
Cal1fornia Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco. He was ad-
vanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master September 2d,
elected and presided as Master in the Oriental Chair Septem-
ber 23d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Mas-
ter September 23d, and was exalted to the sublime degree
of Royal Arch Mason Sep- tember 30, 1890.
Sir Jonathan Morffew Peel was knighted in Golden
Gate Commandery, No. 16, at San Francisco. The Illustri-
ous Order of the Red Cross was conferred upon him No-
vember 19th, and he was created a Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta November 24, 1890.
Bro. Peel still remains a member of these three bodies,
and is also a Noble of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
While he has been an active member of the Lodge and
Chapter, manifesting considerable interest in the work and
business thereof, it is as a Sir Knight that he is distinguished
as a Masonic worker and for those grand characteristics of the Order, "unsullied honor, unwearied
zeal in a Brother's cause, and universal benevolence." Early in his Masonic career Sir Peel was
elected Warder of Golden Gate Commandery, and successively held the offices of Junior Warden,
Senior Warden, Captain - General, Generalissimo, and Eminent Commander. There was grace of
manner and a personal charm about his work that endeared him to the fratres and rendered impres
sive his ritualistic duties in the Commandery. Step by step he was advanced until the highest honor
in one of the very great commanderies of the United States and of Templar Masonry in the world
fell to his lot. How well he met the expectation of his fratres is known by the hundreds of his
own Commandery and other hundreds of visiting Sir Knights who have witnessed his grace as head
of his Commandery and his impressive exemplification of the sublime ritual of the Order. A notable
occasion during his administration was the work of the Red Cross before the Grand Commandery of
California in April, 1898. Golden Gate Commandery has earned its spurs, its fame is wide and
secure, and among all its line of Eminent Commanders none are remembered more courteously than he.
W.\ BRO. WILLIAM FILMER, 33°, P. M.
When King Solomons Lodge, No. 260, was organized a number of unaffiliated Brethren joined
in the petition to the Grand Lodge and thereafter became actively engaged in Masonic work in San
Francisco and the State of California. Among the number was W.\ Bro. W1ll1am F1lmer, who
received his symbolic degrees in the city 0f New York in 1858. Bro. F1lmer was born in Chatam,
County of Kent, England, in 1825. When twenty -five years of age he emigrated to the United
States and located in Boston. In 1853 he became a citizen of the Republic In early life Bro.
F1lmer learned the printing and electrotyping trades, which vocations he followed on arrival in this
country. In 1853 he removed to New York and continued the electrotype business with much
success. In 1865 Bro. F1lmer followed the great van of population that had made the Pacific
Coast the Mecca of commercial, mining, and industrial pilgrims, and located in San Francisco.
Immediately identifying himself with the business interests of the growing metropolis, Bro. F1lmer
established an electrotype foundry which has become the leading foundry on the coast, the business
of which is coextensive with commercial enterprise in the three ocean-bound States.
While residing in New York, in 1858, Bro. F1lmer was initiated, passed, and raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason in Keystone Lodge. Membership was continued in that Lodge
until 1879, when he dimitted to become a charter member of
King Solomons Lodge, at San Francisco. He was one of the
strong, moving spirits in the early days of that Lodge, and
is still a pillar of strength in its exalted place in the juris-
diction of California. For thirteen consecutive terms he was
Treasurer of King Solomons Lodge, serving without bond,
and to the pleasure and honor of the Craft. So highly was
Bro. F1lmer regarded by the Brethren that in 1893 ne was
placed in the East as Worship- ful Master. Most gracefully
did he preside and greatly did the Lodge flourish under his
administration. His year of Mastership is regarded as one
of the very best in the splendid history of King Solomons
Lodge, No. 260. The Capit- ular degrees were conferred
upon Comp. F1lmer in Empire Chapter, No. 170, New York.
He affiliated with California Chapter, No. 5, May 1, 1894,
on a dimit from Empire Chap- ter. While a resident of New
York City Bro. F1lmer was also initiated into the mysteries
of Scottish Rite Masonry, and was advanced to the thirty -second grade, Sovereign Prince of the
Royal Secret; and in 1861 the high and exalted degree of Honorary Thirty-third Sovereign Inspector-
General was bestowed upon him. Bro. F1lmer, 33°, is still a member of the Northern Jurisdiction.
Bro. F1lmer was twice President of the San Francisco Board of Relief. While Master he
became, by virtue of his office, a member of the Board, and was by that body unanimously elected
President. The succeeding year, in response to the urgent appeal of King Solomons Lodge, Bro.
F1lmer again became its representative and was once more chosen executive head of the Board.
This difficult post Bro. F1lmer each term filled with unusual ability, gaining for the Board great dis
tinction and for himself equivalent credit. Through his efforts the Board's work and methods were
harmonized, and the scheme of organized charity was advanced and improved. Upon his retirement
from the Board the Lodge manifested its high appreciation by presenting to him a richly engrossed
volume testifying the gratitude and love of his Brethren.
W.\ BRO. EDWARD F. DELGER.
The present (1898) Worshipful Master of Occidental Lodge, No. 22, is a native-born San
Franciscan. One of the veteran Lodges of California, Occidental has ever occupied high rank for
efficiency in work, and for the practical exemplification of the sublime characteristics of the Order.
To be Master of this Lodge is a distinction of which any Mason may be proud, and so it is that
to W.\ Bro. Edward F. Delger have come the honors of the Craft in large degree, and it is worthy
of record that he discharges the high duties faithfully and well.
Bro. Delger was born in San Francisco on October 24, 1859. His parents were Freder1ck
and Ernst1na Delger. He was educated in the private schools of this State; also in the private
schools of France and Germany, and finally at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass., graduating
from the Law Department of Harvard University in 1882. From 1886 to 1889 Bro. Delger was a
merchant in Oakland. In 1890 he engaged in banking business in San Francisco, and continued in
that line of trade until 1895, since which time he has been Manager for California of the Bankers
Life Association, of Des Moines, la. Bro. Delger rendered the State very efficient service as a
member and President of the Board of Trustees of the
Agnews Insane Asylum, and served his party well as Chair-
man of the Republican Com mittee of Alameda County, and
as a member of the Executive Committee of the Republican
State Central Committee. Bro. Delger was married in San
Francisco in December, 1885. His family consists of his wife,
a son and daughter. He has lived in San Francisco and Oak-
land, Cal.; Portland, Or.; Bos- ton and Cambridge, Mass.; Dres-
den, Germany; and Paris, Francea In Masonry Bro. Delger re-
ceived his symbolic degrees in Oakland Lodge, No. 188. He
was initiated May 20, 1885, passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft July II, 1885, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason on August 8, 1885. In 1894 he dimitted from Oakland
Lodge, No. 188. Bro. Delger was elected Secretary of Occi-
dental Lodge in 1896, Warden in 1897, and is now the Wor-
shipful Master. In Capitular Masonry Comp. Delger was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master in Oakland Chapter, No. 36, on August 11th, elected
and presided as Master August 16th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master August
1 8th, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on September 1, 1886. In 1894
Comp. Delger dimitted from Oakland Chapter and on December 4th of that year affiliated with
California Chapter, No. 5. Sir Edward was knighted in Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, San
Francisco. The Order of Red Cross was conferred March 1, 1897, and he was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta on March 15, 1897. In Scottish Rite Masonry Bro. Delger is a
member of Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, San Francisco. He received the degree in
Oakland Lodge and by dimit and affiliation transferred to Yerba Buena.
Bro Delger has led an active life, and as a citizen, business man, politician and Craftsman his
career has been upright and honorable. He sustains an enviable reputation in business circles of San
Francisco, while Masonically he is regarded with high favor, because of his unswerving attachment to the
principles of the Order, his zeal in a Brother's cause, and for those exemplary qualities which make
kinship for the great Brotherhood that meets upon the level and parts upon the square.
W.\ BRO. JAMES OGLESBY, Grand Tyler.
UR grand old Brother, Companion, Knight, Master of the Royal Secret, and true, Veteran
Mason, W.\ Bro. James Oglesby, "whose departed soul to whose white robe the gleam of
bliss was given, and by the breath of mercy made to soar right onward to the golden gates
of Heaven, where to our eyes of faith it peaceful rests, and tells to us his glorious destiny."
He was born February 29, 181 1, at Clones, County Monaghan, in the north of Ireland, and
emigrated to the United States in 1832. On March 9, 1847, he was married in New York City to
Miss. Ellen S1mpson, and shortly after settled in Philadelphia, where three children were born to
them. In 1856 he removed with his family to San Francisco and entered the public service in the
United States Branch Mint in this city, where he was employed until his death, a period of nearly
forty-one consecutive years, a proof and monument of his ability and spotless integrity of character.
Administrations might change for more than ten Presidential terms, yet Bro. Oglesby was contin
uously retained at his post of honor. During his residence here five more children were born to
him, and on March 9, 1897, ne and his wife celebrated their golden wedding at their private mint at
home, where, in the crucible of human experience and in the furnace which tests the purity and proves
the metal of true manhood and womanhood — realizing to its fullness the happiness of domestic and
parental bliss so sweetly portrayed by Robert Burns in his "Cotter's Saturday Night," and that "an
honest man's the noblest work of God" —when "hope springs exulting on triumphant wing, that thus
they all shall meet in future days, there ever bask in uncreated rays, together hymning their Creator's
praise; in such society, yet still more dear, while time moves round in an eternal sphere."
Two of his sons died. Of the remaining six children the three eldest are married women —
Mrs. L. H. Row/.er of the City of Mexico, Mrs. A. B. McAlwne of Portland, Or., and Mrs. G. H.
Anker of San Francisco. The remaining three — Robert S. Oglesby, Miss Anna, and Miss P1nk
Oglesby — reside with their mother in this city, in the home built and embellished by Bro. Oglesby,
where, surrounded by his family, he dwelt in happiness so many years.
On attaining his majority Bro. Oglesby received the degrees of Masonry in Lodge, Chapter,
and Commandery in rapid succession in his native land, prior to his departure for the United States,
when in those days and in that country it was requisite that the aspirant should be of the most
perfect and unblemished character, a man of influence, well known integrity, and of good family.
He was a man of high standing in moral and religious worth, as well as in physical stature, being
over six feet in height. Sometime after his arrival in the United States he affiliated with Roseborough
Lodge, No. 135, of Pennsylvania, of which he served as Worshipful Master. He dimitted therefrom,
and on July 5, 1865, and again on March 1, 1883, affiliated with California Lodge, No. 1, of this
jurisdiction, of which he remained a member until death. He affiliated with California Chapter, No.
5, at San Francisco, June 6, 1865, of which he continued to be a member until he entered the Royal
Arch above. He received the degrees of Royal and of Select Masters September 9, 1865, in Cal
ifornia Council, No. 2, of San Francisco, and was a member until he passed through the Ninth
Arch into the Celestial Vault and was greeted by the Sovereign Grand Master of all.
On February 19, 1858, he affiliated with California Commandery, No. 1, at San Francisco,
was the sixty-fifth to sign the roll, and the sixth one of the 215 members of that Commandery when
called to rest in the Grand Encampment above. He received the degrees of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, from the fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, by communi
cation from the late Ill.\ Bro. Ebenezer H. Shaw, 33°, Active Inspector -General for California, and
was among the first to receive them in this State in 1866-7.
I 28 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIy1.
In October, 1864, he was appointed by Grand Master WILLIAM C. BELCHER the W. Grand
Tyler of the Grand Lodge of California, and was continuously re-appointed and filled that office for
thirty-three years, two months and a half. In December, 1865, he was appointed Guard of California
Chapter, No. 5, and held that office thirty-two years, and was Sentinel of California Council, No. 2,
for thirty-two years. As Sentinel of California Commandery, No. 1, he filled that office thirty-nine
years; as Grand Guard of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons he served thirty-two years, and
Grand Sentinel of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, thirty-two years; as Grand Sen
tinel of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of California, thirty-nine years, and as Grand
Tyler of the Grand Consistory of California from 1880 to 1883, a period of three years—making an
aggregate amount of duty as a faithful sentinel on guard of 242 years in the Masonic bodies, Grand
and subordinate, in the State of California, chiefly at the Masonic Temple in San Francisco.
On October 15, 1884, Bro. OGLESBy was elected a Grand Honorary Member of the Masonic
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry, he having
then been Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of California for a continuous period of twenty years,
and was then fifty-two years a Master Mason in good standing and sixty-five years as such when
relieved from guard duty on earth to find eternal repose and refreshment in the Grand Lodge above,
December 20, 1897, and on the 23d the Grand Lodge laid his remains to rest in his earthly tomb.
—SR——
W. BRO FRANKLIN PIERCE PRIMM. P. M.
HE was born when the sun crossed the line, September 20, 1852–
when day and night were of equal length—in Franklin County, Mo. His
parents were RUFUs H. and ANGELINE J. (PoTT's) PRIMM. His great
great grandfather was a soldier in the Continental Army during the
Revolutionary War and took part in the capture of CoRNWALLIS and his
army at Yorktown. Bro. PRIMM was named after ex-President FRANKLIN
PIERCE, and was educated in the public schools, graduating on the cen
tennial anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1875, from the
State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. He taught school eight years
in his native State and in California, having arrived in this State in 1876.
He studied law and was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of
Missouri, and after coming to California he read law in San Francisco about two years and was sub
sequently admitted to practice in the Superior Court of Shasta County, the Supreme Court of Califor
nia, and in the United States Circuit Court, and has continued to practice law since 1883. To-day
he stands at the head of the legal profession in Shasta County. He has always taken an active
interest in politics, but has never held a public office, and, after having been nominated for District
Attorney of Shasta County in 1898, he declined to run for the office, but choose rather to devote
his time to his private practice.
He was married in Shasta County April 1, 1880, to MARY E. CHAMBERs, a native daughter,
and has two daughters by that marriage, ADA and RETA PRIMM, to whom he is much devoted and
has given them the benefit of a fine education; but his wife is deceased. He settled in Redding in
1882, where he still resides, honored and esteemed by the entire community—a worthy descendant of
a Revolutionary sire, and of such is the stability of the American Republic and its free institutions
maintained.
- - - - - -. - -
*_-- - - - - - ------ - - -
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA
Bro. Pr1mm was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason April 19th, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft April 26th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason May 3, 1883, in Reading
Lodge, No. 254, at Redding. He was elected and served as Secretary in 1884-5, Junior Warden in
1886, Senior Warden in 1887-8, and Worshipful Master in 1889, 1893-5, being still a member.
Eight years, or over half, of his Masonic life has been spent in the highest offices of the Lodge,
which shows that his work was in consonance with his name.
W.\ BRO. THEODORE HENRY WILHELM, P. M.
Bro. W1lhelm was born March 11, 1850, in Burlington, la., and
his parents were George Jacob and Ann1e W1lhelm of that city. He
there received his education in the public and private schools, where he
was taught the English and German branches, residing in Burlington
until the year 1870, when he came to California, and located at
Dutch Flat, Placer County, where he resided for the period of two
years, until 1872, when he removed to Grass Valley, Nevada County,
where he has remained ever since, following the occupation of purveyor.
He was married in Grass Valley in 1875, nas a lovely home, and is
the happy father of five girls, whose filial affection and devotion is like
the oil of joy exuding from the leaves and fruit of the olive branches
around his table, while he has the friendship of that community.
Bro. W1lhelm was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason June 1 6th, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft July 20th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in August, 1875, m Madison
Lodge, No. 23, at Grass Valley. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon from January 1,
1877, to January 1, 1878, when he was elected, re-elected, and served as Junior Warden two years,
to January 1, 1880, then Senior Warden two years, until January 1, 1882, and Worshipful Master
one year, until January 1, 1883. He was elected and served as Trustee from January 1, 1884, to
the present time.
On December 8th he was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master December 21, 1875, received and acknowledged a Most Excel
lent Master January 12th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason January 26, 1876,
in Grass Valley Chapter, No. 18, at Grass Valley. He was appointed and served as Royal Arch
Captain seven years, from January 1, 1877, to January 1, 1884, when he was appointed and served
one year as Captain of the Host, until January 1, 1885, then elected and served as Scribe four years,
until January 1, 1889. He was then elected and served as High Priest for three years, until January
1, 1892. On January 1, 1894, ne was elected Treasurer, continuing in that office until the present.
Bro. W1lhelm received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross September 1st, and created a
Knight Templar and Knight of Malta September 1, 1 881, in Nevada Commandery, No. 6, at Nevada
City. He was appointed and served as Standard Bearer in 1883, Warder in 1884-5; elected and
served as Junior Warden in 1887, Captain-General in 1888-9, Generalissimo in 1890-1, and Eminent
Commander in 1892-3, and of which he is still a member.
He became an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast on
October 13, 1898.
I 3O FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIX4.
W. BRO, WILLIAM DURRANT KNIGHTS, P. M., 32°, K. C. C. of H.
BRO, WILLIAM D. KNIGHTs was born on a Christmas Day, December 25, 1857, in the city of
London, England, and at the age of nine years he came with his parents to the United States.
For the last twenty-three years he has resided in California, chiefly in San Francisco and Sacra
mento, finally making his home in the latter city. He was educated in the public schools and at Heald's
Business College in San Francisco. The first money made by any man in the world which passed
for currency was the skins of - - beasts, dried or tanned, which
fixed their value accordingly; therefore, returning to the orig
inal financial standard of values, Bro. KNIGHTS established him
self in the hide and leather business as a merchant, and is
now the Vice-President of the McKay Tanning Company, and
Secretary of the W. R. Knights Company at Sacramento, hav
ing been established there in business twenty years, and is
one of the most thriving and enterprising business men of
the capital city of the Golden State of California, commanding
the respect and esteem of all who know him. At the general
election in November, 1898, Bro. KNIGHTS was elected an
Assemblyman to represent the Twenty-first District.

He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, May 14th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft May 17th, and raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason May 25, 1880, in Sac
ramento Lodge, No. 40, at Sacramento. He was elected
and served as Secretary in 1885-6, Senior Warden in 1890,
Worshipful Master in 1891–2, still remaining a member.
Bro. KNIGHTs was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master January 11th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master January 18th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason January 29, 1881,
in Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, at Sacramento. He was appointed and served as Royal Arch Captain
in 1884–5, was elected and served as Scribe in 1886–7, and of which he is still a member.
On January 21, 1881, he received the degrees of Royal and of Select Master in Sacramento
Council, No. 1, at Sacramento, remaining a member of same.
He received the Illustrious Order of Companion of the Red Cross June 6th, and was created
a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta June 23, 1881, in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, at Sac
ramento. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1886, Senior Warden in 1887, Captain
General in 1888, Generalissimo in 1889, and Eminent Commander in 1890, and of which he is still
a member. In April, 1896, he was appointed Grand Warder, in April, 1897, Grand Standard Bearer,
and in April, 1898, he was elected Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery of California.
fourth to the thirty-second, inclusive, at Sacramento in 1895, from Bro. WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE, 33°,
Active Inspector-General for California, Southern Jurisdiction, and became a charter member of /saac
Davis Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, at Sacramento, of which he has been the Senior Warden from the
beginning, April 4, 1895. He affiliated with Gethsemane Chapter, No. 2, Rose Croix, and De Molay
Council of Kadosh, No. 2, at Oakland, May 30, 1895, and of which he is still a member.
Bro. KNIGHTs was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor of the Supreme
Council, Southern Jurisdiction, October 23, 1895.
R.\ W.\ BRO. JAMES A. FOSHAY. S. G. W.
He was born November 25, 1856, at Cold Springs, N. Y. His parents

were Andrew J. and Em1l1ne (Gr1ff1n) Foshay, grandson of Lvnes Foshay,
and great-grandson of John Foshay of New York City, who was a soldier
of the Revolutionary War. His residence is in Los Angeles, Cal., and
occupation that of educator. He was educated in the public schools and
entered the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., in September, 1875,
from which he graduated in June, 1879. He then taught for three years
in the public schools of Putnam County, and in 1881 was elected School
■ ■ Commissioner and re-elected in 1884, thus serving two terms of three years
^^^g j^k each. In 1884 he was elected Secretary of the New York State Associa-
tion of School Commissioners and Superintendents, being re-elected in
1885-6. In 1887 he removed to Southern California and settled in Mon
rovia, where he resumed the practice of his profession, which he successfully followed and was
Principal of the Monrovia schools for five years. For six years he was a member of the School
Examining Board of Los Angeles County. He removed to the city of Los Angeles in 1893, was
appointed and served as Deputy Superintendent from 1893 to 1 895, and Superintendent of the Los
Angeles City Schools from 1895 to trie present time. He has the degree of Master of Arts from
the University of Southern California, and of Doctor of Pedagogy from the State Normal College,
New York. He stands at the head of his profession as an educator, as will be seen from the high
positions he has occupied and still holds. " Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the
end of that man is peace;" and he sees that none go away dissatisfied, for the corn, wine, and oil
are in his hands.
Bro. Foshay was married at Carmel, N. Y., on March 18, 1885, to Phcebe Powell, daughter
of Judge John G. M1ller, by whom he has one daughter, Eleanor.
Craft April 12th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason May 31, 1882, in Croton Lodge,
No. 368, at Brewster, N. Y. He dimitted therefrom in 1890 and affiliated with Monrovia Lodge,
No. 308, at Monrovia, in 1891, being a charter member; was installed Worshipful Master December
26, 1 89 1, and also on January 6, 1893. He dimitted therefrom on January 9, 1897, and affiliated
with Southern California Lodge, No. 278, at Los Angeles, March 3, 1897, of which he remains
a member. He was Inspector for the 36th Masonic District from 1892 until 1895.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master May 14th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master October 17th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master November 7th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason November 17, 1884,
in Croton Chapter, No. 202, at Brewster, N. Y. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Crown
Chapter, No. 72, and upon his removal to Los Angeles, he dimitted and affiliated with Signet Chap
ter, No. 57, and is still a member of that Chapter.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters January 4, 1898, in Los Angeles
Council, No. 1 1.
He received the Illustrious Order of Companion of the Red Cross November 23, 1893, and
was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta January 18th and 25, 1894, respectively, in
Cceur de Lion (now Los Angeles) Commandery, No. 9, at Los Angeles, remaining a member, and is
now Generalissimo of that Commanderv.
He was elected R. W... Junior Grand Warden of the M.'. W. Grand Lodge of California,
October 15, 1897, and R. W.'. Senior Grand Warden, October 14, 1898, present incumbent. By
order of the M. W. Grand Master THOMAS FLINT, J.R., he convened the Grand Lodge of Califor
nia on November 18, 1897, at Long Beach, and laid the corner-stone of the High School building
at that place, and also laid the corner-stone of the Episcopal Church at San Bernardino April 24, 1898.
SK - -
BRO, DAVID CRANE HALSEY.
HE was born January 10, 1859, at Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras

County, Cal., just ten years after his father, D. C. HALSEY, SR.,
arrived in San Francisco in January, 1849. His father graduated
from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1845, but
resigning his position in the Navy, entered the merchant service,
rapidly rose to the rank of captain, and as such entered the Golden
Gate and anchored in San Francisco harbor in January, 1849.
He then went to the mines in Calaveras County, and having mar
ried became the father of the subject of our sketch, who was
mountain born and among whose playthings when an infant were
gold nuggets which amused him in a rattle. Bro. HALSEY as he
grew up attended the public schools in his native place until he
was a young man, but seeking a higher and practical education,
he came to San Francisco and entered Heald's Business College,
where he completed his course and was prepared to enter a prac
tical business life. After leaving school he went to mining, which was the most natural thing for
him to do, being born in the mining town of Mokelumne Hill, where the earth does not “return to
the earth as it was," but is carried away in flumes and ditches and despoiled of its golden treasures.
Upon the decay of the mining interests he removed to Sacramento, where he entered the service of
the Central Pacific Railroad Company in 1877, first as brakeman, then freight and afterward as pas
senger conductor, and ran the overland passenger train between Sacramento and Truckee for a period
of twelve years, being in the railroad service from 1877 to 1895, a continuous period of eighteen
years, when he retired from that company's employ and removed to Woodland, Yolo County, Cal.,
in January, 1895, purchased the Byrnes Hotel, and went into the hotel business at that place, in
which he has been successful. On January 11, 1885, he was married at Sacramento to Miss NELLIE
T. AcOCK, eldest daughter of Bro. THOMAS L. ACOCK, a member of Sacramento Lodge, No. 40, of
that city.
Bro. DAVID CRANE HALSEY, J.R., was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason November 10th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft December 12, 1892, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason March 3, 1893, in Washington Lodge, No. 20, at Sacramento, of which he remains a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master May 15th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master September 18th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master October 2d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason November 18, 1894, in
Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, at Sacramento, with which he is still connected.
Bro. HALSEY received the Illustrious Order of Companion of the Red Cross March 27th, and
was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta April 17, 1897, in Woodland Commandery, No.
21, at Woodland, being a member of same at present.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIA. I 33
BRO. FREDERICK D. STADTMULLER.
THE charms of perfect manhood find their best expression in domestic life, that inner circle
which seems too sacred to invade—the home of love, confidence, and hope. The nearest approach
to this domestic precinct is the fraternal society where man's best impulses are helpful, his counsel
good, and his walk upright. Every well-regulated Masonic Lodge can recall examples of this nobility
of character, impressed upon the hearts of the Brethren; they are mentors for emulation and land
marks for safe guidance.
Bro. F. D. STADTMULLER, who was called higher in 1893, was one such to the Brethren of
the various Masonic bodies. Not ambitious for fame as a worker in office, he was a most zealous
devotee of the sublime principles of the Order, and within and without the Lodge his counsel,
friendship, and generosity were the qualities which characterized his daily life. Many of our success
ful business men trace their beginning to a word or friendly act of Bro. STADTMULLER. From such
as he along the ages of the fraternity has our Order derived its nobility, its lofty purpose, its strong
intrenchment in the hearts of the people of all nations and all climes.
Bro. STADTMULLER was born in Noerdlinger, Bavaria, November 18, 1833. He was educated
in Ulm and Stuttgart, and came to America in 1852, first locating in New York. The following
year he started West, and in St. Louis joined a train of emi
grants bound for the Pacific slope. With his immediate
friends he became separated from the train and after endur
ing many hardships, and dan gers with Indians, beasts, and
storms, he arrived safely in Salt Lake City in the fall of
1853. In 1854 he landed on the Carson River, in Nevada,
between Silver City and Dayton, and engaged in mining. He
followed the Carson to its head waters, and in 1856 reached
Placerville, Cal. He engaged in commercial and mining en
terprises in Calaveras County, and in 1862 he returned to Ne
vada and associated with Strauss & Co., in Glendale, Washoe
County. In 1863 he moved to Galena, near Washoe City.
In 1867 he located in Empire City, and purchased the large
mer can tile business of SAM RIP LEy, continuing the same
until 1879, accumulating quite a fortune. In 1870 he returned
East for a short season, and on August 15, that year, was
married in New York. Bro. STADTM U L L E R never sought
public office, but he was a School Trustee in Empire City, and was, by appointment, one of the
Commissioners of Construction of the State Capitol in Carson City.
In 1879 Bro. STADTMULLER moved to San Francisco, and became identified with numerous
mercantile industries. He was the capitalist of the firm of C. Schilling & Co. a number of years.
He retired from active business pursuits in 1889, and enjoyed the remainder of his days with his
devoted family. His death occurred September 20, 1893.
Bro. STADTMULLER was initiated in Campo Seco Lodge, No. 100, in Campo Seco, Calaveras
County, Cal., on July 10th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft August 28th, and raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason September 25, 1862. He withdrew from Campo Seco Lodge, and
on May 15, 1863, affiliated with Washoe Lodge, No. 2, Washoe, Nev., formerly No. 157 on the
registration of California. He dimitted from Washoe Lodge, and on December 19, 1867, affiliated
with Carson Lodge, No. 1, Carson City, Nev.
Comp. STADTMULLER was advanced to the degree of Mark Master in Lewis Chapter, No. 1,
Carson City, June 6th; Past Master, June 20th; received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master
July 18th, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason July 25, 1868.
Sir FREDERICK D. STADTMULLER was created a Companion of the Red Cross, and Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta in /De Witt Clinton Commandery, No. 1, Virginia City, Nev., in
August, 1877. He dimitted therefrom and became a charter member of Golden Gate Commandery,
No. 16, in San Francisco, and remained an exemplary member of that Commandery until his death.
He was President of the Drill Corps of Golden Gate Commandery. In 1878 in Carson City the Scot
tish Rite degrees, from the first to the thirty-second, inclusive, were communicated to Bro. STADT
MULLER by Ill. Bro. EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33, Deputy Inspector-General. He was also a member
of /s/am Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.
- - - - >K- - -
BR(). FRED WALTER MOORE.
A SON of California, and grown to young manhood in the beautiful

Santa Cruz and Santa Clara country, FRED W. MooRE is representative
of the splendid native citizenship of this State. A man of sterling integ
rity, correct habits, and possessed of indomitable will-power, he is a forceful
character in community, and a worthy Brother, Companion, and frater in
Masonic fellowship.
Bro. MooRE was born in Santa Cruz on December 23, 1858. His
father and mother, WILLIAM H. and LizziE N. MOORE, were pioneers of
the Coast, the father having located in Santa Cruz in 1847. FRED
received an excellent rudimentary education in the public schools of Santa
Cruz, and later attended Santa Clara College, the Pacific Business College
in San Francisco, and the California Military Academy in Oakland.
After completing his education Bro. MooRE located in San Jose, which beautiful city has since been
his residence. In September, 1886, he was happily married in San Jose, Mrs. MooRE's maiden name
being Miss A. MARCELLA SPRING. She is a daughter of Mr. T. W. SPRING. Bro. MooRE has been
engaged in commercial trade in San Jose, and has uniformly been successful. In 1892 the people
elected him a member of the Board of School Trustees, in which capacity he faithfully served four
VCall"S.
In Masonic life Bro. MooRE began to travel in San /ose Lodge, No. 10. He was initiated
January 9th, passed January 26th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason February 9,
1891. -
Comp. MooRE was advanced in Howard Chapter, No. 10, in San Jose, on May 8th, elected
and presided on May 8th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on August 14th, and
was exalted to the most sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on August 28, 1891.
The Orders of Knighthood were conferred upon Sir MooRE on April 16, 1892, in San /ose
Commandery, No. 10. He successively held the offices in the Commandery of Warder, Junior
Warden, Senior Warden, Generalissimo, and was in direct line of promotion for the office of Eminent
Commander.
Sir MooRE joined the argonauts to the Alaskan gold fields, where he remained six months.
The hearty good wishes of the Brethren and fraters of San Jose were with him on that pilgrimage
for fortune, and right royally did they welcome his return in the summer of 1898. He has resumed
business relations in his old home-place, and is again active in Masonic circles.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. I 35
W. BRO. LOUIS CY RUS SCHINDLER, P. M.
A NATIVE of California, and always a resident of the capital city,

Bro. LOUIS CYRUs SCHINDLER is a most worthy citizen, and commands
the esteem of the business community and the regard of his Brethren of
the Mystic Tie.
Bro. SCHINDLER was born in Sacramento on November 10, 1863.
His parents were CVRENIUs and HELENA CLARK SCHINDLER. His father
came to California from New York in 1852, and his mother from Mich
igan in 1859. They were married in 1862. Bro. Louis C. SCHINDLER
was educated in the public schools of Sacramento and completed the
course of studies in Atkinson's Business College. He is an expert
accountant and has been identified with different business houses in Sac
ramento for the past seventeen years. He has been a Director of the
Germania Building and Loan Association for six years, and is still a member of the Board. He is
a member of Sacramen/o Parlor, No. 3, N. S. G. W., and also Court Sacramento, No. 12, F. O. A.,
and takes much interest in those Orders.
Bro. SCHINDLER was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Concord Lodge, No. 1 17, in Sacra
mento, on May 17th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft July 12th, and raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason July 29, 1887. He was appointed Junior Deacon on December 13, 1887,
Senior Deacon December 11, 1888, elected Junior Warden in December, 1889, Senior Warden Decem
ber 9, 1890, and was elected Worshipful Master in 1891 and again in 1892; elected Treasurer of the
Board of Relief in 1891 and again in 1892.
Comp. SCHINDLER received the Capitular degrees in Sacramento Chapter, No. 3. He was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master August 16th, elected and inducted November 1st,
received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master November 4th, and was exalted to the sublime
degree of Royal Arch Mason November 15, 1892; appointed Principal Sojourner in 1892, elected
Scribe in 1893, King in 1894, and High Priest in 1895.
The Cryptic degrees were conferred upon Comp. SCHINDLER in Sacramento Council, No. 1.
He received the degrees of Royal Master and Select Master June 26, 1893; appointed Captain of
Guard in 1893, elected Principal Conductor of Work in 1894, Ill... Deputy Master in 1895, and Th.
Ill. . Master in 1896.
Sir LOUIS was knighted in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2. He was greeted as a Companion
of the Red Cross March 11th, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta March 23,
1893. In 1893 he was appointed Guard, Warder in 1894, and Standard Bearer in 1895. In 1897
he was elected Junior Warden, and in 1898 Senior Warden.
Bro. SCHINDLER is also a Noble of /s/am Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.
He was elected Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall Association in 1896
and again in 1897.
The esteem in which Bro. SCHINDLER is held by the fraternity in Sacramento is shown by the
many offices he has held since commencing his Masonic journey in 1887. From that year he has
continuously been in office, and has been honored by being elected to the highest offices within the
gift of the subordinate Lodge, Chapter, and Council. He is courteous in intercourse and gracious in
manner, and has worthily served the Brethren in the several stations to which he has been called.
BRO. JAMES HENRY HATCH, P. C.
A MOST honorable name among the bright professional men of San Francisco is that of Dr.
JAMEs H. HATCH, familiar in this city since 1876. Bro. HATCH was born in Williamstown, Vt.,
January 28, 1839. His parents were HENRY L. and ELIZABETH WARBURTON HATCH. In 1844 the
parents removed to Illinois, locating in Waukegan. HENRY L. HATCH was a scholarly man, and by
his activity and instrumentality the Waukegan Academy was established, an institution still in flour
ishing existence. The son received his early mental training at this academy and left for the Pacific
Coast with his parents in 1853, locating in Nevada County, Cal. The father died in 1893. Bro.
HATCH continued his education in Nevada City, and in 1862–3 attended the Pennsylvania College of
Dental Surgery in Philadelphia. He graduated in 1863, having completed the course in dentistry
and general medicine. Commencing the practice of his profession in Carson City, Nev., in 1865 he
removed to Portland, Or., where he resided eleven years. Bro. HATCH was foremost in his profes
sion in Portland, and was a forceful agent in establishing the State Dental Society of Oregon,
becoming its first president. In 1876 he removed to San Francisco. On January 7, 1869, he was
married to Mrs. MARY JANE TRACY, in Portland. One son, HERBERT WALLACE HATCH, M. D., is an
Assistant Surgeon in the United States Army, and is stationed in Alaska.
Bro. HATCH is a zealous and accomplished Mason, and
has been identified with the Craft thirty years, receiving
the symbolic degrees in Multnomah Lodge, No. 12,
in Portland, in 1868. He dimitted therefrom in 1876
and affiliated with King Sol omon's Lodge, No. 260, in
San Francisco, of which he is now a member.
Comp. HATCH advanced to the honorary degree of Mark

Master in California Chapter, No. 5, San Francisco, No
vember 15th, was elected Past M as ter and inducted
into the Oriental Chair, and also received and acknowl
edged a Most Excellent Mas ter November 16, 1882. On

November 21, 1882, he was exalted to the sublime degree
of Royal Arch Mason. Comp. HATCH received the degrees
of Royal Master and Select Master in California Council,
No. 2, San Francisco, No vember 29, 1882.
The orders of knighthood were conferred upon Sir
JAMEs H. HATCH by Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16.
He was greeted as a Com panion of the Red Cross on
January 8th, and was created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta on February 8, 1883.
The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the first to thirty-second, inclu
sive, were conferred upon Bro. HATCH by the bodies in Portland, Or, in 1870.
While active in all the Masonic bodies, Bro. HATCH has given his years of best Masonic
application to the Commandery. An accomplished ritualist and a courteous knight, he is devoted to
the aims, purposes, and characteristics of the noble and magnanimous Order, and is always ready to
advance its interests. He successively occupied the positions of Junior Warden and Generalissimo,
and was elected Eminent Commander in 1886. It was a prosperous year for Golden Gate. The
record of Sir HATCH gave him eminence as one of the best of the many bright executive heads of
this distinguished Commandery of Knights Templar.
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1. I 37
M. . . W. . . and - R. . . E. . . GEORGE CLEMENT PERKINS.
# H IS able, courteous, and distinguished Brother and frater was born August 23, 1839, in
(6. | Kennebunkport, Me. He is of the same hardy New England stock which tilled rocky farms,
"plowed the seas, built school-houses, raised stalwart freemen, and established free government
on the American continent. His father was Capt. CLEMENT PERKINs, a master mariner. His mother's
maiden name was LUCINDA FAIRFIELD, a relative of Governor FAIRFIELD and also of Governor KING,
one of the earliest governors of Maine after its segregation from Massachusetts. She was a woman
of rare natural talents, improved by culture and attainments. One of his two brothers served with
gallantry under Admiral FARRAGUT in the late Civil War, another resides in California, and two sisters,
one ERNESTINE, the elder, the wife of HENRY MALING of Portland, Me., and the younger CAROLINE
AMELLA, at the old homestead at Kennebunkport.
In early boyhood GEORGE was brought up along the old Puritan lines. His schooling was
limited to only three months in the year. In his twelfth year he applied for the position of cabin
boy on board the ship Golden Æagle, but was refused on account of his youth. He, however,
secreted himself in the hold, and when out at sea came on deck, was accepted, and signed the articles
as one of the crew. The next four years he spent at sea, making several voyages to Europe. At
Christiana, Sweden, he with another sailor lad, JACK BRANSCOMB, made up his mind to see the cele
brated Swedish King, OsCAR. They approached the royal gardens, but were confronted with an
impassable moat. But he was bound to see the King. After a careful search he discovered the
mouth of a narrow tunnel filled with rubbish. Into this he jumped, BRANSCOMB at his heels, and he
made his way to the opposite entrance. On coming out they were instantly surrounded by guards,
who could not understand them. A party was approaching, and one of them stepping forward, asked
their business. Young PERKINS, acting as spokesman, his comrade being very timid, boldly answered
that he had come to see his Majesty King OsCAR I; that they were from Boston, and when they
returned home would be proud to tell their friends that they had been face to face with the King.
“Well," said the other, in perfect English, “you have seen him; I am the King.” At the same
time he handed each of them several coins as souvenirs of their visit.
During the voyage from St. John's to Dublin and Liverpool in 1854, it happened that among
his comrades was an old sailor recently returned from California, who induced him to seek his fortune
in the Golden State. He shipped before the mast and arrived in San Francisco in 1855, when a
young sailor lad only seventeen years of age. After a few days he took the steamer for Sacramento,
whence he walked to Butte County, carrying on his back his tools, blanket, and gun, and for pro
visions crackers and bacon, and worked several months at placer mining and “roughing it” as an
honest miner. Not meeting with much success, he took the Frazer River mining fever and went to
San Francisco to start for that stream to try his luck; but concluding that California was good enough
for him, he started back, worked his passage on a steamboat to Sacramento, and again walked to
Oroville, or Ophir, as it was then called. There he was first employed to navigate a mule team.
The next year he served as porter in a store at Oroville. He built a small cabin and did his own
cooking, saved his money, bought the ferry at Long's Bar, sold at $1000 profit, and put his money
out at interest. He returned to the store as porter at $80 per month. Soon after he was promoted
to a clerkship, and three years afterward, business being slack, he purchased the establishment. For
the first month his sales amounted to $4000, at the end of the year $15,000; in the second year to
$25,000 a month, and, when scarcely twenty-five years of age, his entire trade amounted to $500,000
a year. Milling, banking, lumber, sheep and cattle ranches multiplied and increased on his hands.
In 1864 he was married at Oroville to Miss Ruth A. Parker, the daughter of an English officer in
the excise service.
In 1872 Bro. Perk1ns became a partner in the corporated firm of Goodall, Nelson & Perkins
Steamship Company, and later as the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, and also in many other
enterprises, which the want of space forbids to mention. In 1860 he cast his first vote and for
Abraham L1ncoln, and was a stanch Union man during the late Civil War. In 1869 he was elected
State Senator on the Republican ticket for Butte County, and in 1873 to fill the unexpired term of
Senator Boucher, deceased, for Butte, Plumas, and Lassen counties. In 1879 he was elected Gov
ernor of the State of California, serving the people well for the term of four years. In 1886 he was
a candidate for the United States Senate and received a handsome vote, but the choice fell upon
ex-Governor Stanford, who was elected but died before the expiration of his term, when ex-Governor
Perk1ns was elected to fill the vacancy, and at the next session of the Legislature of California in
1897 he was re-elected to succeed himself. In Bro. Perk1ns is to be found one of the noblest,
purest, and best examples of manhood, of which California is justly proud, and whom the people
of the Golden State delight to honor.
But it is within the Masonic fraternity where his genial, hearty, whole-souled nature found an
ample field for his human sympathy and sociability, and where he gathered his chiefest laurels, as
will be seen from the following record, of which any man might well feel proud :
Blue Lodge Record.
Bro. George Clement Perk1ns was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason September 25th,
passed to the degree of Fellow Craft November 5th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason December 15, 1859, in Oroville Lodge, No. 103, at Oroville, Cal. He was appointed and
served as Steward in 1860, elected and served as Secretary in 1 86 1, Junior Warden in 1862-3, Wor
shipful Master in 1864-5, Treasurer in 1867, appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1868, and
re-elected and served as Worshipful Master again in 1869, 1870. Bro. S. S. Bovnton, Secretary of
that Lodge, in his letter to us of August 17, 1879, said of him: "As an officer of the Blue Lodge
he was ever prompt and active in the discharge of his duties. Present at every meeting and exceed
ingly courteous to the members. As Master he had the rare faculty of making everything work
smoothly and pleasantly to all." He dimitted from Oroville Lodge in 1886, and in that year affil
iated with Oakland Lodge, No. 188, at Oakland, Cal., of which he remains a member.
Grand Lodge Record.
He was elected and served as R.\ W.\ Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Cal
ifornia in 1 87 1, R.\ W.\ Senior Grand Warden in 1872, Deputy Grand Master in 1873, and M.\
W.\ Grand Master of Masons of California in 1874. Since that time he has served on various
Standing Committees and been the Representative of other Grand Lodges near the Grand Lodge of
California.
Royal Arch Record.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master June 1st, inducted and presided in
the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master June 15th,
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason November 6, 1860, in Franklin Chapter,
FIFTY YEARS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNI,4. I 39
No. 20, at Oroville. He was elected and served as Secretary in 1862, appointed and served as
Principal Sojourner in 1863–9, 1870–1–2, Captain of the Host in 1868, elected and served as Scribe
in 1864, King in 1865–6, and High Priest in 1867.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and was created a Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta October 23, 1861, in Oroville Commandery, No. 5, at Oroville. He was elected
and served as Junior Warden in 1862-3, Senior Warden in 1864, Captain-General in 1865, Recorder
in 1866–7, Eminent Commander in 1868–9; re-elected and served as Senior Warden in 1871 and
Junior Warden in 1873, also in 1875, after having been elected and served as Generalissimo in 1874.
He was honorably dismissed therefrom in 1876 and affiliated with California Commandery, No. 1, at
San Francisco, April 7, 1876. He was honorably dismissed therefrom in 1891 and affiliated with
Oakland Commandery, No. 11, at Oakland, on August 4, 1891, of which he is still a member.
GRAND COMMANDERY RECORD.
Bro. PERKINs was elected and served as Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery of
Knights Templar of California in 1868, appointed and served as Grand Standard Bearer in 1871,
elected and served as Deputy Grand Commander in 1882, and Grand Commander in 1883. He was
elected Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States
at the twenty-second Triennial Conclave, held in San Francisco in August, 1883. He waived pro
motion in favor of R. '. E. . Sir REUBEN H. LLOYD, who was elected Senior Grand Warden and
passed on up through the different offices until he was at the late twenty-seventh Triennial Conclave
at Pittsburgh, Pa., in October, 1898, elected Grand Master of Knights Templar of the United States.
VETERAN RECORD.
Bro. PERKINs was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast December 11, 1879, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry. He was elected
and served as an Active Life Member and R. V.'. Grand First Vice-President in 1891–2–3, and
M. V. . Grand President in 1894–5. He is one of the most earnest and generous supporters of
the Association.
There never was created a man and brought into the fold of Freemasonry more courteous,
genial, affable, and pleasant in manner, more generously disposed and charitable than Bro. GEORGE
CLEMENT PERKINs, who always met even the humblest and impoverished Brother Mason on the
common level of fraternal humanity, whether as Master or Grand Master, Grand Commander, Gov
ernor or Senator, and every one, from the highest to the lowest, in all walks of society, have always
been placed at their ease. He has never been troubled with that cranial disease known as caput
elephantum ; kind and generous to a fault, ever true to sincere friends and charitable even to faithless
ones; a born leader of men, and possessed of that cheery, magnetic nature that attracts and holds
the admiration and affections of men, especially those who are of the true “Household of the Faith
ful." He is an honor to Masonry, to the nation, and especially the State of California, which has
placed in his hands the highest gifts that the Craft, the chivalry, and the people can bestow, and
which his merit and deeds have honestly deserved.
W.\ BRO. MARTIN JONES, P. M., P. C.
Few Masons have a record in obtaining degrees so unique as that of Bro. Mart1n Jones,
Past Master of Pacific Lodge, No. 136, San Francisco. Indeed Bro. Jones' whole life has been one
of singular activity and uniform success, and in fraternal circles he is ever ready and always reliable.
Bro. Mart1n Jones was born in Sharon, Schoharie County, New York, on March 11, 1 84 1 .
His parents were Benjam1n and Eff1e Armstrong Jones. His education was obtained in the public
schools and college in Fairfield, N. Y. At this time the war between the States was fiercely raging,
and young Jones, imbibing the martial spirit, enlisted on August 17, 1862, as a private in Company
G, 134th New York Volunteers. He was mustered in the United States service as 4th Sergeant.
On September 22d the regiment was ordered into active service along the Blue Mountains in Virginia,
principally in guarding Thoroughfare Gap. The regiment participated in the battle of Fredericksburg
in December, 1862, and also in the second battle of Fredericksburg in January, 1863, known as
"Burnside's mud march." Sergeant Jones was promoted to 1st Sergeant of Company G in April,
1863. He participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2d and 3, 1863, and also in the battle
of Gettysburg, July 1st to 4, 1863. In this sanguinary engagement he received disabling wounds,
and was eight months in the hospital. He rejoined the regiment, then in the 20th Army Corps, at
Lookout Valley, Tenn., April 20, 1864, and participated in all
the battles of the campaign — beginning at Chattanooga, May
4th, and ending in the capture of Atlanta, September 2, 1864.
Was engaged in the reduction of the old fortifications and erec-
tion of the new line until the abandonment, on November
26th, when the Army Corps joined in the celebrated march
of Sherman's army across the State of Georgia. Sergeant
Jones was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant Novem-
ber 30, 1864. He participated in the siege and capture of Sa
vannah, December 20, 1864, and in the winter marched across
the States of North and South Carolina. Was engaged in the
battle of Black River, N. C, March 19th, and the capture of
Raleigh April 12, 1865. When the war closed with the surren-
der of Johnson's army, Lieut. J0nes continued with the com-
mand in the homeward march, from Raleigh to Washington,
and passed in the grand review, May 3, 1865. He was pro
moted to the rank of Captain June 22, 1865, and was mustered out the following month, having
served three full years. Capt. Jones inherited his patriotic impulses, his grandfather having been a
hero of the Revolutionary War of 1776. He is now a member of the Com1riandery of California
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, stationed at San Francisco.
After the war Bro. Jones engaged in business in New York, but on September 26, 1865, he
joined a mining party en route for Idaho, and left New York via Panama and San Francisco, arriving
at Silver City, Idaho, on November 1st. He began the erection of mining machinery for an East
ern corporation, and has continuously been connected with mining enterprises since that year, for
gold, silver, copper, and lead, in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona. On December 25,
1870, he was married to Jul1a L. Burnham, at Omaha, Neb.
The Masonic record of Bro. Jones is interesting. While in the military hospital at Portsmouth
Grove, Rhode Island, in January, 1864, he was elected in a Lodge located several miles distant. It
was impossible to obtain the degrees at that time, but immediately after leaving the military service
he applied to and was elected to receive the degrees in Cherry Valley Lodge, No. 334, New York.
The degree of Entered Apprentice was conferred in August, 1865. The early departure for the
West precluded receiving the second and third degrees in Cherry Valley Lodge. The following year
this Lodge waived jurisdiction in favor of Owyhee Lodge, No. 5, U. D., at Silver City, Idaho, and
Bro. JoNEs was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason. He held the office of Treasurer one year, Secretary two years, and in 1871 was elected
Senior Warden. In 1872 Bro. JoNEs located in San Francisco and affiliated with Pacific Lodge,
No. 136, in 1876, and is still a member of that flourishing Lodge. In 1894 he was elected Junior
Warden and in 1895 Worshipful Master.
Comp. JONES was elected to receive the Capitular degrees in Bodie Chapter, No. 56, but by
special permission the four degrees were conferred in San Francisco by San / rancisco Chapter, No. 1.
He remained a member of Bodie Chapter until April 17, 1887, when, upon the surrender of its charter,
he affiliated with San Francisco Chapter, No. 1.
Sir MARTIN JONES received the Order of Red Cross in California Commandery, No. 1, in
February, 1889, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta in March, 1889. He served
as Junior Warden one year, Generalissimo two years, and was elected Eminent Commander in 1896,
serving in that exalted office eighteen months. His administration was dignified, and one of the best
in the long line of distinguished fratres who have honored California Commandery as Eminent
Commander.
Bro. JoNEs is also a Noble of /s/am Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.
W. BRO. HENRY BERNARD SCHINDLER, P. M.
IN Monroe, Green County, Wis., Bro. SCHINDLER was born, on

November 30, 1851. His parents were H E N R Y and CATHER IN E
S C H IND LER. He was educated in the public schools of his native
town, and followed the trade of blacksmithing until 1872, when he
came to California and engaged in trade in this State. In 1886 he
inaugurated the present business at 128 and 130 Spear street, in
San Francisco. In 1888 his large wagon manufactory was destroyed
by fire, but undaunted by the grievous loss he rebuilt the establish
ment and now conducts an extensive and flourishing business. Bro.
SCHINDLER was married in San Francisco on February 14, 1880, to
Miss BARBARA HOSLEY of Wisconsin. One son, HENRY P. SCHINDLER,
the only child, was born December 6, 1888.
Bro. SCHINDLER has long resided in Oakland and has a pleasant
home. Six years ago he espoused Masonry in Alcatraz Lodge,
No. 244, West Oakland. Was initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 1st, passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft May 15th, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason June 8, 1893. He
has taken much interest in the Lodge, and has occupied subordinate positions as follows: Junior
Warden, elected December 1, 1894; and Senior Warden, December 2, 1895, and December 7, 1896.
On December 30, 1897, he was installed Worshipful Master of Alcatraz Lodge and served one term.
Under his administration the Lodge prospered and made a record for excellent work.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as fol
lows: From the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, July 23d, in Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 2; 15th
to the 1 8th, inclusive, October 29th, in Gethsemane Chapter, No. 2, Knights Rose Croix, Oakland;
19th to the 30th, inclusive, December 17, 1894, m De Molay Council, No. 2, Knights Kadosh, Oak
land; 31st and 32d on December 22, 1897, Hi Oakland Consistory, Oakland, and he is still a
member.
In business life and fraternal circles Bro. Sch1ndler is highly regarded; a man of character
and integrity, and proverbial for upright dealing at all times and under all circumstances.
W.\ BRO. EDWIN WHIPPLE, P. M
He was born December 29, 1842, in Eastern Pennsylvania,

and at an early age removed to Monroe County, N. Y. He after
ward engaged in the lumber business in 1870 to 1876, in Bay
County, Mich. He came to California in December, 1878, and
located at Decoto, Alameda County, where he engaged in farming,
in which occupation and at that place he has continued until the
present time, a period of a little more than twenty years. He
was married November 10, 1879, in Bay County, Mich.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason November 12,
1889, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft January 1 8th, and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason February 12, 1890,
in Alameda Lodge, No. 167, at Centerville, Alameda County. He
was appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 189 1, Senior Deacon
in 1892, elected and served as Junior Warden in 1893, Senior
Warden in 1894-5, and Worshipful Master in 1896-7, and of which he is still a member.
Bro. Wh1pple was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master August 27th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master August 27th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master October 8th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason December
28, 1898, in Doric Chapter, No. 66, at San Leandro, Alameda County, and still remains a member.
He was appointed and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic
Widows' and Orphans' Home at Decoto, Alameda County, in 1895-6-7-8, and is still performing
duties incidental to that important position.
October 15, 1896, for eminent services rendered to Freemasonry as Master of Alameda Lodge, in
providing refreshments for the officers and members of the Grand Lodge and that Association at the
laying of the corner-stone of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home, near Decoto, October 14,
1896, and other valuable services rendered.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. I43
W. BRO CURTIS GEORGE KENYON, P. M.
ONE of the most able and energetic Masonic workers in San

Francisco is Bro. CURTIs G. KENYON, who is a member of all the
Masonic bodies and who has impressed his excellent work in Lodge,
Commandery, and Shrine. He was born on February 3, 1846, in
Norwich, Chenango County, N. Y. His parents were STERLING and
MARY CHAMPLAIN KENYON. The family removed to Knox County,
Ill., where the son was educated in Abingdon College. The parents
died when he was only eight years old. He came to California in
1867 and located in Woodland. Was educated in the Medical Col
lege of the Pacific and graduated in 1873. He also pursued his
studies in Cooper Medical College, and from both of these institu
tions received the degree of M. D. In 1874 he commenced the
practice of medicine, making a specialty of surgery. Was Demon
strator of Anatomy and Clinical Teacher of Surgery in the Medical
College of the Pacific for several years and for two years was Clinical
Teacher of Surgery in the University of California.
From 1874 to 1877 Dr. KENyoN was Resident Physician and Surgeon to St. Mary's Hospital,
and from 1888 to the present time has been Surgeon to St. Luke's Hospital. He was State Med
ical Examiner for a time to the Knights of Honor. Is ex-President of the County Medical Society
and ex-President of the State Medical Society. He is now President of the Clinical Medical Society.
Dr. KENYON and Miss ALICE COOK PALMER were married in San Francisco in 1877. They
have two sons, CHARLES ARTHUR KENYON and ALBERT CURTIS KENYON.
While residing in Woodland, in 1868, Bro. KENYoN was initiated, passed, and raised in Wood
/and Lodge, No. 156. He was Junior Deacon in that Lodge. Dimitting from Woodland Lodge he
affiliated with Excelsior Lodge, No. 166, in San Francisco in November, 1877. After serving in all
the subordinate offices he was elected Worshipful Master in 1882. He was advanced to the honorary
degree of Mark Master October 26th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master on
November 9th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master November 9th, and exalted to
the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on November 23, 1880, in California Chapter, No. 5, at
San Francisco. He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters March 25, 1881, in California
Council, No. 2, at San Francisco, and dimitted therefrom August 5, 1896.
Sir CURTIs G. KENyoN was knighted in California Commandery, No. 1, the degree of Com
panion of the Red Cross being conferred on April 1st, and he was created a Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta on June 17, 1881. Sir Knight KENYoN was elected Junior Warden in December,
1889, and Captain-General in December, 1890.
Bro. KENyoN received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, February 23d, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at
San Francisco; 15th to the 18th, inclusive, April 20th, in Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 4, at the same
place; 19th to the 30th, inclusive, December 28, 1883, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh,
No. 1, at the same place; 31st and 32d, January 10, 1884, in the Grand Consistory of California.
Bro. KENYON is a Noble of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and in this Order made a most
enviable record. As its presiding officer he doubled the membership. He was instrumental in estab
lishing the Order in Los Angeles, chaltering a train to take the proper officers and paraphernalia to
that city to institute their Temple and exemplify the work.
BRO. CHARLES HENRY MURPHY, P. H. P., P. E. C.
Bro. Charles H. Murphy is closely associated with two factors of California — its splendid
public school system and its noble Masonic fraternity. In each he has excelled, in both he stands
pre-eminently high. In Zanesville, on the banks of the historic Muskingum River, in Ohio, he was
born in 1854. His parents were Jos1ah and Permel1a Murphy, natives of Virginia. The family
resided in Zanesville until 1867, when they moved to Iowa, locating in Davis County. The father
and mother died in 1895, aged 81 and 76 respectively. Bro. Murphy was educated in the public
schools of Ohio and Iowa, and the State Normal School of Missouri. Entered the latter institution
in September, 1872, and graduated in June, 1876, with the degree of B. Ph. D. In 1876 he came
to California, and has since continuously lived in this commonwealth. The splendid education which
Bro. Murphy acquired fitted him for his chosen life work, and shortly after coming to the coast he
commenced teaching in the High Schools of the
State. From 1876 to 1883 he taught in Tu-
lare Countv, and from 1883 to 1 89 1 he was
County School Super- intendent of Tulare a
period of eight years, two full terms. In1890
Bro. Murphy was elected Head of Department
in the public schools of San Francisco. He is
now at the head of the History and Political
Science Department of the Polytechnic High
School, San Francisco, which important posi-
tion he has occupied since. The public schools
of California rank deservedly high in the ed-
ucational system of the United States, and in
San Francisco some of the leading educators of
the land are employeda The system is well nigh
perfect, and the young women and men who
successfully pass the several grades and grad-
uate from the High Schools are well equip-
ped mentally and mor- ally by experience, learn-
ing, and culture to occupy positions of trust
and confidence in any community. Very much
of the finish of this superior education is un-
der the broad direction and careful attention of
Prof. Murphy. He is what may aptly be de-
nominated a progressive teacher. He is abreast
with modern culture and technique, and readily
imparts his comprehensive knowledge to the students committed to his care This is his standing in
the school management of San Francisco and this is his reputation in school work in the State of
California.
As in school work Bro. Murphy is the accomplished master of his profession, so in Masonry
he is accorded the meed of praise for thoroughness in precept and example, conscientious work, and
fraternal bearing.
Blue Lodge Record.
He received the decree of Entered Apprentice in Visalia Lodge, No. 128, at Visalia, Cal.,
on November 1st, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft November 8th, and was raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason November 22, 1884. Served as Senior Deacon three years and Secretary
three years.
Royal Arch Record.
Comp. Murphy received the Capitular degrees in Visalia Chapter, No. 44. The degree of
Mark Master was conferred on August 29th, Past Master and Most Excellent Master November
11th, and Royal Arch Mason November 26, 1887. In 1889 he served as Secretary of Visalia
Chapter, and the following year was elected Most Excellent High Priest.
Crypt1c Record.
The Cryptic degrees were conferred upon Comp. Murphy by California Council, No. 2, on
March 3, 1897.
Ch1valr1c Record.
Sir Charles H. Murphy was knighted in Visalia Commandery, No. 27, the degree of Com
panion of the Red Cross being conferred on June 14, 1890. He was created a Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta on June 21, 1890. Dimitted from Visalia Commandery, and in December,
1891, affiliated with Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, San Francisco. Served one year as Prelate
in 1893, was Captain - General in 1894, Generalissimo in 1895, and Eminent Commander seventeen
months in 1896-7.
Anc1ent and Accepted Scott1sh R1te Record.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as fol
lows: From the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, on October 9th, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection,
No. 6, at San Francisco; 15th to the 1 8th, inclusive, November 6th, in Yerba Buena Chapter, No.
4, at the same place; 19th to the 30th, inclusive, December 18, 1896, in Godfrey de St. Omar Coun
cil of Kadosh, No. 1.
Along the whole line of Masonic progress Bro. Murphy has been a student and a beautiful
worker. In Lodge and Chapter he has left his impress, but it is in the Commandery where his full
powers found perfect adaptation in the exemplification of the ritualism that is sublimity itself. There
are some offices in Masonry where the conscientious worker comes in closer touch with the novitiate
and greater opportunities are afforded to impress upon the mind those wise and serious truths which
must be helpful to the intelligent frater in the years that follow, be they many or few. One such
office, full of the attributes of beautiful manhood, is Prelate of a Commandery. Another is the
Eminent Commander. In each the bond of fraternalism is close and precious. In both Sir Murphy
excelled. Under his wise administration Golden Gate Commandery was a bright exemplar in the
bestowal of the privileges of Christian knighthood. The Commandery was at work month after
month, and during his incumbancy fifty-seven fratres were added to the membership. This record is
almost unequaled in the history of California Templarism and redounds with honor to the credit of
all the Sir Knights, and especially to the ability and pre-eminence of Em.\ Sir Charles H. Murphy.
SIR JOHN P. FRASER, E. C.
The Eminent Commander of California Commandery, No. 1, K. T., is a forceful character

in the Masonry of the Golden State. His private life is one of probity, uprightness, and honorable
dealing; his personality in Masonry is worthy of emulation. In Templarism he has risen to exalted
station upon individual merit, and the honors of office become him as a man and a Mason.
John P. Fraser was born in Lancaster, Ontario, Canada, on April 10, 1850. His parents
were Peter and Cather1ne Maclennan Fraser. His youth was passed in Lancaster and his educa
tion was obtained in the public schools of that place. In 1875 ne came to California and in 1877
entered upon a business career in San Francisco, which city has since been his residence. At present
he is a Trustee of the Mechanics' Institute. Is a contractor and painter and has been successful in
his chosen work and profession. Was married to Miss Helen S. Groome in this city on February
28, 1876.
It is in the fraternal circle of Masonry where Bro. Fraser is best known and where his favors
to fellow men are best bestowed. He is a member of Doric Lodge, No. 216, F. & A. M., San
Francisco Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., California Council, No.
2, R. & S. M., California Com- mandery, No. 1, K. T., Cal-
ifornia Grand Lodge of Per- fection, No. 1, A. & A. S. R.,
and Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Bro. Fraser was
initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason October 1 2th, passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft Oc- tober 1 8th, and was raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason October 25, 1883. Was
elected and served as Worship- ful Master in 1 890-1. During
his administration the Lodge made great progressa
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Mas-
ter May 20th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as
Past Master, and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master June 3d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal
Arch Mason June 10, 1889, in San Francisco Chapter, No. 1,
at San Francisco, of which he is still a member.
Comp. Fraser received the degrees of Royal and Select
Master on March 2, 1898. Bro. Fraser received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry, from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, on August 20, 1897, in Yerba Buena
Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, at San Francisco.
Sir John P. Fraser was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in California Command
ery, No. 1, March 13th, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta on March 27,
1 89 1 . In December, 1892, he was elected Junior Warden; Senior Warden in December, 1893;
Captain-General in December, 1894; Generalissimo in December, 1895; Eminent Commander in 1897,
and was re-elected in 1898. It was largely upon Em.\ Sir Fraser that devolved the arduous task
of inaugurating and making effective the pilgrimage to Pittsburgh on the occasion of the Triennial
Conclave of the Grand Encampment in 1898. M.\ E.\ Sir Reuben H. Lloyd, Past Eminent Com
mander of California Commandery and Past Right Eminent Grand Commander of California, was
about to be exalted to the highest office within the gift of the Templars of the United States.
The praiseworthy success which attended the pilgrimage reflected great credit upon the ability, the
graciousness, and the courtesy of Em.\ Sir John P. Fraser, and is a part of the history of that
pleasant pilgrimage. As a ritualist in the exemplification of the sublime work of Templar Masonry
Sir Fraser is exceptionally able, and is the dignified Commander of one of the largest Commanderies
on the Coast.
BRO. REUBEN HEDLEY LLOYD,
Past Master, Past Grand Commander, and Grand Master Kn1ghts Templar, U. S. A.
ONORS, with supporting merit, graciously come to California Masons. The great army of
Knights Templar of the United States have recently conferred its most distinguished official
honor upon a very worthy frater of this State, and the Templars of this Grand Jurisdiction
have a knightly pride in the elevation of Sir Reuben Hedley Lloyd to the office of Grand Master
of the Grand Encampment of the United States.
In Masonry, as in professional life, Sir Lloyd is an exemplar of the finer attributes of the
earnest, capable, forceful man. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and at an early age came
to the United States. Commenced his scholastic education in the East, and in the early fifties
located in California, completing his education in San Francisco. He studied law, and in 1857 was
admitted to practice before the Supreme . Court of California. Subsequently he was admitted to
practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Lloyd has long been a leading member
of the bar of San Francisco. His ability is of a high order and his sphere of influence has extended
to the courts of the various counties of the State. The impress of his wisdom and legal acumen is
upon the records of many of the notable cases in the jurisprudence of California. Mr. Lloyd has
declined civil office, though he is active in every movement for the betterment of citizenship, and is
intensely loyal to municipal, State, and Federal government. To the manner born, he is a champion
of the rights and an exponent of the opportunities of vigorous, honest manhood in the land of his
adoption.
It is in Masonic circles where the graces of fraternalism have largely come to him for the
benefit of his fellows, and Brothers, Companions, and Fraters acknowledge his great service to the Craft.
Symbol1c Record.
Bro. Reuben Hedley Lloyd received the degree of Entered Apprentice in Oriental Lodge,
No. 144, in San Francisco, on August 12, 1873. He was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on
August 26, 1873, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 23d, the
same year. He was elected Senior Warden of Oriental Lodge in 1890 and Worshipful Master
in 1 891.
Cap1tular Record.
Comp. Lloyd is a member of California Chapter, No. 1, of San Francisco. He received the
degree of Mark Master on November 18th, the Past and Most Excellent degrees on December 9th,
and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on December 23, 1873.
C1uvalr1c Record.
Sir Reuben was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in California Commandery, No.
1, in San Francisco, on January 27, 1874. On January 30th, that year, he was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta. At the following election of the Commandery he commenced those
official labors in Templarism which have been so distinguished, and which culminated in August,
1898, by elevation to the highest office within the gift of the Magnanimous Order of Knights
Templar of the United States.
On March 5, 1875, Sir Lloyd was elected Senior Warden of California Commandery, No. 1 ;
was re-elected in 1876. Elected Captain-General in 1877-8-9, 1880. Elected Eminent Commander
in 1881-2.
Grand Commandery.
In the Grand Commandery of California Sir Lloyd was elected Grand Senior Warden in
April, 1882, Grand Captain-General in 1883, Grand Generalissimo in 1884, Deputy Grand Commander
in 1885, and Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1886-7.
Grand Encampment.
When the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States was held in San
Francisco in 1883, Sir Reuben Hedley Lloyd was Grand Captain-General of the local Grand Com
mandery. Upon him devolved the assembling of the Templar hosts for grand parade, and to his
executive force and administrative ability much of the success of that notable Encampment was due.
At the following Grand Encampment, at St. Louis, in 1886, Sir Lloyd was elected Grand Senior
Warden. At Washington, in 1889, he was elected Grand Captain - General. At Denver, in 1892,
Grand Generalissimo; at Boston, in 1895, Deputy Grand Master; and in Pittsburgh, in August, 1898,
this distinguished frater was elected Most Eminent Grand Master of Knights Templar of the United
States. The term of office is for three years. M.\ E.\ Sir Lloyd's administration will commence
the twentieth century of the history of the world, and the eighth following the martyrdom of the last
of the continental successors of the Knightly Crusaders, James De Molay.
Scott1sh R1te.
Bro. Reuben Hedley Lloyd received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry, from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, May 6, 1881, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfec
tion, No. 6, at San Francisco; 15th to 18th, inclusive, May 19, 1881, in Yerba Buena Chapter, No.
4, at the same place; 19th to 30th, inclusive, May 20, 1881, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council of
Kadosh, No. 1, at the same place; 31st and 32d, May 20, 1881, in the Grand Consistory of Califor
nia. He was elected Honorary Inspector-General of the 33d degree by the Supreme Council of the
Rite, in Washington, and on January 19, 1891, was coroneted an Honorary 33°.
Bro. Lloyd is a Noble of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco. He was a
charter member of the Temple and was the first Active Potentate of the same.
For eminent services rendered to Freemasonry he was elected an Honorary Member of the
Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast on October 13, 1887.
This is the Masonic record of one who has honored the Craft from the date of his initiation
to the hour of his supreme elevation — a man most highly respected by the community, a Brother
and frater of whom California Masons are justly proud — Bro. Reuben Hedley Lloyd.
BRO. CLARENCE HAYDOCK, P. M., P. H. P.
One of the enterprising citizens and very zealous Masons of San Jose is Clarence Haydock,
who has been a resident of California twenty -two years, twenty of which have been in the
service of the Southern Pacific Railway Company, in positions of responsibility. Mr. Haydock
was born in the city of New York on October 21, 1862. His parents were James and Ann El1za
Haydock. His education, obtained in the public schools of New York, was of a character which
fitted him for a business career. Progress in his chosen calling has been steady, and he enjoys the
confidence alike of his corporative employers and of the business community of San Jose. Commencing
as a clerk, he successively became operator, station agent, clerk in freight department, train dispatcher,
and is now ticket agent at San Jose, which position he has filled for thirteen years. Was married on
March 9, 1886, • to Miss Em1ly Al1ce Platt, daughter of H1ram W. Platt, of San Jose.
Bro. Clarence Haydock was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason August 10th, in San Jose Lodge, No. 10, San Jose,
was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft August 24th, and
was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on Sep
tember 14, 1885. In 1886 I Bro. Haydock was Steward of
his Lodge, Senior Deacon in 1 890-1, and Worshipful Master
in 1892. In 1893-4-5-6 he was Marshal ; Chaplain in 1897.
Comp. Havdock's record in I *-r- Royal Arch Masonry is also a
part of the Masonic history of fcj^l kJ ân Jose' He was advanced
to the honorary degree of Mark il Master on December 10a 1885,
electeda and presided as Past BI^Br^^fidM Master on January 22a [886,
received and acknowledged a A M Most Excellent Master at the
same com orationa and was ex- M alted to the sublime degree of
Royal Arch Masona February ^^" 5' 1 880. He held various sub
ordinate offices in Howard Chap- ter, No. 14, in San Jose, and
was Most Excellent High Priest in 1897-8.
Sir Clarence Haydock was ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ received as a Companion of the
Red Cross in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, on August 25, 1886, and was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta on September 1, 1886. Served as Recorder from 1886 to 1898,
with the exception of one year, 1891. In 1898 Sir Clarence was elected Generalissimo.
In whatever office Bro. Haydock has been chosen to occupy he has performed his work
faithfully and well. He is a good ritualist and an excellent administrative officer.
In the preparation of this History mention has frequently been made ol the labors of the
Brethren in San Jose. Not only did Masonry have excellent beginning in this beautiful Santa Clara
city, but it has had a long succession of energetic Brethren who have been instrumental in adding
fame and reputation to the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery. In character of work, in personnel
of membership, and in influence in community, San Jose Masonry is most prominent. The younger
Brethren have imbibed the spirit of fraternalism from the elders, and there has been little occasion to
distinguish "among those who best can work and best agree," for so many have been, and are,
enthusiasts in ritualism and general Lodge affairs. Conditions and surroundings in San Jose appear
to promote good membership and good citizenship. In this class, in and out of the Lodge room, is
found Bro. Haydock. Invidious distinctions are not here intended. Where so much is superior, it
were vain to particularize, but the part that Bro. Haydock has taken in the Masonry of San Jose
chances now to be in mind, and his name and his record are used to illustrate the type which has
given San Jose an enviable place in the Masonry of California.
I5O FIFTY YEy{RS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
WILLIAM EDMUND PRICE, P. M., P. H. P.
WAs born on March 23, 1839, in Addington County, Dominion of

Canada, a son of LAWRENCE LYONs and ELIZABETH (WHELAN) PRICE.
His grandfather was an Englishman and a notable citizen of that portion
of Canada wherein Bro. W. E. PRICE was born. On his mother's side
he is descended from the Celtic race. In 1859 he was graduated in

the arts and sciences from the Newburg Academy in Newburg, Canada.
During his early residence in San Francisco, Bro. PRICE attended two
courses of lectures of the College of Pharmacy connected with the State
University, and also attended St. Ignatius College, in the class of Pro
fessor NERI, and was graduated from that institution in the courses of
chemistry and physics in 1874. In 1874 and subsequently Bro. PRICE
was a prominent and most capable musical instructor in the public
schools. Entering the University of California he attended every
lecture in the dental and medical departments during his course and
was graduated with high honors in dentistry with the class of 1883. He immediately commenced
practice in that profession and has since followed it. During his professional life Dr. PRICE has
been, for the past fifteen years, clinical instructor in the Dental Department of the University of
California.
Dr. PRICE resided in the State of Nevada several years, and for one term was Principal of the
Grammar School in Austin. He was, also, for three years secretary of various mining companies at
Eureka, Nev., among them being the Richmond Mining Company.
On September 4, 1888, Dr. PRICE was married in this city to Miss MARY T. LITTLE, of San
Francisco. Two sons were born to them—EDMUND LAWRENCE PRICE, born September 5, 1889, died
September 7, 1897, and HAROLD HowARD PRICE, born December 20, 1892.
Bro. WILLIAM EDMUND PRICE was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Mission Lodge,
No. 169, on July 11th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on August 15th, and was raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason on August 29, 1883. He served as Senior Deacon, then as Junior
Warden, and for three years and four months was Worshipful Master. He was a model Master,
and was very active in establishing Mission Lodge upon that plane of prosperity which has made it
one of the strongest and most notable Lodges in this Grand Jurisdiction. During his incumbency
of the East Bro. PRICE conferred 200 degrees. He is a member of the Past Master's Association.
In Capitular Masonry Comp. PRICE is a member of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, wherein
he held the offices of Principal Sojourner, Scribe, King, and High Priest, and is now a Past High
Priest of that Chapter. In the various offices of the Chapter Comp. PRICE excelled, and his master
ful administration of the exalted office of High Priest placed him among the best of the long line of
superior workers of San Francisco Chapter.
Comp. PRICE is a member of California Council, No. 2, of San Francisco.
Sir Knight PRICE is a member of Oakland Commandery, No. 11, in which Commandery
he was knighted. The very important office of Prelate he filled nearly three years and rendered the
beautiful ritualism of the Order in most impressive manner. He is now Junior Warden of
Oakland Commandery.
Bro. PRICE is a member of Golden Gate Chapter, No. 1, Order of Eastern Star, and is a Past
Patron of that Chapter.
Bro. PRICE served one term as President of the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco,
and was a member of the Board three years and four months. During his tenure of office the
Board disbursed to Brethren and their widows and orphans about $45,000 in gold coin.
.iri/KArnr.i
FIFTY YEy{RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. I5 I
BRO, ROBERT HURD BLOSSOM, P. M., P. C.
##|N the beautiful Miami Valley in southern Ohio, a stretch of bottom land whose fertility is
apparently inexhaustible, Bro. RoBERT HURD BLossom, himself one of the most successful
* farmers in the United States, first saw light; and in his native town he also first saw that
Masonic light which has since guided him through a long, eventful, and upright life. Born in
Miamisburg, on March 18, 1829, his young years were passed where the now great middle west was
then the northwest of active settlement and business. His father was MATTHIAs SMITH BLossOM, his
mother's maiden name MARY CRAFT. The father came from Revolutionary stock. Grandfather
BLossoví, with a family of nine children, emigrated from Maine to Ohio, locating in Van Wert County.
He became the first Postmaster in Willshire, that county, which office he held until his demise.
The son, MATTHIAS BLossOM, moved to Montgomery County, O., locating in Miamisburg. Here his
son, our Bro. Robert HURD BLossOM, grew to manhood. Robert attended school until his fifteenth
year, when he was apprenticed to his father to learn the trade of harness making. He was working
at his trade when the report of gold finding in California excited the whole country. In 1852 Mr.
BLossOM determined to go west and for that purpose went to Kanesville, Ia., to join his uncle, JAMES
M. BLossom, in a proposed overland trip. Disappointed in not finding his relative prepared for the
journey, but undaunted, he made other arrangements, and started with a train, arriving in California
in September, 1852.
The trip across the plains was one of adventure, excitement, and hardship, experience which
was the lot of thousands who came from the settled East to become pioneers in building the pros
perous West. Mr. BLossOM first located in Sacramento, but within a short time he left that town
for Auburn and worked in the mines on the north fork of the American River and vicinity at
Illinoistown, Iowa Hill, and other places. Meeting with a severe accident in June, 1853, he was
compelled to give up mining, and after paying a short visit to his uncle, JAMES M. BLossOM (who in
the meantime had crossed the plains from Iowa, and had become a merchant in Portland, Or.), he
returned to Sacramento. In the spring of 1854 he leased the Waverly House, corner of Fifth and
K streets, and carried on the hotel business for two years.
In the winter of 1857 he removed to Tehama County, commenced farming, and has continued
there in that business ever since. During this time he has served as County Supervisor of his
district six years. In the spring of 1868 he married Miss CAROLINE HENSLEy of Red Bluff, who
was born in Missouri, her parents being of Scotch ancestry, by whom he has had five children, four
of whom are still living. In 1871 he purchased of F. W. FRATT of Sacramento his portion of the
well-known Dye Grant, consisting of 10,294 acres of land, 4000 acres of which is under cultivation,
highly productive in grain, with fruit orchards and vineyards. He sold that ranch in 1882 and pur
chased his present place–Broad Oaks, Blossom P. O., Cal.—consisting of 25,000 acres, which is util
ized in growing cereals and stock-raising.
Prior to leaving Ohio Bro. Robert HURD BLossom espoused Masonry, his petition for the
symbolic degrees being presented to Minerva Lodge, No. 98, in Miamisburg, that State, in 1850, a
few weeks prior to attaining his majority. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason March
21st, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft April 18th, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason May 23d, that year. He dimitted from Minerva Lodge April 18, 1852, and affiliated with
Tehama Lodge, No. 3, Sacramento, Cal., November 3, 1856. He was elected and installed Junior
Warden in December, 1857, and borne upon its roll as such in the returns of the Grand Lodge of
California in May, 1858. He dimitted therefrom while Junior Warden on February 15, 1858, but
not reported as withdrawn until May, 1859. He next affiliated with Molino Lodge, No. 150, Tehama,
June 3, 1865, of which he is still a member. He was elected and served as Senior Warden in
1866-7, and Worshipful Master in 1868-9, 1870-1-2, five consecutive terms. He was appointed
Deputy Grand Lecturer by M.\ W.\ G1lbert B. Cla1borne, Grand Master, May 2, 1867, and
appointed Inspector for the Third District by M.\ W.\ George C Perk1ns, Grand Master, October
26, 1874.
Comp. Blossom was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, elected and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and was
exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1850, in Dayton Chapter, at Dayton, O.; he
dimitted therefrom and became a charter member of Trinity Chapter, No. 44, Miamisburg, O., and
was appointed and served as the first Grand Master of the 1st Vail; dimitted therefrom April 15,
1852, came to California, and became a charter member of Red Bluff Chapter, No. 40, Red Bluff,
chartered April 11, 1871, was appointed its first Principal Sojourner, and has been continuously so
ever since.
Sir Robert Hurd Blossom obtained his Chivalric Orders in one of the famous Commanderies
of Knights Templar in the United States—Reed Commandery, No. 6, stationed at Dayton, O. For
elaborateness of work, for lavishness of entertainment, and for courtesy to pilgrim and Knight from
afar Reed Commandery is a name to conjure with in Templar Conclaves. Sir Robert was consti
tuted Knight of the Red Cross December 5th, Knight Templar and Knight of Malta December 17,
1850; was honorably dismissed therefrom in 1852, and affiliated with Sacramento Commandery, No. 2,
Sacramento; was honorably dismissed therefrom and appointed Eminent Commander of Red Bluff
Commandery, No. 17, under dispensation and charter, it being chartered by the Grand Commandery
of California April 15, 1881. He was appointed and served as Grand Warder in 1892, Grand Stand
ard Bearer in 1893, elected and served as Grand Junior Warden in 1894, and Grand Senior Warden
in 1895 of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of California, but was compelled
to decline the urgent solicitation of his superior officers for further promotion, not having the time to
devote from his large business and immense farming interests, which require his close personal atten
tion and care at home.
Bro. Blossom was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific
Coast, October 14, 1897.
He is a Past Worthy Patron of Vesper Chapter, No. 20, O. E. S., Red Bluff.
The two striking Masonic distinctions of Comp. and Sir Blossom are his long service as Prin
cipal Sojourner of Red Bluff Chapter, No. 40, and as Eminent Commander of Red Bluff Command
ery, No. 17 — twenty - eight continuous years in the former, and seventeen in the latter office. There
are no more difficult and exacting, yet earnest, forceful, and impressive offices in all the degrees of
Masonry than these two, one in the Chapter, the other in the Commandery. How well this Excel
lent Companion and Courteous Knight fulfills all these obligations and expectations is best attested
by the repeated confidence of his home Companions and Knights, expressed at every recurring of
annual election. The honors are mutual. Verily, the Brethren of Red Bluff do "dwell together in
unity," and in the spirit of that "noble emulation of who best can work and best agree," the lot has
been cast many, many times, and the choice has fallen upon this worthy Brother.
FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIM. I 53
BRO. CHARLES LEWIS ADOLPHUS HEWEL, P. G. H. P.
IN sterling citizenship, in the profession of the law, and in the fraternalism of Freemasonry,
Judge CHARLEs LEWIs ADOLPHUs HEWEL, of Stanislaus County, has long been known. His home
has been in California since 1852. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on May 9, 1835. Attended
school at the Lyceum, or high school, in Hanover until he was 13 years old, when he went to sea.
This life was followed four years, when he bade adieu to the Old World and settled in the United
States, taking up his residence in California. He arrived in San Francisco on July 6, 1852. Mr.
HEwBL studied law and became eminent in his profession. From 1866 to 1868 he was County Clerk
of Stanislaus County, and from 1880 to 1885 was Superior Judge of that county. His present resi
dence is Modesto.
On November 22, 1871, Judge HEWEL was married at Knights' Ferry, Cal., to Miss MARIA
FISHER, a daughter of JACOB FISHER, of Scoharie County, N. Y.
Bro. CHARLEs LEWIs ADOLPHUS HEWEL was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Stanislaus
Lodge, No. 206, at Modesto, Stanislaus County, on February
13, 1874. Was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on Feb
ruary 20th, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason on February 27th. In 1875 Bro. HEWEL was appointed
Senior Deacon, in 1877 was elected Senior Warden, and in
1878 was elected Worshipful Master of Stanislaus Lodge.
Comp. HEWEL received the degrees of Capitular Masonry
in Modesto Chapter, No. 49. He was advanced to the hon
orary degree of Mark Master on May 26, 1875, was elected

and presided as Past Master on June 23d, was received and
acknowledged a Most Excel lent Master on September 15th,
and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason
on November 24th. From 1876 to 1878 he was Principal So
journer, and from 1879 to 1885, six successive terms, he was
Most Excellent High Priest of Modesto Chapter.
Comp. HEWEL has long been a very active member of the
Grand Chapter of California. In 1892 he was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe; in 1893, Right
Excellent Grand King; in 1894, Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest; and in 1895 he was
elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest of this State. He officiated with dignity and during his
term of exalted office Royal Arch Masonry greatly flourished in this Grand Jurisdiction.
Sir ADOLPH.Us was received as a Companion of the Red Cross and was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta in Stockton Commandery, No. 8, at Stockton, in 1876, and is still a
member of that superior Commandery.
In the various bodies of Freemasonry Bro. HEWEL has not only taken an active part, but as
a worker he excels, and to a thorough understanding of the significance of the mysteries and philos
ophy of our Ancient Craft is added a most courteous bearing and the scholarly attainments and
learning of the Judge. As a presiding officer he is possessed of those graces and amenities which
make the communications and convocations pleasant and instructive. Such Masons as Bro. CHARLEs
LEWIs ADOLPHUS HEWEL reflect credit and bring honor to both subordinate and Grand Jurisdictions.
I 54 FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
EDMUND CLEMENT ATKINSON, P. G. M.
AMONG the very excellent Craftsmen who have been honored by exaltation to the highest
office within the gift of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of California, and who have returned honor
for honor by exceptional ability and astute Masonic knowledge, none are more distinguished than Past
Grand Master EDMUND CLEMENT ATKINSON, of Sacramento. He has lived in this State twenty-six
years, and has been identified with the educational interests of his adopted city all of that time. As
a citizen his character is the recommendation of a manly man; as an educator his reputation is
established among the best in the State, and as a Mason he is an exemplar of all the finer attributes
of the Brother, of the impressiveness of the superior Lodge worker, and of the profundity of the
Masonic philosopher.
Bro. ATKINSON is of Revolutionary stock and came from sturdy Maine parentage. His birth
place was Charleston, in that State; his parents,
B ENJAM IN and MARY H. CLEMENT ATKINSON.
He was born on No vember 17, 1837. At
tended Waterville Col lege and Colby Univer
sity, at Waterville, Me., and from the latter in
stitution was graduated with the degree of A. M.

Teaching was his evi dent forte, the chosen
life-work being assumed immediately after grad
uation. Prof. ATKINSON became a teacher in
Comer's Commercial College, in Boston,
where he remained sev eral years. In 1866 he
left New England and located in Wisconsin,
where the chain of com mercial colleges of At
kinson & Reed was es tablished, in Janesville
and Oshkosh, Wis., and Rockford, Ill. His per
sonal attention was giv en to these flourishing
institutions until 1872, during which year loca
tion was changed to St. Louis, where he was
engaged as Business Manager of The West
ern Educational Mag azine. In December,
1872, Prof. ATKINSON came to the Pacific
Coast, and after visit ing a number of cities
in California decided to make Sacramento his
future home. Here he resumed the line of ed
ucational work which had been successfully followed in the East, and established the Sacramento
Business College, which was afterward incorporated as the Atkinson Business College.
In 1869, while residing in Oshkosh, Wis., Prof. ATKINSON married Miss ANNA I. MANSFIELD,
daughter of Dr. GEORGE MANSFIELD, of Janesville. The family residence in Sacramento is a home
side of refinement and charming intellectuality. Two sons, EDMUND M. and ARTHUR F., residents
of Sacramento, are excellent young men whose lives reflect the good influences of father and mother.
As praiseworthy as is the life of Prof. ATKINSON in professional and domestic spheres, it is his
connection with the Masonic fraternity which commands the attention of the biographer. Here the
richest gifts of his intellectual life have been bestowed, and ripest knowledge imparted to the Craft,
with clearest expression and most elegant diction. It is as Bro. Atk1nson that he is best known
East, West, and in the Islands of the Sea. The record is long, honorable, and worthy of emulation.
Bro. Edmund Clement Atk1nson received the degrees of symbolic Masonry in Western Star
Lodge, No. 14, in Janesville, Wis., in 1867. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
on August 20th of that year. He dimitted from Western Star Lodge and affiliated with Oshkosh
Lodge, No. 27, in Oshkosh, Wis. Here he earned distinction by very fine interpretation of the
work of the Senior Deacon. Upon removing to California Bro. Atk1nson affiliated with Sacramento
Lodge, No. 40. He held several subordinate offices, and was elected Worshipful Master in 1879,
1880— 1-2. Under his Mastership Sacramento Lodge enjoyed the reputation of being one of the best
working bodies in the State.
In 1882-3-4 Bro' Atk1nson was elected Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge; in 1885,
Deputy Grand Master, and in 1886 he was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of California. It was in the discharge of the duties of this high office that the eminent
ability of Bro. Atk1nson was brought to the attention of the Craft in general. Portions of his official
addresses have become classics in the Masonic literature of the United States; have been re-printed
in Masonic journals, and re-told in Masonic Lodges.
During his incumbency of the office of Grand Master Bro. Atk1nson visited the Lodges of
every district in this jurisdiction, including the distant Hawaiian Lodge, No. 21, at Honolulu. This
particular visitation was a most interesting and pleasant outing for upwards of forty Brethren and
their ladies. To the Grand Master it was pilgrimage of duty — a visitation that has the distinction
of being the first, and to this day the only, occasion on which a Grand Master of Masons ever
visited a Hawaiian Lodge. The records in California and Honolulu show this statement to be true.
In his address of welcome to Grand Master Atk1nson, W.\ Bro. Monsarrat, of Hawaiian Lodge,
said: "Although Masonry has flourished in this kingdom during the last thirty-seven years or there
abouts, this is the first time in our history upon which the Craft have had the honor of receiving a
visit from a Grand Master."
The reception accorded the Grand Master was most hearty and generous, and was participated
in by the entire fraternity, including King Kalakaua, who made a felicitous speech at the banquet
given in honor of the visitors. The Brethren of the French Lodge, Le Progres de l'Oceanic, united
with the members of Hawaiian Lodge, No. 21, in doing honor to the Grand Master, and many
fraternal and social functions were provided for the pleasure of the party.
At the request of the King the Grand Master summoned a convocation of Past Masters at
Iolani Palace and conferred the degree of Past Master upon His Majesty.
It may not be amiss to here say (and what has never before been printed) that while in
Honolulu Grand Master Atk1nson had the opportunity of communicating Masonic information to the
King which prevented revolution on the Islands and the probable assassination of His Majesty. A
deep-laid plot was revealed to Bro. Atk1nson by a member of Hawaiian Lodge, who feared his own
safety should he inform the King. The Grand Master, in person, communicated the startling intelli
gence to King Kalakaua, who, acting upon Bro. Atk1nson's advice, happily averted the threatened
revolt.
On the day of the homeward departure of the visitors King Kalakaua summoned Grand
Master Atk1nson to the royal palace and bade him a Brotherly adieu. On arriving at the steamer
the King's chamberlain appeared, and in the cabin, in the name of the King, he created Sir Edmund
a Knight of the Order of Kalakaua, and decorated him with the badge of the Order.
So eminently satisfactory to the Craft was the administration of Grand Master Atk1nson that
the Grand Lodge ordered a suitable testimonial to be procured, as a material token of appreciation,
and at the following communication of the Grand Lodge he was presented an elegant silver service,
consisting of 175 pieces, M.\ W.\ Past Grand Master Morr1s March Estee making the speech of
presentation.
Comp. Atk1nson received the Capitular degrees of Freemasonry in Tyrian Chapter, No. 9, in
Oshkosh, Wis., in January, 1868. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with Sacramento Chapter,
No. 3, at Sacramento.
Sir Edmund was received as a Companion of the Red Cross and created a Knight Templar
and Knight of Malta in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, in Sacramento, in December, 1876. He
served as Prelate three years, and one year each as Captain -General, Generalissimo, and Eminent
Commander.
Bro. Atk1nson received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the 4th
to the 14th, inclusive, in Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 2, in Oakland; 15th to 18th, inclusive, in
Gethsemane Chapter, No. 2, at the same place; 19th to 30th, inclusive, in De Molay Council of
Kadosh, No. 2, at the same place; and the 31st and 32d in the Grand Consistory of California — all
in the spring of 1895. He was elected a Grand Inspector -General by the Supreme Council of the
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States at its session in Washington, D. C, in 1897, and in
December of that year was coroneted an Honorary 33° member of that Illustrious Council. When
the Scottish Rite assumed re-organized form in Sacramento, in 1895, Bro. Atk1nson was elected Ven
erable Master of Isaac Davis Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, which office he has continuously held since
that time. In the Scottish as well as in the American Rite Bro. Atk1nson is an impressive ritualist.
In the annals of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of California Bro. Edmund Clement Atk1n
son's eminent services to the Craft are of record; in the various bodies of Sacramento his fraternalism
is most highly regarded, and in the daily walks of the citizen his reputation is established as a
good man.
*-
WILLIAM OLIVER GOULD, P. M., P. H. P., P. G. C.
Bro. Gould was born in Exeter, N. H., on June 29, 1828. His parents were S1las and
Sarah G1lman Gould. He attended school in his native town, and acquiring the profession of
civil engineer, located in New York and was in the employ of the New York Central Railway
Company from 185 1 to 1853. Afterward Mr. Gould was employed in a similar capacity by the
Pennsylvania Central Railway Company, until 1857, when he removed to Kansas and until 1861
followed his profession at Atchison and Leavenworth. On August 16, 1861, he enlisted as private
in Company E, Fifth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. On August 18, 1861, was appointed First Lieutenant
of Engineers and was assigned to the Kansas Brigade commanded by Gen. J. H. Lane. Subsequently
Lieutenant Gould was assigned to duty at Leavenworth for recruiting service, and by his efforts
assisted in raising the Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Regiments of Kansas Infantry.
Early in 1863 he was made Assistant Commissary of Musters and was assigned to duty at
Fort Gibson, I. T., where he remained until the organization of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry,
when he was commissioned as Adjutant in November, 1863. He went with his regiment to Fort
Smith, Ark., and March 19, 1864, was promoted as Major and again assigned to duty as Assistant
Commissary of Musters and transferred to the Department of Kansas at Fort Leavenworth, where he
remained until mustered out on August 11, 1865.
Major Gould remained in Kansas until May 16, 1875, when he removed to California, locating
in San Francisco. Since March 1, 1877, he has been connected with the Pacific Mutual Life Insur
ance Company. Major Gould is a Past Commander of California Commandery Loyal Legion, and
a member of George H. Thomas Post, No. 2, G. A. R. Bro. Gould was married at Leavenworth,
Kan., in 1860, to Miss Mary A. Lawrence, of Pepperill, Mass. The family consists of father and
mother, a son, Harry F. Gould, and a daughter, Mrs. Carrie L. Tuggle.
In Masonic life Bro. Gould is interesting and eminent. He first saw light on August 17,
1859, in St. Johns Lodge, No. 26, in Atchison, Kan.; was passed on September 23d, and was raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 30, 1859. Dimitting from Atchison he affil
iated with King Solomons Lodge, No. 10, in Leavenworth, was successively Junior Warden and
Senior Warden, and in 1866 and 1867 was elected Worshipful Master. He is now a member of
California Lodge, No. 1, San Francisco.
In Weston Chapter, No. 2, located in Weston, Mo., Comp. Gould obtained the Capitular
degrees— Mark Master and Past Master, on February 11, 1860,
Most Excellent Master on March 10, 1860, and Royal Arch Mason
on March 11, 1860. He was instrumental in organizing Leav-
enworth Chapter, No. 2, at Leav- enworth, Kan.; was a charter
member, and in 1867 was elected High Priest.
In 1867 Comp. Gould received the degrees of Royal
and Select Master in Leaven- worth Council, No. 1, in Leav-
enworth, Kan. R.\ E.\ Sir W1ll1am Ol1ver Gould was re-
ceived as a Companion of the Illustrious Order of Red Cross
in Weston Commandery, No. 2, in Weston, Mo., on March 27,
1860, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta
on March 30, 1860. Dimitting therefrom Sir Gould became a
charter member of Leavenworth Commandery, No. 1. He served
as Prelate and became Eminent Commander in 1867 and was
re-elected in 1868-9. He was instrumental in organizing five
Commanderies in the State, and when the Grand Commandery
was constituted he was elected the first Right Eminent Grand Commander, which exalted office he
held in 1868-9, 18 70-1. When he moved to San Francisco and it was decided to organize a
second Commandery, Sir Gould dimitted from Leavenworth Commandery, No. 1, and became
the first Eminent Commander of Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, one of the most distinguished
Commanderies in the United States. Sir Gould is a member of the Grand Commandery of Cal
ifornia, and is a permanent member of the Grand Encampment of the United States.
His efforts in behalf of California Templary are well known, as well as his prominence in
committees in Grand Encampment, one of the most arduous and important being the revision of the
ritual at the Conclaves of 1889 and 1892, when he was ^ member of both the general and special
committees that made their final report which was adopted at Denver in 1892.
The degrees of the Scottish Rite, 4th to 32d, inclusive, were conferred in Leavenworth on
August 2, 1867, by Grand Prior A. T. C. P1erson, and he holds the patent which has been indorsed
by Sovereign Grand Commander Thomas H. Caswell.
158 FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORN1,4.
BR(). JAMES THURSTON MARTIN, P. M.
BRO, MARTIN was born in Yamhill County, Or., November 26, 1850. His father, NorMAN
MARTIN, came to this country from Stornoway, Scotland, in 1842. Was in the service of the Hudson
Bay Company and landed at Fort Vancouver, B. C. He was a resident of Washington County many
years, a man of sterling character and greatly respected. The mother, JULIA BRIDGEFARMER MARTIN,
came across the plains with an emigrant train in 1847. From this sturdy origin came Bro. JAMES
THURSTON MARTIN, who grew to manhood on this Coast, and who has become prominent in educa
tional and professional life. He was educated in the public schools of Washington County, Or., and
in 1872 entered the Pacific University and Tualatin Academy, graduating therefrom in 1876 with the
degree of B. S. In 1876–7 Bro. MARTIN taught school in Yamhill, Or.; in 1877–8 taught school in
Puyallup, Wash.; and in 1878–9 taught school in South Seattle. A portion of the early part of 1879
he was a Professor in the University of Washington, and
the balance of that year and in 188o was Principal of the
public schools in Olympia, the capital of Washington.
Being desirous of adopting the practice of medicine as a
life profession, Bro. MART IN crossed the plains with a drove
of cattle, eastward bound, in the fall of 1880, and shortly
thereafter entered the Homeo pathic Department of the Uni
versity of Michigan. Graduated from that celebrated institution
with high honors, on June 23, 1883. Returning to Washing

ton he commenced practice and from the outset was uniformly
successful. From July, 1883, to September 1, 1895, he was
Physician to the Snohomish Indian Reservation, in Mason
County, Wash. In September, 1885, he removed to California,
locating in Woodland. This beautiful city has since been his
residence, and in his profession and as a citizen he is prom
inent and most highly respected. In 1892 and 1893 he was Pres
ident of the California State Homeopathic Society, and at present is President of the Woodland Board
of Health. On March 31, 1885, in Seattle, Wash., Bro. MARTIN married Mrs. MARY M. HUNTINGTON.
Four children have blessed this union, three daughters and one son, of whom two daughters, twins,
are living.
While a student at the University of Michigan Bro. MARTIN gained a Masonic residence in
Ann Arbor, and in January, 1883, was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Golden Aule
Lodge, No. 156, in that city. Upon returning to the Coast he dimitted from Golden Rule Lodge
and in the autumn of 1888 affiliated with Woodland Lodge, No. 156, Woodland, Cal. Served as
Junior Deacon in 1889, and as Senior Deacon in 1890; was elected Junior Warden in 1891, and
Senior Warden in 1892-3. Was elected Worshipful Master in December, 1895, and served one year
in that office. Was again elected Master in December, 1898, and is at present Worshipful Master
of the Lodge. Although a most busy man in his profession, Bro. MARTIN has found time to give
many of his best years to Freemasonry. He has made the Order the subject of earnest study and
is active in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of Woodland Lodge. He is a
perfect ritualist and a model presiding officer, and is most highly regarded by the Brethren.
In all the walks of life Bro. MARTIN has been upright. He has been faithful to every trust
committed to his care, and in fraternal and private life he is an exemplar of the brotherhood of man
and of most excellent citizenship.
SIR JOHN SAMUEL BEARD, P. E. C.
There is no locality in California where Masonry exerts more influ

ence, or where the fraternal characteristics of the Brethren find greater
outcropping in every -day life than in Siskiyou County. This is true of
every Lodge jurisdiction in the county, and in Yreka, especially, where
there are two Lodges, and the upper bodies of Masonry, the spirit of
good-fellowship is alike apparent to stranger and resident. One of the
Brethren whom the Craft has delighted to honor is Bro. John Samuel
Beard, eminent in civil life, and a worker among workers in the bodies
of Freemasonry.
Milton, Northumberland County, Pa., is Judge Beard's native place.
He was born on October 30, 1836, his parents being James and Susan
M. Beard. The father was Prothonotary of Northumberland County
many years. John S. Beard was educated in the public schools of
Milton and Sunbury, Pa., and the once famous Rhoads Academy, in the
former place. In early life he followed civil engineering, and in the spring of 1853 assisted in the
survey of that portion of the Reading Railroad extending from Shamokin to Sunbury. In 1854 he
entered his father's office and studied law, being admitted to practice on April 7, 1857. Following
his new profession a few years in his native State, his attention was directed to the greater possibil
ities of the newer States on the Pacific Coast, and he left Pennsylvania and located in Oregon. In
1862 Mr. Beard'' located in Siskiyou County, Cal., where from 1864 to 1872 he taught school. In
1872 he resumed the practice of law in Etna, and in 1882 was elected District Attorney of the
county. In 1890 while still occupying that office he was elevated to the Superior Bench of Siskiyou
County. In 1896 he was re-elected Superior Judge. He is one of the ablest jurists in California,
and his court ranks with the best in the State. His present term of office will expire in 1903.
Judge Beard has been active in every movement beneficial to his city and county, is broad-minded
and forceful. When the board of education was established in Siskiyou County he was elected its
first president.
On July 12, 1874, Mr. Beard was married to Miss Ann1e W. Ackley, daughter of Hosea
and Nancy Ackley, of Etna. Of this union four children were born, Ann1e A., John A., James
G., and Webster, the latter now dead. Mrs. Beard died on March 12, 1882. On March 4, 1883,
Judge Beard was again married, at Edgewood, Cal., to Miss Em1ly J. B1gelow, daughter of R. P.
and Em1ly R. B1gelow. The children of this union are Em1ly Grace and Susan Margarette.
Bro. John Samuel Beard came from good Masonic stock. His father was a Master Mason,
a member of Fort Augusta Lodge, of Sunbury, Pa., which received its charter from England in 1772.
He was also a Royal Arch Mason. Bro. John S. Beard was initiated an Entered Apprentice in
Howard Lodge, No. 96, at Yreka, Cal., on April 21st, passed on June 2d, ami raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason on July 12, 1890. In 1897 he was elected Senior Warden of Howard
Lodge and was re-elected in 1898.
The Capitular degrees were conferred upon Comp. Beard in Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, at Yreka.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, November 11th, elected and presided as
Past Master, December 12th, received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master, December 15,
1890, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, March 4, 189 1.
Comp. Beard received the Cryptic degrees of Freemasonry in Shasta Council, No. 6, in
Shasta, Shasta County, the degrees of Royal and Select Master being conferred on February 26, 1894.
Sir John was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in Red Bluff Commandery, No. 17,
at Red Bluff, on May 30, 1891, and on the same evening was created a Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta. On October 10, 1 89 1 ,' Mt. Shasta Commandery, No. 32, was instituted at Yreka
and Sir Beard became a charter member and was its first Treasurer. He served in this office two
years, and in 1893-4 was elected Eminent Commander.
Bro. Beard has been active in the various bodies of Masonry in Yreka and is also a member
of other fraternal societies. An upright Mason and an upright Judge, he is one of the leading
citizens of Northern California, a man whose influence is always exerted for the benefit of the public
BRO. SETH LOUIS SHAW, P. M.
Bro. Shaw was born in Windsor, Vt., on March 23, 1816. His
parents were Seth and El1zabeth B. Shaw. From old Puritan and
Revolutionary stock he came, the genealogy being traced to the good
ship Mayflower. His paternal grandfather was an officer under Warren
at Bunker Hill, and his maternal grandfather, Ol1ver Barrett, was a
soldier under Wash1ngton at Valley Forge. Seth L. Shaw, the subject
of this sketch, was educated in the public schools at Windsor, his native
town. He learned the trade of cabinet- making, wa-s a farmer, and a
daguerrean artist of reputation. Bro. Shaw removed to Nashville,
Tenn., where he followed his profession. In 1850 Bro. Shaw came to
California by the overland route, and pursued his avocation with profit
in Sacramento and San Francisco. At the instance of his brother, S.
W. Shaw, one of the discoverers of Humboldt Bay, he moved to Hum
boldt County in 1852. The following year he located on the ranch
which was afterward entered from the Government, and where the town of Ferndale now stands.
The town was named after the farm name, which Mr. Shaw called Ferndale. In 1854 he was
appointed Associate Justice of the State courts. Judge Shaw was the first Postmaster of Ferndale,
and was Justice of the Peace of Pacific Township, Humboldt County, twenty years. From 1861 to
1865 he served as Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of the commanding officer of California
Volunteers. He was Coroner of Humboldt County in 1868-9, and was Census Enumerator in 1870.
Judge Shaw married Miss Isabella Arm1tage in San Francisco on March 19, 1857. Mrs.
Shaw was an old acquaintance from Nashville, Tenn. He died on the old homestead in Ferndale
on November 23, 1872. His wife and one son, Joseph Arm1tage Shaw, still survive him; this son is
now Worshipful Master of Ferndale Lodge, No. 193. S. W. Shaw of San Francisco, and O. B.
and S. H. Shaw of Sonoma, are brothers of Judge Shaw.
Bro. Seth Lou1s Shaw was a Freemason of distinction. He was raised to the sublime degree
of Master Mason in Nashville, Tenn., in 1842, and afterward became Worshipful Master of the same
Lodge. In 1854 he was one of the petitioners for the dispensation, and was one of the charter
members of Humboldt Lodge, No. 79, at Eureka, Humboldt County. As an actual Past Master he
presided at the installation of the first officers of Humboldt Lodge. In 1868 he joined with the
Brethren who petitioned for a Lodge in Ferndale, and became a charter member and the first
Worshipful Master of Ferndale Lodge, No. 193, which position he ably f1lled for two terms, 1869
and 1870.
Comp. Shaw received the Capitular and Cryptic degrees in Nashville, Tenn. He was received
as a Companion of the Red Cross in Nashville Commandery, No. 1, in Nashville, Tenn., and in the
same Commandery was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta.
As a citizen Bro. Shaw was a leader in every enterprise for the improvement of Humboldt
County and the advancement of his adopted State, and as a Mason his life was a worthy example
to the Craft wherever he was known.
BRO. GUSTAVE GUNZENDORFER, P. M.
The historic old town of Monterey—the romantic Sleepy Hollow of

California—enjoys the honor of having been the birthplace of Bro. Gustave
Gunzendorfer, whose light first beamed about thirty-five years ago within
the shadow of the spot where the Stars and Stripes were first unfurled
to the ardent breezes of the then unknown Golden State. His early life
was spent among the tall pines and upon the azure waters that enseal
this remnant of Spanish dominion upon the western sea. After the usual
routine of scholastics, part of which was spent in the University of Cal
ifornia, Bro. Gunzendorfer, by force of that mysterious enchantment
which has led so many men into that great maelstrom of activity and
from which so many noted men have graduated into fame—the newspaper
world — became a journalist, and for many years achieved success in that
exacting department of affairs. During his spare moments Bro. Gunzen
dorfer devoted himself to the study of the law, and upon admission to the bar, immediately iden
tified himself with his new profession. In 1891 and 1892 the city of San Francisco enjoyed the
benefit of his learning and skill in the difficult office of Prosecuting Attorney, where his undeviating
courtesy, intelligence, skill, and knowledge called forth the highest encomiums.
Bro. Gunzendorfer received Masonic light in King Solomons Lodge, No. 260, San Francisco,
having been initiated, passed, and raised in the two weeks from August 10 to August 24, 1891. In
the following December he was appointed Junior Deacon, which office he filled for two terms, and
was thereupon elected Senior Warden, from which post he was advanced to the dignity of the
Oriental Chair. His capacity and devotion to the Lodge were so marked that in December, 1895,
the Brethren unanimously re-elected him Master, an honor fully appreciated and abundantly recipro
cated, retiring therefrom full of honors and with the love of all his Brethren. During his entire
Mastership Bro. Gunzendorfer was a member of the Board of Relief, during 1896 chairman of its
finance committee, and evinced the highest interest in its affairs.
In the Grand Lodge Bro. Gunzendorfer has been faithful and efficient. At the session of
1897 he was chairman of the Committee on Charters and prepared an admirable report, showing
careful investigation and study, and during 1898 he was Grand Pursuivant. Bro. Gunzendorfer is
now a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Appeals and Grievances, a post which he is well
qualified to fill by reason of his profession and his intimate knowledge of Masonic jurisprudence.
BRO. DIVINE Z. HAWKINS, P. M.
THE “Aloha" is one of the famous fruit ranches of Northern Califor

nia. There are 525 acres in the tract, and in that Garden of Eden, near
Anderson, Shasta County, resides Bro. DIVINE Z. HAwKINs, personally one
of Nature's noblemen. Bro. HAWKINS was born in Bedford County, Tenn.
His parents were JoshUA and JANE HAWKINs. He was educated in the
public schools and resided in Wartrace until he was 16 years old, when he
removed to Manchester, Coffee County, Tenn. He lived there nine years.
While residing in that section he was married, in December, 1864. In 1870
he came to California and located in Santa Clara County, near San Jose. He
afterward resided in Sonoma and Napa counties, and in 1891 located per
manently in Anderson, Shasta County, and became a partner in the present
valuable ranch. He is a citizen of upright character, honorable in all
things, and is popular wherever known.
Bro. HAWKINS received the symbolic degrees of Freemasonry in Santa Alosa Lodge, No. 57,
Santa Rosa, Cal. He was initiated May 28th, passed June 27, 1889, and raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason on July 22d, the same year. He dimitted April 27, 1893, and affiliated
with Mt. Shasta Lodge, No. 281, at Anderson, Shasta County, on June 24, 1893. Bro. HAWKINS
has taken an active interest in Lodge affairs and is one of the best workers in Northern California.
In 1895 he was elected Junior Warden of Mt. Shasta Lodge. The following year he was elected
Senior Warden, and was re-elected in 1897. In 1898 Bro. HAWKINS was elected Worshipful Master
and is now occupying that responsible office, courteous in manner and a thorough ritualist. Mt. Shasta
Lodge is doing excellent work and is in a flourishing condition.
Bro. HAWKINS was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master December 9th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master December 25th, received and acknowledged a
Most Excellent Master and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason December 26, 1893,
in Shasta Chapter, No. 9, of which he is still a member.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Master on March 25, 1897, in Shasta Council,
No. 6, remaining a member of same.
Sir DIVINE Z. HAWKINS was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in Red Bluff Com
mandery, No. 17, at Red Bluff, and on April 3rd, 1899, was created a Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta.
Bro. HAWKINS has succeeded in life by reason of intelligent and persistent application to busi
ness. He is systematic in whatever he undertakes, and his upright character is proverbial in private
walks and business circles. In Masonry he has been equally prominent. He has given much
thought and study to the Order, is well versed in its history, and brings to the work of the Lodge
and other bodies ripe understanding of the symbols and lessons of the several degrees. The Craft
is honored by the membership of such a man as Bro. DIVINE Z. HAWKINs.
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 163
BRO. JOHN FRANCIS MERRILL,
GRAND COMMANDER OF KNIGHTs TEMPLAR OF CALIFORNIA.
£RIGINATING in the DE MERLEs of France of Huguenot extraction, the MERRILL family is

| contemporary with the oldest families of New England. An ancestor, Sir PETER MERRILL,
* gained honorable record in English history during the reign of ELIZABETH and was knighted
by Her Majesty in the year 1634 for his gallantry and aid in neutralizing old Admiral VAN TROMP's
boast that he, with a broom at his mast's head, would sweep the seas of every British tar.
The DE MERLEs fled to England in 1572 at the massacre of ST. BARTHOLOMEW's Day. They
were of the French nobility, their ancestral home being Place de Dombes, Auvergne, France. In
England they were people of note, ever mindful of their aristocratic lineage, and proved their right
to it by valiant service in the field and wise administration of offices at home. Emigrating to England
they settled in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
The Maine MERRILLs are descended from “Deacon JoHN of Concord,” a celebrity in his day,
and he from NATHANIEL, first son of emigrant NATHANIEL. Most of the MERRILL family have con
sidered the State of Maine good enough for them, having arrived there about the year 1638.
JoHN F. MERRILL, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hallowell, Me., on March 2, 1841.
His parents were AMBROSE and HARRIET MERRILL. He was educated in the public schools, and first
settled in Boston, Mass., after leaving Maine; but failing health compelled him to seek a milder
climate than that endured by his pilgrim ancestors, and in 1864 he followed the footsteps of his
father and brother, journeyed to California, and located in Sacramento, entering the stove, metal, and
hardware firm of J. D. Lord & Co., of which his father, AMBROSE MERRILL, was one of the founders
in the year 1850, but who died suddenly in 1867. In 1865 Mr. J. D. LORD retired and the firm
name was changed to Holbrook, Merrill & Co., JoHN F. MERRILL remaining in their employ as clerk
until 1867, when, like his brother CHARLEs, he found his energies rewarded by a membership in the
firm, and San Francisco was selected as the principal business center. At this time he succeeded his
brother in the management of a branch house in Austin, Nev., which was established in 1863,
remaining there until 1869, when this branch house was sold out and he removed to San Francisco.
In 1869 the firm consolidated with the large establishment of J. W. Brittan & Co., under the firm
name of Brittan, Holbrook & Co., continuing the house at Sacramento under the same management
and opening an office in New York for the transaction of their Eastern and European business.
Mr. BRITTAN having died, in 1878 Mr. JAMEs B. STETsoN entered the partnership, and the firm
name was changed to Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson, which it still carries. During all the fluctuations,
depressions, and panics which have swept over this country since 1850 to the present time this hon
orable firm has kept every promise and met every obligation at maturity. Mr. JoHN F. MERRILL
has remained until the present time an active and efficient member of this great firm in which he
holds the responsible position of Second Vice-President.
On July 14, 1874, Mr. MERRILL was married in San Francisco, to Miss MARY SROUFE, a
native daughter of California. The family reside at 1732 Washington street in that city, and six
children have blessed the household.
I64 FIFTY YEyáRS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIya.
Mr. MERRILL is a self-made man, energetic and alert in business affairs, and of high standing
in commercial circles. Public office has had no allurements for him, but in the Masonic fraternity
his strong individuality has been a factor of consequence, both in and out of Lodge, Chapter, and
Commandery.
SYMBOLIC RECORD.
Bro. JoHN FRANCIS MERRILL received the degrees of Symbolic Masonry in Hallowell, Me., in
1864. On January 6, 1865, he affiliated with Sacramento Lodge, No. 40, in Sacramento, Cal., of
which he was an Active Member until March, 1889, when he withdrew therefrom and affiliated with
California Lodge, No. 1, in San Francisco. He is a Life Member of California Lodge.
CAPITULAR RECORD.
Comp. MERRILL was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master in Sacramento Chapter,
No. 3, on September 12th, was elected and presided as Past Master on September 26th, received
and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on October 26th, and was exalted to the sublime degree
of Royal Arch Mason on October 31, 1865. Comp. MERRILL is a Life Member of Sacramento
Chapter.
CRYPTIC RECORD.
The degrees of Royal and Select Master were conferred upon Comp. MERRILL in Sacramento
Council, No. 1, on February 25, 1867.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
R. E.'. Sir JoHN FRANCIS MERRILL was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in
Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, stationed at Sacramento, Cal., on October 13, 1866, and was created
a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta on October 19, the same year.
Sir Knight MERRILL was active in the effort to establish a second Commandery of Knights
Templar in San Francisco, and in 1881 became a charter member of Golden Gate Commandery, No.
16. In this Commandery he is a Life Member. Two years after the formation of Golden Gate
Commandery Sir Knight MERRILL became its presiding officer. His incumbency of the office of Com
mander was distinguished for ritualistic and executive ability, and in the entertainment of the Grand
Encampment of Knights Templar in San Francisco in 1883 Sir Knight MERRILL was a strong factor
in making that memorable occasion an eminent success.
GRAND COMMANDERY RECORD.
R. E.'. Sir JoHN FRANCIS MERRILL was elected Grand Treasurer of the Grand Commandery
of California in 1884, and continuously held that office thirteen years. In 1897 he was elected Grand
Generalissimo, in 1898 Deputy Grand Commander, and in 1899 he was chosen R. E. . Grand Com
mander. To this office he brings ripe knowledge, executive force, unsullied reputation, and the graces
and accomplishments of a well-spent life of fraternalism. In the long line of eminent succession in
the office of Grand Commander of California no one has been more worthy, and no one has enjoyed
the freest and fullest confidence of the fraters of this Grand Jurisdiction in larger degree than
R. E.'. Sir JoHN FRANCIS MERRILL.
Bro. MERRILL is a member of /slam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá. 165
BRO RICHARD DALE. P. M.
BRO, DALE was born in London, England, on August 29, 1824. His parents were RICHARD
and MARY DALE. The father died when young RICHARD was 20 years old. Mr. DALE was educated
in the common schools in London and at an early age emigrated to America, first locating in Canada,
where he remained two years. On May 13, 1850, he arrived in San Francisco, where he resided
three years and then moved to Sacramento, which has since been his home. Mr. DALE has been
in active business during his long residence in this State and is still engaged in mercantile pursuits
in Sacramento. Twice has he returned to Europe for a brief stay, once in 1848 and again in 1869.
Mr. DALE has been a Director of Howard Benevolent Association in Sacramento since 1858, and for
a period of twenty-five years has been President of that Asso
ciation. He joined the Sacra mento Light Artillery during

the Civil War and passed the several grades from private to
corporal, sergeant, quartermas ter, and second lieutenant. Is
still an honorary member of that command.
On February 13, 1871, Mr. DAL E married Miss LAURA
BULLAR D, daughter of JAMEs BULLAR D, of San Jose. She

died December 23, 1872, sin cerely mourned by her friends.
As a Mason Bro. RICHARD DALE has been active and influ
ential. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice and passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft in Union Lodge, No. 58, in
Sacramento, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason in that Lodge on Sep tember 4, 1855. In 1856 he
was appointed Senior Deacon. In 1857 he was elected Senior
Warden of Union Lodge, and while serving as such officer
Bro. D A LE acted as Master ten months in the absence of
the regularly elected Master. In 1858 he was elected Worship

ful Master, and was re-elected in 1859. Ten years later, in 1869, he was again elected Worshipful
Master of Onion Lodge. The older members who remember him as Master speak highly of his
work. From 1863 to 1869, inclusive, Bro. DALE was Secretary of Union Lodge.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on March 3d, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master on March 15th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on March 29, 1859, in Sacramento
Chapter, No. 3, Sacramento, and of which he is still a member. For seven years Comp. DALE was
Treasurer of Sacramento Chapter.
Bro. DALE was greeted a Royal and Select Master in Sacramento Council, No. 1, at Sacra
mento, on May 25, 1861. He is still a member of this Council. For three years, from 1861, Comp.
DALE was Secretary of Sacramento Council.
Bro. DALE was Secretary of the Masonic Temple Association of Sacramento six years.
In October, 1869, Bro. DALE was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Cal
ifornia, and at the same time was elected a Trustee of the San Francisco Masonic Temple, which
office he held nine years.
BRO. MILBURN HILL LOGAN.
Dr. Logan, as he is eminently known in professional life, was born in Richview, Washington
County, Ill., on August 5, 1855. His parents, James Ignat1us Logan and Un1ty Jane (L1vesay)
Logan, were pioneers of that State. Beginning school life in Centralia, Ill., M1lburn H. Logan
continued his studies in Oakland and St. Helena, Cal., the family having removed to this State in
1864. In 1 88 1 Dr. Logan was graduated from the California Medical College, with the degree of
M. IX, and in 1887 he was a gold medalist graduate in pharmacy from the University of California.
Immediately after graduation Dr. Logan began the practice of medicine and since 1883 has
been Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology in the California Medical College. Has been President of
the Eclectic Medical Society of the State of California, a dele-
gate three separate years to the National Eclectic Medical Asso-
ciation, and in 1890 was delegate to the International M ed
ical Society in Berlin. He visited the leading hospitals of
Edinburgh, Paris, London, Ber- lin, and Vienna. Dr. Logan
has been a constant student and has contributed valuable works
on organic and medical chemistry. He is one of the first
physicians of San Francisco and enjoys a leading reputation
throughout California and in other States. Dr. Logan was
married to Miss Carleta Augus- ta Rosekrans, in San Francisco,
on May 30, 1887. The family consists of father, mother, and
two sons, M1lburn Homer and Horace V1rg1l Logan.
Bro. M1lburn H. Logan was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason in Mission Lodge, No. 169, on March 1 8th, passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft on March 25th, and raised to the
sublime degree of Master Mason on April 29, 1885, and he still
retains his membership in that Lodge.
In Capitular Masonry Comp. Logan is a member of California Chapter, No. 5, and took his
Mark Master degree on June 16th, Past Master and Most Excellent Master on June 30th, and his
Royal Arch degree on July 7, 1885.
Comp. Logan is a member of California Council, No. 2, of San Francisco, and the degrees
were conferred upon him on October 18, 1885.
Sir Knight Logan was received as Companion of the Red Cross in California Commandery,
No. 1, on August 12th, was created a Knight Templar on September 9th, and Knight of Malta on
September 16, 1898. He still has his membership in this Commandery.
Bro. Logan is a Life Member of the Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Commandery.
In Scottish Rite Masonry Bro. Logan was exalted to the 32d degree on December 1, 1888,
being a member of the Consistory of the Southern Jurisdiction. He is a Life Member of that body,
and has held office in the Lodge of Perfection, the Chapter of Rose Croix, and in the Council of
Kadosh.
He was received into Golden Gate Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, May 15, 1893.
Dr. Logan is an earnest student of Egyptology, as allied to Masonry.
BRO. JAMES EDWARD GORDON.
JAMEs E. GoRDON was born in the city of Mexico on October 12,

1846, while his parents were on their way from New Jersey to California.
- The family arrived in San Francisco on August 31, 1849, on the old
* Dutch bark Alexander Von Humboldt, which was 102 days on the way
- & from Panama. Among the passengers were many who became prominent
in the early history of our State, and of the 368 passengers on that mem
orable voyage only five are now known to be living—C. P. HUNTINGTON,
President of the Southern Pacific Railway Company, J. B. LEWIS, mem
ber of the Commandery, at Petaluma, S. W. SHAw, the veteran artist,
JAMEs E. GORDON, and his mother, Mrs. JULIA N. GoRDON.
In 1852 JAMEs E. GoRDON attended the first public school estab
lished in California, taught by the pioneer JoHN C. PELTON, and in 1860,
the Rincon School, taught by JoHN SweTT. Most of his boyhood days
were passed in the mines of Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, where his father prospected and
operated. In 1863 he entered the employ of a wholesale hardware firm in San Francisco at a salary
of $20 a month, becoming in time their manager at a yearly salary of $4000. In 1875 he engaged
in the same business under his own name, and in 1880 incorporated as the Gordon Hardware Com
pany, being the first jobbing house in California to incorporate. In 1884 Mr. GoRDON retired from
mercantile pursuits and purchased one of the finest fruit orchards in Santa Clara County. As World's
Fair Commissioner from Santa Clara County he designed the famous prune house which attracted
general attention, and which proved a fine advertisement for Santa Clara Valley. At present Mr.
GoRDON is a resident of San Francisco and is President of the Electric Laundry Company, and is
also President of the Los Angeles Paper Company, manufacturers of wrapping paper. He is a
member of and has been President of the Society of California Pioneers. He was married in San
Francisco on October 11, 1873, to Miss CARRIE S. HookE, daughter of W. H. HookE, a prominent
lumber merchant. The children are EDWARD WILLIAM, MABEL FLORENCE, EDITH LOUISE, and CARRIE
IsABEL, Mr. GoRDON is an ardent lover of music and organized the Choral Union of San Francisco,
300 members; the Oakland Harmonic Association, 100 members; and the San Jose Oratorio Society,
100 members, acting as President of each for many years. Mr. GoRDON was a member of the first
Debris Commission of California, and gave to the work intelligent and forceful direction.
Bro. JAMES EDWARD GORDON is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 144, of San Francisco.
He was initiated on February 8th, passed on February 15th, and was raised to the sublime degree
of Master Mason on March 22, 1870. He was appointed Senior Deacon in 1871 and was elected
Senior Warden in 1872.
In Capitular Masonry Comp. GoRDON is a member of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1. He
received the degree of Mark Master on October 28th, Past Master on November 18, 1872, Most
Excellent Master January 27th, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on
February 3, 1873. He is now Grand Master of the 1st Vail.
Sir GoRDON was received as a Companion of the Red Cross and created a Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta in Oakland Commandery, No. 11, in December, 1884. In 1896 he dimitted there
from and affiliated with San /ose Commandery, No. 10, stationed at San Jose. In 1898 he again
dimitted and affiliated with California Commandery, No. 1, stationed at San Francisco. In the Com
mandery he is Captain of the Guards.
BRO. JOHN BREUNER, SR. BRO. JOHN BREUNER, JR.
BRO. LOUIS F. BREUNER

«
A father and two sons, names known throughout the length and breadth of the State as
house furnishers: the father, a pioneer of business in Sacramento; the sons, honorably maintaining
the reputation so firmly established. Mr. John Breuner, Sr., was born in Baden, Germany, Sep
tember 14, 1824, where he was educated and where the foundation of his after success in life was
laid. Emigrating to America when a young man he arrived in Sacramento in 1850. Two years
thereafter he established himself in the business of house furnishing, which, now known as the John
Breuner Co., has been in continuous existence forty -seven years.
In 1863 Mr. Breuner was married in Sacramento. Two sons, John Breuner, Jr., born
April 25, 1868, and Lou1s F. Breuner, born August 15, 1869, have succeeded the father in the
business established nearly half a century ago. Mr. John Breuner, Sr., died October 5, 1890.
The sons received their education in the public
schools of Sacramento, and are among the lead-
ing citizens of the capital city. Both are prominent
Native Sons, and each has been President of
Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., of Sacramento. Mr.
Lou1s F. Breuner is a Director of the Sacra-
men to Chamber of Corn- merce, having first been
elected to that important position in 1896.
Mr. John Breuner, Jr., was married in Sac-
mento on November 12, 1889, his wife being a
daughter of Mr. L. B. Mohr.
Mr. Lou1s F. Breuner was married in Cincin-
nati, O., on June 14, 1893, ms w1fe being a
daughter of Mr. Henry Schm1dt, of that citya
As the sons followed the honorable calling of
the father in business, so they espoused frater-
nalism in the Order which he loved and of which
he was a cherished member. Enrolled in Wash
ington Lodge, No. 20, in Sacramento, the name of Bro. John Breuner appeared nearly thirty years.
On the rolls of the same Lodge to-day are the names of the sons — active, earnest, and influential
members. This is the record :
Bro. John Breuner, Sr., was initiated an Entered Apprentice on September 26th, passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft on October 17th, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason
on November 24, 1 86 1 .
Bro. John Breuner, Jr., was initiated an Entered Apprentice on March 13th, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft on March 23d, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on
March 30, 1893.
Comp. John Breuner, Jr., received the degrees of Capitular Masonry in Sacramento Chapter,
No. 2. Mark Master on May 4th, Past Master on May 12th, Most Excellent Master on May 12th,
and Royal Arch Mason on May 23, 1893.
The Cryptic degrees of Royal and Select Master were conferred upon Comp. JoHN BREUNER,
JR., in Sacramento Council, No. 1, on June 26, 1893.
Bro. Louis F. BREUNER was initiated an Entered Apprentice on September 30, 1892, passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft on January 26th, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason on February 23, 1893.
Comp. Louis F. BREUNER received the degrees of Capitular Masonry in Sacramento Chapter,
No. 2. Mark Master on April 11th, Past Master on April 13th, Most Excellent Master on April
25th, and Royal Arch Mason on May 23, 1893, the two brothers being in the same Royal Arch
“team.”
The Cryptic degrees of Royal and Select Master were conferred upon Comp. Louis F. BREUNER
in Sacramento Council, No. 1, on July 31, 1893.
The petitions of Comps. JoHN BREUNER, JR., and Louis F. BREUNER were jointly received and
acted upon by Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, and together they were received as Companions of
the Red Cross on November 9, 1893. On November 23, 1893, they were pilgrims together in the
impressive work of the Temple and were created Knights Templar and Knights of Malta.
Honorable alike in business and fraternalism the name of BREUNER in Sacramento is a synonym
of good citizenship, lofty character, and progressiveness in business relations.
- - -
—#
BRO MORGAN HAYR.S.
MR, HAVEs was born in Baltimore, Md., on July 4, 1862. His

parents were MICHAEL and MARTHA J. HAVES. At an early age his
parents moved to Michigan, where MORGAN was educated in the public
schools, graduating therefrom with much honor. He learned the trade
v. **, of iron molder and became an expert pipe-line man.
Mr. HAVEs worked for the Standard Oil Company as construction
Q: -
- foreman in the oil fields four and one-half years, 1887 to 1891, residing
in Lima, O. Was also inspector on a natural gas line of 165 miles of
mains and laterals from Toledo, O., to Detroit, Mich. Removing from
Cridersville, O., to California in the year 1891, Mr. HAVEs lived in
Oakland and was superintendent of WILLIAM J. DINGEE's water works
one year. Was also, for a season, night superintendent in Dr. HAY Es'
Boston Gold Mine in Trinity County. He located in Vallejo, Cal.,
August 14, 1893, and laid the first water pipes in that city on August
15, 1893. On May 12, 1897, Mr. HAVEs was married to Miss BESSIE THOMPsoN, daughter of one
of San Francisco's pioneer settlers, WILLIAM A. THOMPSON, Esq.
Bro. MoRGAN HAVEs was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Maval Lodge, No. 87,
in Vallejo, was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason on August 29, 1896.
The degrees of Capitular Masonry were conferred upon Comp. HAYES in Maval Chapter, No.
35, in Vallejo. He was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on November 14,
1896.
Sir MoRGAN HAVEs was received as a Companion of the Red Cross, and was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta, in Naval Commandery, No. 19, in Vallejo, on November 14, 1897.
BRO. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, P. G. M.
One of Nature's noblemen, whom it is an honor to call friend—one who has greatly honored
the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons—is Bro. W1ll1am Johnston, of Courtland, Sacramento
County, Past Grand Master of California. Mr. Johnston was born in Wilkinsburg, Pa., on June 2,
1829. His parents were Andrew and Margarette Johnston. He attended school at Wilkinsburg
Academy in 1847 and 1848, and in 1849 came to California. Since that year he has continuously
lived in Sacramento County and has followed farming all his life. Mr. Johnston is an active mem
ber of the Patrons of Husbandry and has filled every position in the subordinate Grange and all in
State Grange except those of Secretary and Treasurer. He has also been a member of the Execu
tive Committee of the State Grange.
For twenty years past Mr. Johnston has been a member of the Board of Directors of the
People's Savings Bank of Sacramento. Forceful and energetic in private and commercial life the
people of Sacramento County have upon several occasions called him to serve them in public positions.
In 1870-1 he was a member of the Assembly and from 1880 to 1882 represented the county in the
State Senate. In 188 1-2 Mr. Johnston was President of the
Senate. As Assemblyman and Senator he was faithful to his
constituents and his service was of great benefit to the Statea
As presiding off1cer of the Sen- ate he was courteous and grace-
ful and exerted much influencea His impress is upon the stat-
utes in many good laws of the State. In 1883 he was elected
a member of the State Board of Equalization.
Mr. Johnston was married in Sacramento County in 1854.
He has three children, one son and two daughters.
Bro. W1ll1am Johnston was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason in Franklin Lodge, No. 143, at Courtland, Sacramento
County, Cal., on May 14, 1870. Was passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft on June 11th, and on July 9, 1870, was raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason. He served as Junior
Deacon in 1873-4, Marshal in 1875, Senior Warden in 1876,
Secretary in 1876, Steward in 1880, Junior Warden in 1881,
Worshipful Master in 1882, and Marshal in 1883-4. Since 1884 Bro. Johnston has not held office
in the subordinate Lodge, but the following year the Grand Lodge of California recognized his
splendid ability, and this is the record in that body: Junior Grand Warden in 1887, Senior Grand
Warden in 1888, Deputy Grand Master in 1889 and 1890, and Most Worshipful Grand Master in
1 89 1 . As Grand Master of Masons of California Bro. Johnston took high rank for ability among
the very distinguished Brethren who formed the Grand Lodge, and his record is a bright page in
the history of Freemasonry in California.
Comp. W1ll1am Johnston is a member of Sacramento Chapter, No. 2, at Sacramento. He
was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on October 26th, was elected and presided as
Past Master at the same convocation, was received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on
November 13th, and on November 30, 1875, was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch
Mason.
The degrees of Royal and Select Master were conferred upon Comp. Johnston by Sacramento
Council, No. 1, at Sacramento, on November 21, 1 88 1 . He is still a member of that Council.
Sir W1ll1am Johnston was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in Sacramento Com-
mandery, No. 2, stationed at Sacramento, on June 21st, and on the following day, June 22, 1877,
he was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta. Sir Johnston is still one of the active
and enthusiastic fraters of that superior Commandery.
BRO. CHARLES S. COUSINS.
A remarkably interesting life history was that of Charles S. Cous1ns, who died in Martinez
on November 10, 1898, after an active residence of nearly forty years in California. The span of a
man's life seldom covers more than forty years of activity, yet with Mr. Cous1ns, prior to his loca
tion in California, he assisted in the construction and personally inaugurated the operation of one of
the greatest railway systems in the United States. Charles S. Cous1ns was born in Clinton County,
New York, on December 14, 1830. His father was a native
of Yorkshire, England. In 1847 the subject of this sketch was
employed as a clerk in a store on Lake Champlain, where he
studied law, devoting his attention to that profession for a
period of three years. In 1854 he became a mail or road agent
on the Northern New York Railroad. Leaving New York
State Mr. Cous1ns entered the service of the Chicago and Mil-
waukee Railway, remaining with the construction department un-
til the road was completed, in 1855. Although only 25 years
of age, the management appointed Mr. Cous1ns Auditor,
and Freight and Ticket Agent. He was also Paymaster of the
road. The work was too arduous and he was obliged to
relinquish that service. In De- cember, 1859, Mr. Cous1ns came
to California, first locating in Sacramento, as clerk in the
Golden Eagle Hotel. In 1861 he became a clerk in the United
States Mint, and afterward was assistant smelter and refiner.
In 1870 he moved to Pinole, where he married Kate Ten-
nent, daughter of the late Dr. Samuel J. and Rafaela Mart1nez he Tennent. In 1882 Mr.
Cous1ns was elected County Recorder of Contra Costa County, and served as such for twelve con
secutive years. From that time until his death he was a resident of Martinez. In all the walks of
life Mr. Cous1ns was upright, just, honorable, and greatly respected by everybody. In him were
displayed the finer attributes of manhood ; the community was better for his living, and greatly ben
efited by the praiseworthy example bequeathed to friends and neighbors.
Bro. Charles S. Cous1ns was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Occidental Lodge,
No. 22, in San Francisco, on May 13th, was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on May 20th,
and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 27, 1867. He remained a member
of Occidental Lodge until 1882, when he dimitted and on April 1st of that year affiliated with
Martinez Lodge, No. 41, at Martinez, Contra Costa County. Bro. Cous1ns was appointed Steward
of Martinez Lodge in 1883. In 1884 he was elected Treasurer and held that office until 1891, in
which year he was elected Senior Warden. After serving one term the Brethren greatly desired to
honor him with the office of Worshipful Master, but he dissuaded them from voting for him, prefer
ring to be a worker with the Brethren on the floor. In Masonry, as in public and private life, Bro.
Cous1ns was a noble character, respected and cherished for his many sterling qualities.
172 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIM.
BRO. TAYLOR WASHINGTON HEINTZELMAN, P. E. C.
At the Grand Conclave of the Grand Commandery of California, in Sacramento, in April,

1899, the Templar parade was a notable feature, which marks an epoch in the militarism of the
Order in this State. Very much of the success of that stately pageant was due to the fine general
ship and executive ability of Past Eminent Commander TAYLOR WASHINGTON HEINTZELMAN, of Sacra
mento Commandery, No. 2, in whose charge was placed the public display.
Bro. HEINTZELMAN was born in Lancaster, Pa., on March 3, 1849. His parents were
LAFAYETTE W. and ETTIALINDA J. H EINTZELMAN. His education was obtained in the public
schools of Lancaster, and at an early age he mastered the trade of machinist, draughts
man, and locomotive engineer, in which callings he has become most skillful, in railway service.
From 1870 to 1888 Mr. HEINTZELMAN resided in Minnesota, being connected with the Chicago,
St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway as General Foreman and Master Mechanic, and Chicago,
St. Paul & Kansas City Railway as Master Mechanic. In 1888 he was employed by the Southern
Pacific Company as Master Mechanic of the extensive shops
in Sacramento. In September of that year he assumed the
duty and still occupies that important position.
While living in Worthington, Minn., Mr. HEINTZELMAN mar
ried Miss ARABELLA V. EATON, whose parents resided there.
Bro. TAYLOR W. HEINTZEL MAN was initiated an Entered
Apprentice Mason in King Solomon Lodge, No. 44, A. F.

and A. M., at Shakopee, Minn., on May 19th. Was passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft on May 31st, and was raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 7, 1871. On
April 4, 1892, Bro. HEINTZEL MAN affiliated with 7'eh a m a
Lodge, No. 3, at Sacramento, at present being a member.

Comp. HEINTZELMAN received the degrees of Capitular Ma
sonry in G / o be Chapter, at Shakopee, Minn. On April 5,
1892, he affiliated with Sacra mento Chapter, No. 3, at Sac
ramento, of which Chapter he is now a member.
Sir TAYLOR W. HEINTZELMAN was received as a Companion
of the Red Cross in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, stationed at Sacramento, on April 15th, and
was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta on September 24, 1889. Was elected Senior
Warden December 2, 1893, Captain-General December 1, 1894, Generalissimo December 7, 1895.
Owing to the illness of Eminent Commander NELSON, Sir HEINTZELMAN occupied the chair of Com
mander, with the exception of two stated conclaves, from 1895 to 1897. In May of the latter year
he was elected Commander, and was re-elected in 1898. His work in the Commandery was able,
dignified, and impressive.
Bro. HEINTZELMAN received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the
4th to 14th, inclusive, in /saac Davis Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, in Sacramento; from the 15th to
18th, inclusive, in Gethsemane Chapter, No. 2, Knights of Rose Croix, in Oakland, on December 11,
1897; 19th to 30th, inclusive, in De Molay Council, No. 2, Knights Kadosh, in Oakland, on Decem
ber 12th ; and the 31st and 32d, in Oakland Consistory, No. 2, in Oakland, on December 12th.
Bro. HEINTZELMAN was created a Noble of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Fran
cisco, on February 12, 1890.
BRO. ROBERT McMILLAN, P. M.
Robert McM1llan, a Native Son, a prominent dealer in and owner of real estate, and an
active Mason, was born in San Francisco on July 26, 1860. His parents, Dan1el and Jane
McM1llan, have long been residents of San Francisco, Mr. McM1llan being a leading business
man of the city. Robert McM1llan was educated in the public schools of San Francisco and has
been associated with his father in real estate since graduation. He is not a speculator in options,
but having unbounded faith in present values and future prospects of the city, he handles large
properties, buying and selling, and holding against certain enhancement.
On November 6, 1898, Mr. McM1llan was married to Miss Chr1st1ne Rengstorff. He

is an enthusiastic Native Son, and is a charter member of Stanford Parlor, No. 76, N. S. G. W.
Bro. Robert McM1llan is a Mason of most excellent repute
and a worker of acknowledged ability in the several Masonic
bodies of San Francisco. He was initiated an Entered Ap-
prentice Mason in California Lodge, No. 1, on January 10th,
was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on January 17th,
and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on
February 21, 1884. He was appointed Junior Deacon De-
cember 27, 1885, and elected Senior Deacon December 27,
1886. Elected Junior Warden in December, 1887, Senior War-
den in 1888, and Worshipful Master in December, 1889.
He is a Life Member of Cal- ifornia Lodge, No. 1.
Comp. McM1llan was advanced to the honorary degree
of Mark Master on August 11, 1885, in California Chapter,
No. 5 ; elected and presided on September 1st, and was received
and acknowledged a Most Ex- cellent Master the same even-
ing. On September 8, 1885, was exalted to the sublime de
gree of Royal Arch Mason. In 1892 he was elected Master of the 3d Vail. Is a Life Member
of California Chapter, No. 5.
Comp. McM1llan received the degrees of Royal and Select Master on January 27, 1886, in
California Council, No. 2.
Sir Robert McM1llan was received a Companion of the Red Cross in Golden Gate Com-
mandery, No. 16, on November 9, 1885, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta
on November 30th. On December 2d he was elected Junior Warden, Captain -General on May 2,
1898, and Generalissimo on May 1, 1899.
In addition to the asylum duties, in which he is most efficient and impressive, Sir Robert is
an enthusiastic member of Golden Gate Drill Corps. In that body he has served as Junior and
Senior Warden, and is a drill master of skill and ability. In whatever station he is placed, in Lodge,
Chapter, Council, and Commandery, his work shows masterful proficiency and graceful execution.
Bro. McM1llan is also a Noble of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco.

I 74 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIy1.
BRO HENRY BEAUCHAMPE RUSS.
ONE of the leading citizens of San Francisco and a very worthy member of the Masonic
Order is HENRY B. R.Uss, who was born in Mt. Hope, N. Y., on September 25, 1840. He came
to California in 1847 with his father, IMMANUEL CHARLEs CHRISTIAN RUSs, who was one of the soldiers
in Col. JonATHAN DRAKE STEVENSON's famous New York regiment. The son attended the first public
school of San Francisco, and was a pupil in the first High School established in this city. His
father was born in Holdbughausen, Saxe Meningen, Germany; came to America in 1832; estab
lished himself in the trade of silversmith in New York; came to San Francisco, as stated, in March,
1847; continued his trade here; became an assayer and refiner after the discovery of gold, and invested
his surplus earnings in San Francisco real estate. He entered the property where the Russ House
now stands, and in 1849 purchased nineteen 100-vara lots in the neighborhood of Columbia Square.
In 1852 he erected the famous Russ Gardens which became a popular resort and so continued until
destroyed by fire. He died in 1857.
HENRY BEAUCHAMPE RUss first engaged in business with the house of Mebius, Duisenberg
& Co. in 1857, and remained with that firm seven years. He then
established himself in business in fancy goods trade in the Russ
House Block, and continued in that line until 1868, when he
went to Europe, remaining abroad five years. In 1881–2
Mr. Russ represented the Tenth Ward of San Francisco in the
Board of County Supervisors. He was a Director in the So
ciety of California Pioneers in 1883–4–5 and 1890. He occu

pied the office of First Vice- President in 1892–3–4, is a Life
Member, and is now and for six years past has been Chairman
of the Finance Committee of that Society. He was also in
strumental in organizing the Olympic Club and has occupied
various responsible offices in that athletic organization. He
was President, Leader, Director, and was Treasurer for 23 years.
On May 5, 1865, Mr. RUss married Miss Jose.PHINE A. HAM
MERSMITH, who died in 1874. On August 8, 1878, he married
Miss ANNA L. SIEVERs, in this city. From the first marriage
three children were born–FLORENCE ELLA (Mrs. HoFFMANN), ALICE MAY (Mrs. GEORGE HABENICHT),
and HENRY SIMON. The children of the second marriage are EDMUND FRANCIS, LINDA, BLANCHE,
and INYO ATHERTON.
Mr. RUss gives his whole business attention at present to managing the large Russ estate.
Bro. HENRY BEAUCHAMPE RUss was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in California
Lodge, No. 1, on March 11th, was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on March 20th, and was
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on March 24, 1869, and is a Life Member of that
Lodge.
Comp. Russ was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master in California Chapter,
No. 5, on September 3d, elected and presided in the Oriental Chair on September 10th, received
and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on September 10th, and was exalted to the sublime
degree of Royal Arch Mason on September 17, 1889.
Sir HENRY B. Russ was created and constituted a Knight of the Red Cross, a Knight Tem
plar, and Knight of Malta on September 27, 1889, in California Commandery, No. 1, stationed at
San Francisco, and is a Life Member of this Commandery.
M.\ W.\ HENRY SAYRE ORME, 33° (elect),
Past Grand Master, Past Grand H1gh Pr1est, Past M.\ III.\ Grand Master, Past Grand
Commander.
HIS distinguished Brother has had a most remarkable career and is the chief shining Masonic
light in the southern portion of California, as will be seen in the following sketch: He was
born March 25, 1837, in Milledgeville, Ga. His father's name was R1chard McAll1ster
Orme, a native of Maryland, and the name of his mother Jean Moncure (nee Pa1ne) Orme, a native
of Virginia. As a matter of his justly family pride, it may be mentioned that his father was for fifty
years editor of the Southern Recorder of Milledgeville, as well as an extensive cotton planter. His
great grandfather on his father's side was a colonel in the army of the Revolution, while his grand
father on his mother's side was also a colonel, both serving through the war with and near General
Wash1ngton.
Bro. Orme's early education was in the private schools of the place of his birth. Subsequently
he entered Oglethorpe University at Midway, Ga., in 1854, and graduated A. B. in 1858. From
the Oglethorpe University he entered the University of Virginia in 1859 and remained there until
1860, taking a scientific and medical course. In 1 860-1 he attended the medical department of the
University of New York and graduated M. D. in 1861. He has always followed the profession of
physician and surgeon from 1861 up to the present date, serving as Assistant and Surgeon in the
field and hospitals of the Confederate Army from 1861 to 1865.
Bro. Orme arrived in Los Angeles, Cal., on July 4, 1868, and was married in that city on
October 8, 1873, and has one son, Hal. McAll1ster Orme. He was one of the organizers of the
Los Angeles County Medical Society in 1871 and afterward was its president. In 1872 he united
with the California State Medical Society, of which he was elected president in 1878, and is still an
active member. He was commissioned major and surgeon of the First Brigade of the National
Guard of California and served from 1876 to 1879. In 1882 he united with the American Medical
Association, and was elected one of the vice-presidents the same year and still retains membership.
In 1882 he was appointed a member of the California State Board of Health, and served as president
from 1884 to 1890. Such is his eminent standing in his profession, while as a good citizen he is a
pride and an ornament to the community among which he has resided for thirty -one years. But it
is in the Masonic fraternity where he has labored as a faithful craftsman and won its highest honors,
which have been deservedly bestowed upon him and which he wears with becoming pride, to the
delight and satisfaction of his Brethren. His Masonic record is as follows:
Blue Lodge Record.
Bro. Henry Sayre Orme was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason September 29, 1859, in
Atlanta Lodge, No. 59, at Atlanta, Ga. He left the State to attend medical lectures and returned
in 1 86 1. Obtaining permission, he was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on April 24th, and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 25, 1861, in Benevolent Lodge, No. 3, at Mil
ledgeville, Ga. He dimitted from that Lodge and affiliated with Atlanta Lodge, No. 59, at Atlanta,
Ga., December 14, 1865, and was elected Junior Warden in 1868. April 8, 1868, he dimitted there
from and affiliated with Los Angeles Lodge, No. 42, at Los Angeles, Cal., December 7, 1868, and
after serving as Junior and Senior Warden for three years he was elected and served as Worshipful
Master of said Lodge successively for the years 1877-8, and again in 1880. He dimitted therefrom
July 7, 1884, and was one of the organizers and charter members of Southern California Lodge,
No. 278, at Los Angeles, November 17, 1884, and has been an active member and attendant ever
since. In the Grand Lodge of California he served for several years on various committees and was
appointed Junior Grand Deacon in 1878, was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1889 and 1890, Senior
Grand Warden in 1891, Deputy Grand Master in 1892, and Most Worshipful Grand Master of
Masons of California in 1893, proving himself one of the best Grand Masters that California ever
had, and being the second one from the State of Georgia, the late M.\ W.\ Wm. W1lson Traylor
being the first from that State to occupy the Grand Oriental Chair. He is the Grand Representa
tive of the Grand Lodges of New Hampshire and Indiana near the Grand Lodge of California.
Royal Arch Record.
Comp. Orme was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and presided in
the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, and on May
18, 1863, was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Mount Zion Chapter, No. 16,
at Atlanta, Ga. He was elected Scribe of that Chapter for the year 1868, but dimitted therefrom
on April 13, 1868, and affiliated with Los Angeles Chapter, No. 33, at Los Angeles, Cal., April 26,
1869, of which he was elected and served as High Priest in 1873. Julv 13, 1 885, he dimitted there
from and affiliated with Signet Chapter, No. 57, in that city on September 8, 1885, of which he is
still an active member. He was elected and served in various offices of the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of California from 1875 until 1 88 1, when in that year he was elected M.\ E.\ Grand High
Priest of Royal Arch Masons of California. In 1886 he was elected General Grand Master of the
2d Vail in the General Grand Chapter of the United States, at Washington, D. C, and General
Grand Royal Arch Captain of said body in 1889. Ill health prevented his further attendance on the
General Grand Chapter, or he would now be within one step of being General Grand High Priest.
He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of New York near the Grand Chapter of
California.
Crypt1c Record.
Comp. Orme received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters on April 5, 1864, in Jason
Burr Council, No. 13, at Atlanta, Ga., and was elected R.\ Ill.\ Master in 1868, and dimitted there
from on April 20, 1868. He was one of the organizers of Los Angeles Council, No. 11, at Los
Angeles, Cal., on September 28, 1870, and was the first Th.\ Ill.\ Master from 1870 to 1879. He
served as an officer of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of California from 1872 to
1875, and that year he was elected M.\ Ill.\ Grand Master and re-elected in 1876. He was elected
and served as General Grand Marshal of the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters
of the United States from 1883 to 1886, General Grand Conductor from 1886 to 1889, General
Grand Captain of the Guard from 1889 to 1892. Press of professional duties and ill health prevented
his further attendance, or he would now be the General Grand Master. He is the Grand Repre
sentative of the Grand Council of Tennessee near the Grand Council of California.
CHIVALROUs RECORD. f
Sir Knight ORME received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, and on December 4, 1863,
was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta in Caeur de Lion Commandery, No. 4, at Atlanta,
Ga., of which he served as an officer from 1864 to 1868. He was honorably dismissed therefrom
April 6, 1868, and was one of the organizers of Caeur de Lion (now Los Angeles) Commandery,
No. 9, at Los Angeles, Cal., December 11, 1869, and was the first Commander to 1876. He was
elected to office in the Grand Commandery of California from 1872 to 1875, when he was elected
and served as Grand Commander of Knights Templar of California. He was re-elected in 1876, but
declined on account of professional business. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Com
mandery of Florida near the Grand Commandery of California.
A. & A. S. RITE RECORD.
Bro. H. S. ORME received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free
masonry, from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, from Ill... Bro. WILLIAM S. Rockwell, 33°, Sovereign
Grand Inspector-General for Georgia, in March, 1866, and was an active member and officer in all
of the Scottish Rite bodies at Atlanta, Ga., from their organization in 1866 until he came to Califor
nia in 1868. He affiliated with the Grand Consistory of California in 1872, and served as Grand
Minister of State in 1886 to 1889, inclusive, and Grand Preceptor in 1890. He was one of the
original members of King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, Robert Bruce Chapter of Rose Croix,
No. 3, and Hugues de Payens Council of Kadosh, No. 3, organized at Los Angeles, December 1,
1885, by Ill., EDWIN A. SHERMAN, 33, Deputy Inspector-General, and Bro. ORME was the first
Wise Master of Robert Bruce Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 3, and Chancellor of Hugues de Payens
Council of Kadosh, No. 3, and has continued to be an active member and the Almoner in those
bodies to the present time. He was one of the original members and the first Master of the Kadosh
of Occidental Particular Consistory of Los Angeles, chartered October 22, 1888, of which he is still
an active member and an attendant, and the Almoner of all of these bodies. In October, 1885, he
was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdic
tion, and elected to receive the 33d degree in that Supreme Council on October 20, 1897, at Wash
ington City, D. C.
VETERAN RECORD.
Bro. ORME was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast, October 12, 1881, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry. By order of the
Association his name was transferred to the Active Life Membership roll on October 11, 1894. He
was elected and served two consecutive terms as R. . V. . First Grand Vice-President for California,
October 10 and 11, 1895 and 1896, respectively. He was elected M. V.'. Grand President, October
14, 1897, and served until October 15, 1898, when he was succeeded by W. Bro. WILLIAM S.
PHELPs, the present incumbent. -
He was admitted to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Islam Temple
in San Francisco, and became a charter member of Al Malaika Temple at Los Angeles, February
28, 1888.
178 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN Cy LIFORNIyá.
WILLIAM MONROE PETRIE,

PAST GRAND HIGH PRIEST, PAST M. . ILL.". GRAND MASTER, PAST GRAND COMMANDER.
A VERY influential and forceful, yet withal an unassuming Mason, is Bro. WILLIAM MONROE
PETRIE, of Sacramento, who has been Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of California, Grand
Th. . Ill. . Master of the Grand Council, and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of this
State. Very few Masons are thus preferred by their Brethren, and few bear honors so becomingly.
WILLIAM M. PETRIE was born in Warren, Herkimer County, N. Y., on November 24, 1833.
This was the month and the year of the wonderful meteoric display that astonished the people of
this country, yet it is not to be assumed that Bro. PETRIE is in any sense a meteoric flash, of sudden
extinction. Rather, the steadiness of the fixed star, which never fails or dims as the years come
and go. Thus he has been, and thus he is, toward the Masonic fraternity of California. In early
life his parents moved to Wau kegan, Ill., where he remained
from 1845 until 1859, and where he was engaged in merchandis
ing. In the latter year Mr. PETRIE came to California, lo
cating in Sacramento, which city has been his continuous res
idence in this State. In 1855, while residing in Waukegan he

married Miss ANN L. LEIGH, from which union one child was
born. Mr. PETRIE is now en gaged in mercantile business in
Sacramento, and is the owner of considerable property in that
city. For three successive terms he was a member of the Board
of School Trustees, and in 1888 represented Sacramento County
in the Legislature, with much credit and honor to himself and
to the entire satisfaction of his constituency.
Bro. W.M. MONROE PETRIE espoused Masonry while a res
ident of Illinois, the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft, and Master Mason being conferred in Union Lodge,
No. 78, in 1858. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with
Sacramento Lodge, No. 40, at Sacramento, Cal., and in this
splendid working Lodge he served the Brethren three separate terms as Worshipful Master.
Comp. PETRIE was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Sacramento Chapter,
No. 3, in 1866, and after serving in several subordinate positions was four times elected Most
Excellent High Priest. In 1879 Comp. PETRIE was elected Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter; in
1880 he was elected Grand King; in 1881, Deputy Grand High Priest, and in 1882 he received the
distinguished honor of being elected M. E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of California.
The Cryptic degrees of Masonry were conferred upon Comp. PETRIE in Sacramento Council,
No. 1, in 1866. In 1878 he was elected Th. . Ill. . Master of Sacramento Council. In 1875-6
Comp. PETRIE was elected Grand Ill., Master of the Grand Council; in 1877 he was Deputy Grand
Master, and in 1878 he was elected M. . Ill. . Grand Master of the Grand Council.
In 1866 Sir WILLIAM MoNROE PETRIE was received as a Companion of the Red Cross and
created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta in Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, stationed at
Sacramento. After faithfully serving the Commandery in subordinate offices he was elected Eminent
Commander four successive years. In 1881 Sir PETRIE was elected Grand Generalissimo. This
preferment gave Sir PETRIE the direct line of succession to become Grand Commander the year the
Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment was to be held in San Francisco, and the Grand
Commandery was disposed to so honor him. Here that innate modesty and retiring disposition of
this courteous Knight found expression in manner not heretofore made public, and known to only a
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNly. I 79
few intimate friends. Hon. and Sir GEORGE CLEMENT PERKINs, a distinguished Mason and Past
Grand Master of California, was at that time Governor of the State. Sir PETRIE bethought how
appropriate it would be to have the Governor at the head of the Grand Commandery at the great
Conclave, and, without consulting Sir PERKINs upon the subject, persuaded Sir Knights in sufficient
numbers to elect Sir GEORGE C. PERKINs, from the floor, in 1882, to the office of Deputy Grand
Commander. This made him Grand Commander in 1883, Sir PETRIE biding his time as Deputy
Grand Commander in 1883, and assuming chief place as R. E. . Grand Commander in 1884.
The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from 1st to 32d, inclusive, were con
ferred upon Bro. PETRIE by Deputy Inspector-General IRA SHAw, August 15, 1867. In 1889 he was
elected a Deputy Inspector-General by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction at its general
session in Washington, and the same year he was coroneted a 33° Mason.
BK
BRO PETER DEAN, P. E. C.

AMONG the argonauts of California who made the commonwealth
and molded its sterling statehood, still living, and a character of force,
energy, and influence, is PETER DEAN, who landed in San Francisco
on June 13, 1849. Mr. DEAN was born in Clitheroe, Lancashire County,
England, on December 25, 1828. His parents, BENJAMIN and ALICE
DEAN, emigrated to America in 1830, and settled in Massachusetts.
PETER DEAN was educated in the public schools and began the study
of law with his brother BENJAMIN DEAN, JR., but the story of gold
discovery in California had reached the Atlantic shores, and the life
work and residence of the young man was radically changed. On
March 9, 1849, he left New York, on the brig General Hitchcock, for
the Isthmus, thence to the El Dorado of the West by the steamer
Oregon. The story of Mr. DEAN's life on the coast is romantic and
interesting. Of an adventurous nature he engaged in many hazardous
undertakings by land and water; was shipwrecked on the coast north of Vancouver Island, encoun
tered Indian opposition, was engaged in mining, ranching, and lumbering, withal keeping a weather
eye upon the profit side of legitimate business propositions. His first work in California was in the
mines of Tuolumne County. In whatever business he has been engaged Mr. DEAN has been a leader
of intelligence and influence. With the exception of a short residence in Seattle, from 1869 to 1872,
he has lived in California a half century of active, stirring, useful years. His home has been in San
Francisco since 1872. Mr. DEAN has taken much interest in public affairs; in 1877 he was elected a
member of the State Senate and in that body was a distinguished leader. He has also been one of
the most active members of the Society of California Pioneers. At various times he has served on
the Board of Directors and was President of the Society in 1877. At present he is engaged in sev
eral enterprises of importance and character in the commercial world. While residing in Tulare
County, in 1861, Mr. DEAN married Miss ISABELLA ARMSTRONG, at Visalia.
Bro. PETER DEAN was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason and was passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft in Mariposa Lodge, No. 24, in Mariposa, Cal., in 1854. Shortly thereafter removing
to Los Angeles, by waiver of jurisdiction he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in
Los Angeles Lodge, No. 42. He is at present a member of California Lodge, No. 1, in San
Francisco. Comp. DEAN is a member of San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, and California Council, No. 5.
Sir Peter Dean was received as a Companion of the Red Cross and created a Knight Tem
plar and Knight of Malta in California Commandery, No. 1, stationed at San Francisco. In 1889
he was elected and served as Eminent Commander.
A brother of Sir Dean, Sir Benjam1n Dean, of Massachusetts, was M.\ E.\ Grand Master
of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States, from 1880 to 1883, and presided
at the Triennial Conclave held in San Francisco in the latter year.
Bro. Dean is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco.
BRO. WILLIAM BARKER, P. M., P. H. P.
Among the Masons of Nevada City whose good work has added fame and reputation to the
fraternity in that locality is Bro. W1ll1am Barker. He was born in Leedstown, Cornwall, England,
on September 13, 1845. His parents were Thomas and Grace Barker. W1ll1am Barker was
primarily educated in the public schools in Camborne, Cornwall, and finished in a private school in
the same place. In early life he became a miner, which calling he has followed more than thirty
years. On July 29, 187 1, he landed in America, first locating in Belleville, Essex County, N. J.
In September, 1872, he came to California, and engaged in mining in Grass Valley. Four years
thereafter Mr. Barker went to Bodie, and in 1883 located in Nevada City, which place has since
been his residence. He is one of the best known and one of the most successful miners in the
largest mining county in the State of Californiaa
Bro. W1ll1am Barker was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason in Rose Bar Lodge, No. 89, in Smartsville, Yuba
County, on November 4, 1876. Was passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft, December 2d, and was raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason on December 16th, the same year.
He remained a member of Rose Bar Lodge until 1883, when,
upon dimitting therefrom, he affiliated, on the 13th of June,
with Nevada Lodge, No. 13, at Nevada City. Was installed
Senior Deacon on January 9, 1884, and held that office until
1888, when he was elected Senior Warden. In 1892-3
Bro. Barker served Nevada Lodge as Worshipful Master.
Comp. Barker was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark
Master in Nevada Chapter, No. 6, on November 10th, elected
and presided in the Oriental Chair on December 26, 1884,
received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on Jan-
uary 26th, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal
Arch Mason on February 16, 1885. On January 11, 1886, was installed as Grand Master of the
2d Vail, and on January 3, 1887, was installed as Excellent King. He held that office two years,
and was installed M.\ E.\ High Priest in 1889. This exalted office he filled three successive years
to the eminent satisfaction of the Companions and to the highest credit to himself.
In 1892 Bro. Barker served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge and High Priest of the
Chapter. In both bodies the Craft prospered. He enjoys the distinction of having conferred more
degrees as Master than any other Brother who ever held the office in Nevada City. He is still a
member of the bodies in Nevada, and is most highly regarded by the fraternity and greatly respected
in the community.
FIFTY- YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 181
V
BRO. CHARLES WILLIAM DECKER, P. H. P.
The distinction of membership in more fraternal societies than any other resident of California
is enjoyed by Dr. Charles W1ll1am Decker. Zealous and active in each, he is worthy and well
qualified, and in some of the societies the highest honors have been bestowed upon him. Bro.
Decker was born in Sutterville, Sacramento County, Cal., on March 31, 1855. His parents, John
Jacob and Martha B. Decker, were pioneers of the State. He was educated in the public schools
of San Francisco, graduating from the Lincoln Grammar School. Studied dentistry with Dr. Charles
E. Blake, remaining in his office five years ; he then entered the Medical College of the Pacific,
now Cooper Medical College. After a course of three years in that institution, he immediately com
menced the practice of his chosen profession in San Francisco.
While not ambitious for public office, Dr. Decker faithfully served the people as a member
of the Board of Education of Francisco two terms, from 1890 to 1893, inclusive. Is a Past
Grand President of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and
is a Past Grand Dictator of the Knights of Honor in Califor-
nia. Is an enthusiastic Native Son, and has rendered the or-
ganization much valuable service ; he was largely instrumental
in having the Legislature enact a law making September 9th
(Admission Day) a legal holiday. Dr. Decker was one of
the original founders of the Union League Club, of San
Francisco, and was one of the organizers of the Republican
State League Club. In 1878 Dr. Decker married Miss
Charlotte Courts, resident of London, England. Two children
have blessed the union, Charles Mort1mer Decker and Ethel
Martha Decker. Bro. Chas. W1ll1am Decker was initiated
an Entered Apprentice Mason in Mission Lodge, No. 169, on
July 11th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on July 25th,
and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July
30, 1883. He served one year acceptably as Senior Deacon.
Comp. Decker is a member of California Chapter, No. 1,
of San Francisco. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on October 16th,
was elected and presided as Master on October 23d, received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent
Master on October 23d, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on October
30, 1883. He served as M.\ E.\ High Priest of California Chapter in 1898.
Comp. Decker received the degrees of Royal and Select Master in California Council, No. 2,
on February 6, 1889.
Sir Charles W1ll1am Decker was received as a Companion of the Red Cross on August 10,
1888, in California Commandery, No. 1, stationed at San Francisco, and was created a Knight
Templar and Knight of Malta on August 17th, the same year.
Bro. Decker is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, having received the
degrees from 4th to 14th, inclusive, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, in San Francisco,
on June 20th; the degrees from 15th to 1 8th, inclusive, were received in Yerba Buena Chapter, No.
4, on July 18, 1884; from 19th to 30th, inclusive, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council, No. 1, on Decem
ber 23, 1885; and the 32d, in the Grand Consistory of California, on January 10, 1889.
Bro. Decker is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
Bro. C. W. Decker is an enthusiastic member of all the above Masonic bodies, and is a
faithful and worthy member of the Order.
BRO. JOHN STORER McBRIDE, P. M., H. P.
Maj. John S. McBr1de made an enviable record in the war between the States, and has an
unequaled record in the Masonic history of the State of California, as will be shown in this sketch
of his life and career. He was born in Monongahela City, Washington County, Pa., on February 2,
1834. His father was of a positive disposition, a successful merchant, and lived to the ripe age of
85 years. John Storer McBr1de was educated in the public schools of Monongahela City, and was
graduated from Blake's Academy, in that city. He became manager of one of two stores owned by
his father, and was thus employed when the Civil War called the nation to arms in 1 861. Volun
teering at the first call of President L1ncoln, he went to the front as a lieutenant in the three-months'
service. Re -enlisting for three years he commanded his company. At the expiration of the second
term he again enlisted, fought through all the campaigns with the Army of the Tennessee, was with
Sherman on the march to the sea, and was mustered out in
Washington in 1865, with the rank of major.
Major McBr1de came to Cal- ifornia in November, 1865, and
located in North San Juan, Nevada County, which beautiful
village is still his residence. For thirty-four years he has largely
engaged in mining, and has been identified with some of the best
propositions in that leading min- !ng county of the State. He
takes a lively interest in public affairs, and is recognized as one
of the most able and progressive citizens of Nevada Countya
Maj. John S. McBr1de was married on April I, 1861, to
Miss El1zabeth Crall, in Mon- ongahela City, Pa.
Bro. McBr1de has a most interesting Masonic history. By
special dispensation from the Deputy Grand Master of Penn-
sylvania, authority was granted to Henry M. Phillips Lodge,
No. 337, at Monongahela City, to confer the three degrees of
Symbolic Masonry upon Capt. McBr1de the same eveninga
Accordingly, while he was at home, recruiting his company
for three years' service in the army, he was, on September 15, 1861, initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.
After transferring his residence to California, Bro. McBr1de dimitted from Henry M. Phillips Lodge,
No. 337, and on September 22, 1866, affiliated with Manzanita Lodge, No. 102, at North San Juan.
He served the Lodge as Junior Warden and Senior Warden, and was elected Master in 1870-1.
Comp. McBr1de received the Capitular degrees in Manzanita Chapter, No. 29. He was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on April 22, 1870, and on the same evening was
elected and presided as Past Master. Was received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master on
May 13th, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on May 17th. Then began
his remarkable record as presiding officer of a Masonic body. On December 20th Comp. McBr1de
was elected M.\ E.\ High Priest of Manzanita Chapter, and each succeeding year — twenty-nine
several occasions — he has been elected to that exalted office. His zeal bespeaks his merit, and the
confidence reposed in Comp. McBr1de by the Chapter is fully shared by all who are honored with
his acquaintance.
Sir John S. McBr1de was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in Nevada Commandery,
No. 6, stationed at Nevada City, on January 15, 1882, and 'was created a Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta on January 22d. He was elected Junior Warden in 1883, Senior Warden in 1884, and
Captain-General in 1885.
EDWIN ALLEN SHERMAN, 33°,

EDITOR OF “FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA”— HIs AUTOBIOGRAPHIC SKETCH AND
MASONIC RECORD.
#ENEALOGY: I am the tenth in line of descent from Sir HENRY SHERMAN of Dedham,
(£ Suffolk County, England, as follows: Sir HENRY, 1; HENRY, JR., 2; SAMUEL, 3; PHILIP, 4;
* EDMUND, 5; DAVID, 6; JACOB, 7; NEHEMIAH, 8; JACOB, 9; EDw1N ALLEN, Io; Edwin ALLEN,
JR., 11. Gen. WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN was also the tenth in line, as was also Gen. THOMAs
W. SHERMAN from the same ancestor; the former being of the eighth American generation and
descended from EDMUND SHERMAN, who came to America in 1632, settled first in Watertown, Mass.,
then in Wethersfield, and lastly in New Haven, Conn., where they died. Gen. THOMAs W. SHERMAN,
of Port Hudson fame, was the eighth in American descent as ourself from PHILIP SHERMAN, who was
born February 5, 1610, in Dedham, England, came to America in 1634, and settled in Roxbury,
Mass. Not being of the hidebound religious dominant party of that colony, he like RoGER WILLIAMs
was forced to leave with others, who bought the island of Rhode Island on March 24, 1638, and
established a liberal government, July 1, 1639, of which CODDINGTON was chosen Governor, and PHILIP
SHERMAN, Secretary. His descendants the SHERMANs of the Revolutionary War were fighting Quakers;
their ancestors had served in the Army of the Parliament under CROMWELL in England and trans
mitted their martial blood and spirit to their future generations.
EDWIN ALLEN SHERMAN, the editor of this work, was born August 25, 1829, in North Bridge
water (now Brockton), Plymouth County, Mass. My father was JACOB SHERMAN, and my mother,
MARY ANN (PRATT) SHERMAN, the latter also descended from Revolutionary ancestry, and from RoBERT
TUCKER, who founded the town of Milton, Mass., of which she was a native. I resided in North
Bridgewater, Mass., until six years of age, when in 1835 my parents removed to South Boston,
Mass., where my mother died in July, 1836. I attended the Hawes Grammar School until April,
1843, when I left home at the age of nearly fourteen years and made my way alone and without
money to Chicago, and Brimfield, Peoria County, Ill., where my relatives were. Returning to Chicago
in the winter of 1843–4, I found employment in reporting for the Chicago Evening /ournal until
February, 1845, when I became the local editor of the Little Fort Porcupine, a weekly newspaper
established at Little Fort (now Waukegan), Ill. The proprietor not loving his newspaper less but
rum more, caused a dissolution and I left for Southport (now Kenosha), Wis., being employed a short
time on the Southport Telegraph, when I left for Buffalo, N. Y., was engaged for a few months on
the Western Literary Messenger, and then returned to Boston. In the fall of 1845 I went
to Fall River, Mass., and was engaged on the AWews for a few months. Learning that I had a
relative, THOMAS W. SHERMAN, then a Captain of Artillery in the Army, and as there was a pros
pect of war with Mexico, I went to New York and enlisted with the hope of joining his battery,
but was sent to the Rio Grande and assigned to Company A, 8th Regiment U. S. Infantry, Col.
WILLIAM J. WoRTH, Brevet Major-General, commanding Division under Gen. ZACHARY TAYLOR, and
served on that line until after the battle of Monterey and the occupation of Saltillo, when in January,
1847, my Division was withdrawn to join Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT, and on March 9, 1847, landed
below Vera Cruz, and I was in the second boat that reached the shore. I helped to drive the pegs
and stretch the cords of the lines of the trenches, exposed to the enemy's fire at the siege of Vera
Cruz, and was wounded by a cannon ball passing between my knees while stooping to watch the fire
of the enemy's batteries in front, on March 21, 1847. Partially recovering I continued with my reg
iment until after the capture . of the City of Mexico, September 14, 1847, when in October I came
down with the first train with the wounded to Vera Cruz, proceeded to New Orleans, and went into
the Government Hospital, where I was treated, and in April, 1848, I was honorably discharged with
a pension and went to reside in Philadelphia.
In 1848, just as the news of the discovery of gold in California was made public, I was success
ful in organizing a company to come to California. I took passage with it on board the brig Thomas
Walters and sailed from Philadelphia, February 1, 1849, for Tampico, Mexico. Obtaining supplies,
we procured horses, pack mules, and guides, crossed Mexico to Mazatlan, and on April 23d
embarked with several hundred passengers on board the bark Fanny, Captain DeBrodt, arriving in
San Francisco, May 24, 1849. Our company then dissolved. With three others I proceeded by
sail-boat and rowing to Sacramento, from thence to the mouth of the Feather River, and then with
an ox-team to Rose's Bar on the Yuba River, where I mined until fall. In January, 1850, during
the great flood, I went by sea to San Pedro and San Diego, and with others purchased horses
and returned to Sacramento, where they were disposed of at a large profit. In May, 1850, went
to the Merced River to mining, but high waters drove us out and we returned to San Francisco.
In July I went to Sonoma and with a large party went to Clear Lake, fought Indians, recovering
large bands of horses and cattle of owners who had been murdered. In December, 1850, I returned
to Sonoma and was elected City Clerk, under Gen. M. G. Vallejo, Mayor, while assisting in
editing the Sonoma Bulletin, the late Alexander J. Cox being the publisher and editor-in-chief.
In January, 1854, returned on a visit to my old home in South Boston, Mass. I returned to Cali
fornia in August, 1854, and in September, 1855, was elected County Surveyor of Sacramento County,
which office I held two years, and then continued private surveying in connection with a United
States Land Office business at Stockton and Marysville. In 1860 I bought the printing office
of the San Bernardino Herald. I was nominated by the Republican Party of Nevada for the
office of State Controller in 1863, an office which I did not seek, but at the general election there
was only one solitary vote cast against me in the whole State.
On July 8, 1864, I was admitted as a practicing attorney-at-law in the Third Judicial District
of Nevada by the late Hon. George Turner, Judge of that District, upon the recommendation of
Judges T. M. Pawl1ng and W. M. Seawell, the examining committee, but being largely engaged in
military and mining matters, I did not enter upon the practice of the law. At that time I held
a commission from Gov. Leland Stanford as Major of Engineers on the Staff of Gen. A. M.
Dobb1e, dated July 23, 1862, and was Military Instructor of the National Guard of California for the
State at large, it being placed on a war footing to suppress rebellion, and while so engaged was shot
by a rebel while performing my duties. Upon recovery I went to New York City and down to the
front to meet Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker, who had some time before tendered me an appointment on
his Staff, but he was out of the field, had already reduced the number of his Staff Officers, and was
ordered to Cincinnati. I was in New York City at the time of the assassination of Abraham
L1ncoln on April 14, 1865, and served as Marshal of the Pacific Division of States and Territories
in the great funeral procession in that city on April 25th following.
In 1866 I accepted the position of Superintendent of the New York & Austin Silver Mining
Company at Austin, Nev., which I filled with satisfaction to that company, whose office was in Wall
street, New York. In December, 1869, I resigned, went to White Pine, and located the site of
Shermantown. In 1866 I was commissioned as Assistant Adjutant-General with the rank of Major
on the Staff of Gen. A. S. Page, and in his absence required to maintain peace and good order at the
request of the Sheriff of Lander County, during the execution of capital punishment by sentence of court.
In 1874 I was appointed Town Surveyor of Gold Hill, Nev., and also Deputy United States
Mineral Surveyor, which offices I held until 1877, when I resigned, removed to San Francisco, and
in June, 1883, took up my residence in Oakland, Cal., where I have since remained with my family,
during which time, as a mining expert and editor of Masonic and other works, I have been con
stantly engaged until the present. I have one daughter by a previous marriage. On December 12,
1872, at Waterford, Erie County, Pa., I married Miss Adel1ne A. Dodd, my present wife, by
whom I have had two children, my son Edw1n A. Sherman, Jr., an attorney -at -law, and a
daughter, Ethel D. W. Sherman, who died in infancy at Brimfield, Ill., in 1876. My wife and son
constitute my family, and "we three do agree in peace, love, and unity," as all good people should,
in making home happy and pleasant, so far as the vicissitudes of human life will permit. My son
being a Mason, is thus my Brother also.
I am a member of the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, Societies of California Pioneers
of San Francisco and Alameda County, Secretary of the latter as also of the Sloat Monument Asso
ciation, besides being connected with other organizations "too numerous to mention," with the excep
tion of being the founder and Commander-in-Chief of the Lincoln Grand Guard of Honor of the
United States since the funeral of Abraham L1ncoln in April, 1865.
Mason1c Record.
During my visit to my old home in Boston, Mass., in 1854, I was initiated an Entered
Apprentice Mason, June 1st, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft and raised to the sublime degree
of Master Mason, June 6, 1854 (by dispensation of the Grand Master), in Columbian Lodge of that
city. I dimitted therefrom in August of that year, and in October, 1856, affiliated with Sacramento
Lodge, No. 40, at Sacramento, Cal. My public duties as County Surveyor of that county requiring
my presence almost constantly in the field, prevented me from accepting office in the Blue Lodge.
During that time I became an ardent student of Freemasonry, and in camp carried my American
and foreign Masonic works with me. In 1859 I dimitted from Sacramento Lodge, No. 40, and in
1860 affiliated with Los Angeles Lodge, No. 42, at Los Angeles, Cal., from which I dimitted in 1866,
affiliated with Austin Lodge, No. 10, at Austin, Nev., and was appointed Marshal in 1867. In
1869 I organized the Masonic Relief Association at Shermantown, White Pine County, Nev., of
which I was chosen the President, there being no Lodge nearer than one hundred and twenty miles.
The sick and distressed were cared for and the dead received Masonic burial at its hands. I dimitted
from Austin Lodge, No. 10, and in 1869 re -affiliated with Sacramento Lodge, No. 40. I again
dimitted from that Lodge, and in 1871 affiliated with Mission Lodge, No. 169, at San Francisco,
dimitting therefrom in 1873, and becoming a charter member and the Secretary of Eureka Lodge,
No. 20, at Seattle, Wash., while temporarily sojourning in that city. In 1874 I dimitted from that
Lodge, and in 1875 affiliated with Silver Star Lodge, No. 5, at Gold Hill, Nev., dimitting therefrom
in 1878, and in 1882 affiliated with Temple Lodge, No. 14, at Sonoma, Cal., from which I dimitted
in April, 1885, and in May following affiliated with Oakland Lodge, No. 188, at Oakland, Cal., which
Lodge has honored me by electing me a Life Member for special services rendered to that Lodge,
where I am anchored for life. Lafayette Lodge, No. 3, at Lafayette, Or., elected me an Honorary
Member of that Lodge in April, 1888.
I received the Capitular degrees in Oakland Chapter, No. 36, at Oakland, Cal., as follows:
Mark Master, February 15th; Past Master, February 16th; Most Excellent Master, March 10th;
and exalted a Royal Arch Mason, March 16, 1885, and the same year was appointed and served as
Master of the 3d Vail. I was honored by the said Chapter by being made a Life Member for other
and special services rendered.
I received the Cryptic degrees of Royal and Select Masters, March 19, 1885, in Oakland
Council, No. 12, at Oakland, Cal.; was elected and served as Principal Conductor of the Works from
December 15, 1887, until December 20, 1888; then Ill.\ Deputy Master, serving until December 19,
1889, when I was elected and served as Th.\ Ill.\ Master until December, 1890, having meantime
received the Super Excellent Master's degree in California Council, No. 2, at San Francisco. I am
now a Life Member of Oakland Council, No. 12, and now serving my ninth year as Chairman of
the Committee on Fraternal Correspondence of the M.\ Ill.\ Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters of California.
It is in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry under the Supreme Council
for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States that I have mainly devoted my services for over
thirty years of the forty -five of my Masonic life, of which the record is as follows: I received the
40 to the 14° inclusive, in May, 1868, in Palestine Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, at Sacramento, Cal.;
1 50 to the 32°, inclusive, in May, 1869, at the same place, from the late E. H. Shaw, 33° Active
Inspector-General for California, and became a charter member of Libanus Council of Princes of Jeru
salem, No. 2, Alpha Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 2, and Jacques De Molay Council of Kadosh, No.
2, at that place. While a member of those bodies I studied the ritual for a whole year and thor
oughly investigated the origin and history of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite to my entire
satisfaction and beyond any doubt of its genuineness and rightful claims to its legitimacy and legality,
which have since been repeatedly confirmed. I prepared the first Lodge of Sorrow ever held on the
Pacific Coast, which was held by these bodies at Sacramento on April 15, 1870, at which Brethren
from San Francisco, Petaluma, Vallejo, Placerville, Grass Valley, and Stockton were present. Removing
to San Francisco in July, 1870, I dimitted from the Sacramento bodies and affiliated with the follow
ing bodies at San Francisco and became the Secretary of Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1,
Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1, and Recorder of Godfrey de St. Omar Council of
Kadosh, No. 1, of this city; and on October 12, 1870, became a charter member and the Grand
Registrar of the Grand Consistory of California, which office I held for two years, when I resigned.
During that time, as the deputy of Bro. E. H. Shaw, 33°, I revived the four bodies of the rite
established by him at Virginia City, Nev., and also constituted Adoniram Lodge of Perfection, No.
2, at Hamilton, White Pine County, Nev.; and as the deputy of Bro. Thomas H. Caswell, 33° in
November, 1871, constituted Myrtle Lodge of Perfection, No. 10, at Eureka, Humboldt County,
Cal. Having been appointed by the late Albert P1ke, 33°, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the
Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction, to be the deputy of that body for all the Territories,
in the months of March and April, 1872, I communicated the degrees, working incessantly day and
night, and publicly constituted and installed the officers of four Lodges of Perfection, four Councils of
Princes of Jerusalem, four Chapters of Rose Croix, two Councils of Kadosh, and one Consistory —
fifteen bodies in all — at Seattle, Olympia, Port Townsend, and Port Gamble on Puget Sound, then
in the Territory but now State of Washington. I returned and made my report in person to the
Supreme Council at its biennial session, held at Louisville, Ky., in May, 1872, and received a reso
lution of thanks from that body. I dimitted from the Grand Consistory of California in 1873, having
removed to the State of Nevada, where at Virginia City I helped to revive the Lodge of Perfection,
and assisted in organizing Nevada Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, Capitolium Chapter of Rose Croix,
No. 1, being installed Master of both in 1874 and 1875, from which I dimitted in 1878, having
returned to California and reaffiliated with the Grand Consistory in January, 1879. On October 12,
1883, I assisted in the organization of Oakland Lodge of Perfection (now No. 2), Gethsetnane Chapter
of Rose Croix (now No. 2), and De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2, at Oakland, Cal., of which I
was a charter and now a Life Member of all, and was elected and served as Eminent Commander
the first term, was for several years the Orator in all, and for seven consecutive years, from 1889 to
1895, inclusive, was elected and served as Wise Master of Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 2.
At the biennial session of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction, held in Wash
ington City, in October, 1884, I was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor and to
receive the thirty-third degree as an honorarium, and on January 10, 1885, I was duly coroneted and
became an Honorary Member of that Supreme Council, at the hands of Ill.\ Thomas H. Caswell,
33°, Active Inspector-General for California. At that time I was also appointed the deputy of Ill.\
Charles F. Brown, 33°, also an Active Inspector -General for California, and appointed the deputy
of the Grand Consistory of California to visit and instruct the various bodies of the rite in the
interior of the State and to constitute others. During that year I visited over eighty cities and
towns, instructing the bodies and Brethren wherever I could find them, and established Mackay Lodge
of Perfection at San Jose, King Solomon Lodge of Perfection (now No. 3), Robert Bruce Chapter of
Rose Croix (now No. 3), and Hugues des Payens Council of Kadosh, No. 3, at Los Angeles, Cal.
I was elected and served as Grand Keeper of the Seals and Archives of the Grand Consistory of
California in 1890, and Grand Minister of State in 189 1-2-3-4, four successive terms. On January
l3< l&93< tnat body took the following action: "On motion of Bro. W1ll1am H. Dan1ell, Bro.
Edw1n A. Sherman, in recognition of his long and meritorious services to the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite, not only in California but throughout the Pacific Coast, was created a Life Member of
this Grand Consistory."
On September 2, 1898, the Grand Consistory of California dissolved into two Particular Con
sistories and closed its labors as a governing body of the rite in this State, and I was elected to
remain a Life Member of San Francisco Consistory under the arrangements made prior to the disso
lution of the former Grand Body. I have assisted in organizing and been a charter member of no
less than nine bodies of the rite in California and Nevada; have been the presiding officer of five
and Secretary of four; constituted twenty-one others, making thirty in all. I was created a Knight
of Heredom of the Royal Order of the Rosy Cross of Scotland, October 18, 1888, at Washington
City, D. C.
I was one of the founders of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, December
27, 1878, and have been its R.\ V.\ Grand Secretary from that time until the present, a period of
nearly twenty-one years. I was also one of the founders and Vice-President for the Pacific Meridian
of the Masonic Veteran Association of the United States, temporarily organized at Washington City,
D. C, October 9, 1889, drafted its constitution, and upon its adoption was elected the first National
President under it at Denver, Colo., August 8, 1892, presided over its deliberations at Boston,
August 28, 1895, and m tne election of officers at that time was elected Grand Marshal, the term
expiring in 1898. I am an Honorary Member of many other Masonic veteran associations as well.
In 1872-3 I was Associate Editor with W.\ Bro. A. W. B1shop of the Masonic Mirror,
published in San Francisco. In 1890 I published a "Brief History of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry." In 1 890-1 I was Associate Editor with twenty others of "The
History of Freemasonry and Concordant Orders," issued by the Fraternal Publishing Company of
Boston, Mass., and London, England. In 1896-7-8-9 am Editor of "Fifty Years of Masonry in
California," published by Geo. Spaulding & Co., of San Francisco. I have delivered many orations
and Masonic addresses too numerous to mention. My square by use may be rounded, my compasses
blunted, my trowel, pen, and tongue may be worn out, but my love for Freemasonry never.
I 88 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
W. BRO, EDWARD RICHARDS HEDGES, 33°,

PAST MASTER, DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST, PAST M. . ILL.". GRAND MASTER, PAST R. '. E. . GRAND
COMMANDER, ETC.
THIS faithful, persevering, patient, and distinguished Brother, Companion, and Frater, as will
be seen, has a record of which he may well feel proud, and as a tireless worker and faithful officer
in all the bodies of Masonry, both Grand and subordinate, to which he belongs he has no superior,
as will be seen in the following account of his splendid service and arduous labors:
EDWARD RICHARDs H EDGEs was born October 18, 1829, in the town of Columbia, N. J., and
is a son of TIMOTHY HUDSON and HARRIET LAVINIA (RICHARDs) HEDGEs, both natives of that State.
His ancestry is of the earliest English settlers of Connecticut and Long Island, of the Revolutionary
War, and among the most sterling patriots of New Jersey. The founder of the HEDGEs family
in this country was believed to be Sir CHARLES HEDGES, who upon his marriage with SARAH ROGERs,
a lady of somewhat lesser social rank, came to America and settled on Long Island. Bro. HEDGEs
on his maternal side descended from THOMAs RICHARDs, born in 1605 in Dorchester, England, of a
family whose homes were situated in Somerset and Devon. THOMAs emigrated to New England in
1630 and located at Hartford, Conn., where he died in 1638 or 1639. JoHN, one of his sons, born
in 1631, was married to LYDIA STOCKING. Their son JoHN, JR., born about 1653, inherited the estate
of his uncle, THOMAs RICHARDs, of Newark, N. J., and settled there. His son JoHN, born in 1687,
was the father of DAVID, born in Columbia in 1769, was married to Miss SARAH SAYRE, and their
daughter HARRIET L. RICHARDs, was the mother of Bro. EDWARD RICHARDs H EDGES, the subject of
this sketch. Grandmother SARAH SAYRE was the daughter of Deacon EPHRAIM SAYRE, a soldier of
the American Revolution, and came with the other members of the family among the captives taken
by the English at the seizure of Germantown. She died in New Jersey, aged 98 years. Her
brother, DAVID A. SAYRE, afterward of Lexington, Ky., was a philanthropist of national reputation,
who founded the Sayre Institute for Young Ladies, and built the first Presbyterian Church of
that city.
TIMOTHY H. HEDGES, the father of Bro. EDWARD RICHARDs H EDGES, was born in 1794 in New
Jersey, became a farmer and broom-maker, and moved with his family to St. Louis in 1836, taking
passage on the first steamboat that went down the Ohio River to that city. He bought land in
St. Clair County, Ill., chiefly for raising broom-corn, and continued his broom-making on an extensive
scale in those times in St. Louis. He died on his place in Illinois in 1840. Bro. HEDGEs mother,
born in 1796, survived him forty years. In his youth Bro. EDWARD R. HEDGE's removed with his
parents to St. Louis, Mo., was educated in the public schools, and completed his education in the
English, Mathematical, and Classical High School in that city when nineteen years of age. He left
St. Louis on March 8, 1850, to come overland across the plains to California, starting with a party
of five young men, with two wagons and mule teams, carrying about a ton and a quarter of supplies
in each wagon. At Independence, Mo., they were joined by two others, who afterward separated
from them at South Pass. Bro. HEDGEs with the four original members arrived in Hangtown (now
Placerville) on August 28, 1850, having lost a portion of their teams by being robbed by Indians.
They then continued their journey to Sacramento, and after recuperating went to Rough and Ready,
Nevada County, and engaged in mining. Bro. HEDGEs and two of his companions kept together
and did fairly well at that place. They then went to a point above Downieville and continued
mining until 1857, but lost the most they had made in putting up three flumes. They then left there
and went into merchandising in Amador County, having two stores, at Iowa Flats and Hoodsville.
In 1860 Bro. Hedges located in Stockton and engaged in the same line of business as at
present. In 1864 he formed the firm of Hedges & Howland. In January, 1889, Mr. E. F. Parker
bought an interest, the firm becoming Hedges, Buck & Co.; afterward in that year Mr. Buck with
drew, and Bro. Hedges, as the senior partner of Hedges & Parker, has continued the business until
the present time. He is the President and Director of a number of corporations and institutions in
Stockton, and has been an enterprising, public -spirited, and useful citizen and merchant in that com
munity for a period of nearly forty years, honored and respected by all.
Bro. E. R. Hedges was married in Stockton on February 14 (St. Valentine's Day), 1869, to
Mrs. Al1ce (Dav1s) Nuttall, the daughter of James M. Dav1s, Esq., she being a native of Missouri,
by whom he has had two daughters, Hatt1e Lav1n1a and Bertha Pr1sc1lla. He has persistently
refused to accept any office whatever of a political character and kept his promise made to his mother
when he left home, that he would not be a politician in any sense of the term, and is more entitled
to the prefix of "Honorable" to his name than a vast number who wear it without any merit what
ever, and to whom the word honor intrinsically is unknown.
Bro. Hedges was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, January 14th, passed to the degree
of Fellow Craft, February 15th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on February 29,
1864, in Morning Star Lodge, No. 68, at Stockton. He was elected and served as Junior Warden
in 1873, and Worshipful Master in 1874-5.
Comp. Hedges was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, April 1st, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, April 2d, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master, April 2d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on April 4, 1864, in
Stockton Chapter, No. 28, at Stockton. He was elected and served as Secretary in 1865-6,
Scribe in 1867, High Priest in 1 870-1, and officiated as Treasurer from 1873 to the present time,
a period of twenty -six years, and probably will continue to fill the office many years into the next
century. He was elected and served as Grand Royal Arch Captain in 1895, Grand Captain of
the Host in 1896, Grand Scribe in 1897, Grand King in 1898, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1899,
and if he lives (as we earnestly hope he will) will be elected M.\ E.\ Grand High Priest of the
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California in 1900, closing the nineteenth and opening the
twentieth century.
Comp. E. R. Hedges was greeted a Royal and a Select Master, June 16, 1869, in Stockton
Council, No. 10, at Stockton. He was elected and served as Principal Conductor of the Works in
1874-5-6, and officiated as Th.\ IIl.\ Master since 1877, a period of twenty-two years, and will no
doubt continue in that position far into the next century. He was elected and served as Grand
Principal Conductor of the Works in 1877, Grand Ill.\ Master in 1878, Deputy Grand Master in
1879, and M.\ Ill.\ Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of California
in 1 880- 1.
Sir Knight Hedges received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, April 16th, and created
a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, April 22, 1867, in Stockton Commandery, No. 8, at
Stockton. He was elected and served as Prelate in 1871-2-3, and Eminent Commander in 1874—5—
6-7-8-9, 1880. He was appointed and served as Grand Warder in 1874, Grand Standard Bearer
in 1875-6; elected Grand Generalissimo in 1877-8, Deputy Grand Commander in 1879, 1880, and
R.\ E.\ Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of California in 1881.
Bro. Edward R1chards Hedges received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry, from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, by communication from Ill.\ W1ll1am Frank
P1erce, 33°, Active Inspector- General for California, and became a member of Oakland Lodge of
I90 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIyá.
Perfection, No. 2, Gethsemane Chapter, No. 2, Rose Croix, and De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2,
at Oakland, March 29, 1892, he being elected to receive the degrees in those bodies. He affiliated
with Oakland Consistory, No. 2, at Oakland, June 26, 1899.
Bro. HEDGES was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, October 23, 1895;
elected to receive the 33d degree in the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United
States, October 20th, and on December 25, 1897, he was admitted and coroneted a Thirty-third and
an Honorary Inspector-General at a special session held in Oakland, at which time Bro. EDw1N A.
SHERMAN, 33°, acted as Grand Constable, or Grand Marechal of the ceremonies.
May 1, 1899, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
S&
BRO. ALFRED AUGUSTUS REDINGTON, P. G. C.
IN VAssALBORO, ME., on March 5, 1839, Bro. ALFRED A. REDINGTON was born, his parents
being WILLIAM and ADELINE REDINGTON. He was educated at the Vassalboro Academy and Oak
Grove Seminary, Maine. In 1859 Mr. REDINGTON came to California, locating in Sacramento, which
city has since been his residence. He was employed fourteen years by the California Steam Naviga
tion Co., and for the past twenty-five years has been connected with the Capital Gas Co., of Sacra
mento. This steadiness of occupation illustrates the fixed habits and methodical disposition of Mr.
REDINGTON.
On October 24, 1871, Bro. REDINGTON was married in Sacramento. The family consists of
himself and wife, their residence being one of the most comfort
able homes in Sacramento. Bro. ALFRED AUGUSTUS REDINGTON
received the degrees of Enter ed Apprentice, Fellow Craft,

and Master Mason in Union Lodge, No. 58, in Sacramento,
in 1863. He occupied various offices in the Lodge, including
that of Worshipful Master. The degrees of Mark Master,
Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason
were conferred upon Comp. REDINGTON in Sacramento Chap
ter, No. 2, at Sacramento, in 1863, and after serving the
Chapter in minor offices, was elected M. E.'. High Priest.
Sir ALFRED A. REDINGTON was received as a Companion
of the Red Cross and created a Knight Templar and Knight
of Malta in Sacramento Com mandery, No. 2, stationed at
Sacramento. In 1876 he was elected Eminent Commander.
As an officer in the Com mandery Sir REDINGTON's serv
ices were greatly valued, both as a ritualist and as presiding
officer. His eminent work in Sacramento Commandery was
recognized by the Grand Commandery of California, which body elected him V. E. Deputy Grand
Commander in 1877–8, and in 1879 he was elected R. E. . Grand Commander. His administration
was marked by much ability. He visited many of the subordinate Commanderies and the additions
to the Order that year were numerous. His counsel is much sought at home, and in the Annual
Conclaves of the Grand Commandery he is one of the prominent members, a Sir Knight whose
leadership is worthy and whose example is honorable and upright.
BRO. JOSEPH CLAYBOUGH CAMPBELL, 32°, E. C.
#E was born October 31, 1852, in the town of Xenia, O., and his parents were JoHN and
£ ELLEN CLAYBOUGH CAMPBELL. He was educated in the public schools in the State of
* Indiana, and when eighteen years of age he entered the office of his uncle in Frankfort,
Ind., who was an eminent attorney and counsellor at law in that place. He studied law with him
from 1870 to 1873, when he was admitted to practice law in the courts of that State while a resident
of Frankfort, and when he attained his majority, or twenty-one years of age. He continued in the
practice of his profession until 1877, when he left, came to California, and located at Stockton, where
he was appointed District Attorney for San Joaquin County, and succeeded himself by being elected
and re-elected, serving several terms. While there he was associated with F. T. BALDWIN, AUGUST
MEUNTER, and the late Judge TERRY. In 1889 he removed to San Francisco and associated himself
with the law firm of Reddy, Campbell & Metson. He may be said to be a self-made man; and by
close application to his calling for a period of nearly thirty years he has now attained a leading
position among the members of the legal profession and one of the brightest lights among the prom
inent lawyers of California. He is affable and courteous to all with whom he has business or social
intercourse, of the strictest integrity and unquestioned ability, talents that are certain to command
attention and respect.
As a Mason Bro. J. C. CAMPBELL has excelled among the members of the Craft in acquiring
Masonic lore of the highest order, and his record in the various bodies is as follows:
BLUE LODGE RECORD.
Bro. CAMPBELL was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, September 1st, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft, November 3, 1873, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason,
March 20, 1874, in Frankfort Lodge, No. 479, at Frankfort, Ind. He dimitted therefrom and affili
ated with Morning Star Lodge, No. 68, at Stockton, March 28, 1889.
ROYAL ARCH RECORD.
Comp. Joseph CLAYBOUGH CAMPBELL was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, and received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, April 30th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, May 7, 1895,
in California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
Sir Knight CAMPBELL received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, June 3d, and was
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, June 6, 1895, in Golden Gate Commandery, No.
16, at San Francisco. He was appointed and served as Warder in 1896, Captain-General in 1897,
Generalissimo in 1898, and Commander in 1899, and is now serving in that highly responsible office,
the highest gift which that Commandery can bestow. He has given himself almost entirely to the
service of that body of Templary, to make it efficient and worthy of the proud name and distinction
it bears, from the Golden Gate to Plymouth Rock, to which in 1895 it paid a pilgrimage and was
I 92 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
the guest of the Commandery of our native town, Brockton (formerly North Bridgewater), Plymouth
County, Mass. Under his administration Golden Gate Commandery is meeting with that same great
success which was achieved by his eminent predecessors who have made it renowned throughout the
whole United States. In this connection we write from our own knowledge and observations at
Washington City and elsewhere. Golden Gate Commandery will always be young and full of sprightly
vigor, and is generally known as “sweet sixteen."
Bro. CAMPBELL received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freema
sonry in the bodies of that rite in San Francisco and is a member of them all, and his record
therein is as follows: He received the degrees from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, November 20,
1896, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1; the 15th to the 18th, inclusive, November 27,
1896, in Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1; the 19th to the 30th, inclusive, December 18,
1896, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council or Preceptory of Kadosh, No. 1; the 31st and 32d, by com
munication, March 5, 1897, about two months after the Annual Session of the Grand Consistory of
California, of which he became a member, and upon its dissolution by surrender of charter to form
two Particular Consistories, San Francisco Consistory, No. 1, and Oakland Consistory, No. 2, he
became a member of San Francisco Consistory, No. 1, in which he still retains his membership.
Bro. CAMPBELL has always been prompt, efficient, and faithful in the performance of all of his
Masonic duties, and discharged the responsibilities of office with fidelity, dignity, and that courtesy
which distinguishes the true gentleman, and the Brother, Companion, and Frater has not been lost
in the officer.
Bro. CAMPBELL is a Noble of /s/am Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco.
- - - - -K
W. BRO. FRANK RANDOLPH WHITCOMB, P. M.
HE was born November 22, 1857, at Indian Hill, Sierra County,

Cal. His parents were J. BAKER and CYNTHIA (CUTTER) WHITCOMB.
In 1864 the family removed to San Francisco, where he was educated,
and in 1878 he graduated from the University of California with the
degree of A. B. He also graduated from the Hastings College of Law
in 1881, and for seven years thereafter he was associated with PATRICK
REDDY in the practice of his profession (lawyer). For a time he had
no partnership, but later became associated with C. L. TILDEN under
the firm name of Tilden & Whitcomb. Subsequently he formed a part
nership with JoHN C. BoyLE under the firm name of Whitcomb & Boyle.
Bro. WHITCOMB commands the respect and esteem of all who know him.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the
- degree of Fellow Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason, on January 13th, 20th, and 27th, 1892, respectively, in Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 44, in San
Francisco. He was appointed Senior Deacon in 1893; elected Senior Warden in 1894, Worshipful
Master in 1895, and is still one of its most active and industrious members. He was advanced to
the honorary degree of Mark Master, presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, acknowledged
a Most Excellent Master, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, on August 2d,
1 6th, and 23d, 1892, respectively, in California Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco. He received the
degrees of Royal and Select Masters in November, 1892, in California Council, No. 2, at San Francisco.
He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, December 19, 1892, and was created a Knight
Templar and a Knight of Malta on February 20, 1893, m Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, at
San Francisco.
W.\ BRO. CORNELIUS WELLES PENDLETON, P. M.
He was born January 4, 1859, in New York City, N. Y., and his parents were Rev. Bro.
W1ll1am H. and Margaret A. Pendleton. We knew his father well in 1855-6 in Sacramento,
Cal., when he was a student at law in the office of Judge Robert Clark and John H. Goss, attor-
neys-at-law in that city. He left the study of the law for the study of a Baptist preacher, went to
New York, gathered together a large church, and, after nearly a quarter of a century's absence,
returned to California, went to Los Angeles, and there became the Chaplain of Pentalpha Lodge,
No. 202, and died in that city in 1897. His son Cornel1us
Welles Pendleton, was educated in the public schools and
the New York Free Acad- emy. He entered Madison
University in September, 1878, and Brown University in Sep-
tember, 1879, and graduated from the latter institution in June,
1881, with the degree of Bach- elor of Arts. He resided in
New York twenty-two years, in San Francisco and Monterey
counties four years, and for the last fourteen years he has re-
sided in Los Angeles. During 1882-3-4 he taught school in
California, was admitted to the Supreme Court of California as
an attorney -at -law to practice in all the courts of this State
on November 10, 1884, and is now engaged in the practice of
his profession. He was elected and served as an Assemblyman
in the Legislature of California in 1893 and 1895.
Mr. C. W. Pendleton was married July 12, 1886, in San
Francisco, and has one son and a daughter by such union.
Bro. Cornel1us W. Pendle- ton was initiated an Entered
Apprentice Mason, December 30, 1889, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, January 27, 1890, and
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, February 3d, in Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, at Los
Angeles. He was elected and served as Senior Warden in 189 1, and Worshipful Master in 1892.
Comp. Pendleton was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, April 22d, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, April 29th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, May 20th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, May 27, 1890,
in Signet Chapter, No. 57, at Los Angeles.
Sir C. W. Pendleton received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, July 24th, and was
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, August 28, 1890, in Los Angeles Commandery,
No. 9, at Los Angeles.
He followed Ben Hur's caravan across the desert, bringing up the rear guard, and was made
Potentate of Al Malaika Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Los Angeles.
I 94 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIA.
W., BRO, WILLIAM KETTNER, 32°, P. M., E. C.
HE was born November 20, 1864, at Ann Arbor, Mich., and his parents were JoHN F. and
FREDERIKA R. (LANG) KETTNER, the father being a noted musician. His residence is at Visalia,
Tulare County, Cal.; occupation, business manager of the Visalia Pelta and insurance agent. He
was educated in the public schools of Galena, Ill., and in the Jefferson School at St. Paul, Minn.,
where he resided for several years. He afterward was a resident of Rochester, N. Y., and Portland,
Or., and came to California in 1885, and located in Julian, San Diego County, where he engaged in
mining until 1888, when he removed to Santa Ana and conducted a hotel in that place for several
years. He then located in Visalia, where he has since continued to reside, connected with the Com
mercial Newspaper staff, and for the last five years has been engaged as business manager of the
Visalia Delta and acting as superintendent of the Germania Life Insurance Company.
On April 24, 1893, he was married to Miss IDA G. GRIFFIs, a daughter of JoHN P. GRIFFIs,
Esq., of Des Moines, Ia. In public life, he now fills the position of City Councilman of Visalia.
Bro. WILLIAM KETTNER was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason, March 17th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, April
19th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, May .
21, 1894, in Visalia Lodge, No. 1 28, at Visalia. He was
appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1894, Senior Deacon
in 1895; elected and served as Junior Warden in 1896, Senior
Warden in 1897, and Worship ful Master in 1898, and is now
performing the duties of that office. In February, 1899, he
was appointed and is now serv ing as the In spector of the
Thirty-third Masonic District of California.
Comp. W.M. KETTN E R was advanced to the honorary degree

of Mark Master, October 4, 1895, inducted and presided in the Ori
ental Chair as Past Master, No vember 6th, received and acknow
ledged a Most Excellent Mas ter, December 8th, and exalted
to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, January 10, 1896,
in Visalia Chapter, No. 44, at Visalia. He was appointed Cap
tain of the Host in 1896, and is still serving in that capacity.
Sir WILLIAM KETTNER received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and was created a
Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, June 6, 1896, in Visalia Commandery, No. 26, at Visalia.
He was elected and served as Captain-General in 1897, Generalissimo in 1898, Commander in 1899,
and is now filling that office.
Bro. KETTNER received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
by dispensation and communication, from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, April 25, 1898, in Oakland
O
Lodge of Perfection (4 -14°), No. 2, in Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix (15°-18°), No. 2, in De
Molay Council of Kadosh (19°–30°), No. 2, and 31st and 32d in Oakland Consistory, No. 2, at
Oakland, Cal. He also became a charter member of and assisted in the organization of Visalia
Lodge of Perfection, No. 9, at Visalia, in the year 1898, and was the first Venerable Master of the
same, which is now the first Lodge of Perfection in the San Joaquin Valley. He filled the first
term, which expired in February, 1899, and performed his duties with marked ability. Upon the
election of his successor, he entered more earnestly upon the floor work, and by his active zeal and
devotion has aided greatly in promoting its interests and advancing its prosperity.
Bro. WILLIAM KETTNER enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire Masonic fraternity in
that community, and is an honor and credit to the delta in San Joaquin Valley.
FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. I 95
W., BRO. SAMUEL JOSEPH JOHNS, P. M.
HE was born August 20, 1865, at Shaw's Flat, Tuolumne County, Cal., and his parents were
WILLIAM and MARGARET (BIVAN) JOHNs. His father has been the General Manager for the Pacific
Coast of the Sierra Butte Gold Mining Company for thirty years. Bro. JoHNs residence is at Whit
lock, Cal. He was educated in the public schools of Plumas County, in the Alameda High School,
and the University of the Pacific at San Jose, after which he worked for several years at mining and
in the office of the Plumas Eureka Mine. He resided a considerable length of time in Tuolumne,
Amador, Plumas, Shasta, Fresno, and Alameda counties, and since March, 1896, has made his home
at Whitlock, Mariposa County, Cal. Bro. JoHNs was the Superintendent of the Uncle Sam Mine,
in Shasta County, in 1890, and in office with General Manager in San Francisco. In 1894 he returned
to the Uncle Sam Mine, where he remained until November,
1896, when he was elected Superintendent of the Whitlock
Mine, at Whitlock, where he has since continued to reside,
and is Superintendent of several mines.
In public life Bro. S. J. JoHNs has been elected and served as

School Trustee of Riverdale, Fresno County, and also of
Whitlock, Mariposa County, and is the Chairman of the
Republican County Committee of the latter county.

On December 15, 1897, he was married at Princeton, Mar
iposa County, to Miss MINNIE KATHLEEN POTTHAST, a daugh
ter of Bro. FRANK POTTHAST, an officer of Mariposa Lodge, No. 24.
Bro. JoHNs has always been an energetic, public-spirited, and
industrious man. He has trav eled extensively and has been
located in several counties of his native State of California.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, August 7th,
passed to the degree of Fellow - Craft, September 4th, and raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason, September 16, 1897, in Mariposa Lodge, No. 24, at Mar
iposa, Cal. Only three months afterward, in December, 1897, he was elected Worshipful Master
from the level of the tesselated pavement to the Oriental Chair of King SoLOMON, which we believe
beats the record in California; and we know of no other similar instance, excepting that of our late
Past Grand Master N. GREENE CURTIs, who was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree
of Master Mason, and elected and installed as Worshipful Master of South Memphis Lodge at
South Memphis, Tenn., several months before he was twenty-one years of age. Bro. JoHNs was
re-elected Worshipful Master in December, 1898, and is serving with great satisfaction to the Brethren
of that Lodge. His initials and family name would imply that in blood as well as a Mason he is
related to the Holy Saints JoHN, to whom our Lodges are dedicated, and his elevation to King
SoLOMON's throne is eminently just and proper.
Comp. Johns was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master and inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair, January 15th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, January
16th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, February 15, 1899, in Merced
Chapter, No. 12, at Merced, Cal. -
His application for the Orders of Knighthood has been placed in Pacific Commandery, No. 3,
at Sonora, Tuolumne County, and in all probability it will soon be granted and the Orders conferred
upon him in due season thereafter, and he will be known as the Knight of Saints JoHN, and we
trust that it will be “Pieu le veut,” and he complete the steps of that Masonic ladder.
BRO. AUGUST WACKERBARTH,
Past H1gh Pr1est, Past Th.\ III.\ Master, M.\ III.\ Grand Master.
The subject of this sketch was born May 8, 1859, in the village
of Grossenenglis, Province of Hesse Nassau, Germany, and his parents
were Henry and Martha El1sabeth (Trau) Wackerbarth, she his
father's second wife. His father was alderman of the village and a
farmer by occupation, but died November 11, 1865. His mother died
on November 11, 1879, at the city of Cassel. Both died on the same
day of the year and at the same hour.
Bro. Wackerbarth is an architect by profession and resides in
Los Angeles. He attended the village school at his native place, but
at a very early age was sent to the higher grade schools at Cassel
(Hesse). Choosing later a technical profession, he attended the Tech
nical School at Holzminden, Brunswick, and the Polytechnic Institute
at Langensalza, Province of Saxony, and graduated from said institu
tion in the spring of 1876. After graduating he traveled in Italy,
France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, England, and other countries of Europe before coming to
America, when he took passage on the steamer Scythia (Cunard line) at Liverpool, and arrived at
New York on July 2, 1878. He then went to Independence, la., the same year, thence to Chicago,
where he remained until 1882, when he removed to Los Angeles, Cal., arriving November 22, 1882.
Afterward he came to San Francisco, and resided here until June, 1884, when he returned to Los
Angeles, where he has since remained, following successfully his profession as an architect, and is the
Treasurer of Southern California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
He was married on June 6, 1887, at Monte Vista (between Pasadena and San Fernando), Los
Angeles County, to Miss Lott1e Adams of Bray, near Windsor, England, the niece of Alfred
Adams, Esq., of Monte Vista, by whom he has three children.
Bro. August Wackerbarth was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, January 26th, passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft, February 9th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason,
March 2, 1886, in Pentalpha Lodge, No. 202, at Los Angeles. He served as Steward in 1887-8,
dimitted therefrom, August 2, 1898, and became one of the twelve with three others of the fifteen
original founders of West Gate Lodge, U. D., at Los Angeles, on November 10, 1898, and was
appointed and is now serving as Secretary.
Comp. Wackerbarth was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, June 11th,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, June 14th, received and acknowledged
a Most Excellent Master, June 21st, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, June
29, 1886, in Signet Chapter, No. 57, at Los Angeles. He was appointed and served as Master of
the 3d Vail in 1890; elected and served as Scribe in 1891, King and Acting High Priest in 1892;
elected and served two terms as High Priest in 1893-4, having received the Order of High Priest
hood in April, 1893, 1s st1II a member of said Chapter, and one of its three Trustees. In 1894 he
was appointed Inspector of the 19th District of California and has continued to hold that position up
to the present time. He was appointed Acting Grand Captain of the Host at the constituting of
Pomona Chapter, No. 76, in 1894, and Acting Grand High Priest at the constituting of Redlands
Chapter, No. 77, in 1895.
He was greeted a Royal and a Select Master, September 27, 1886, and a Super Excellent
Master, January 26, 1889, in Los Angeles Council, No. 11, at Los Angeles. He was elected and
served as Principal Conductor of the Works in 1887, Deputy Ill.\ Master in 1888, and Th.\ Ill.\
Master from 1889 to 1896; officiated as Secretary since 1897. He was appointed and served as
Grand Steward in 1894, Grand Conductor in 1895, Grand Captain of the Guard in 1896; elected
and served as Grand Principal Conductor of the Works in 1897, Grand Deputy Ill.\ Master in 1898,
and M.\ IIl.\ Grand Master in 1899 of the M.\ IIl.\ Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters
of California and Chief of the Grand Architects of the Grand Secret Vault of the Golden State.
Sir August Wackerbarth received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, March 31st, and
was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, May 12, 1887, in Coeur de Lion (now Los
Angeles) Commandery, No. 9, at Los Angeles. He was appointed and served as 1st Guard in
1888, and still retains membership in the Commandery.
Bro. Wackerbarth was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of
the Pacific Coast, April 17, 1898, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry.
He is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having joined Acacia Chapter, No. 21, of
Los Angeles, on July 2, 1886.
BRO. BENEDETTO PASSALACQUA.
He was born March 9, 1843, in San Lorenzo, Province of Genoa, Italy. His parents were
Lorenzo and Rosa Passalac- qua. He is a self-educated and
self-made man of intelligence and energy of character. He began
his career as a f1sher- boy in France, in 1858, and afterward
as a sailor under the flag of I taly. He emigrated to the United
States in 1863, and came to Cal- ifornia and commenced farming
at San Pedro, near Half Moon Bay. He subsequently removed
to San Francisco and engaged in other business until 1871,
when he went to Vallejo and near there engaged in vegetable
farming; but in 1876, his business having been so remunera-
tive, he was enabled to open a large store in Vallejo, in which
he has also been successful. On July 24, 1870, he was married
in San Francisco to Miss Anna Reperto, a daughter of Anton1o
and Theresa Reperto, also a native of San Lorenzo, Italy,
Bro. Benedetto Passalacqua was initiated an Entered Ap-
prentice Mason July 12, 1872; passed to the degree of Fellow
Craft September 12, 1872, and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason September 15, 1872, in Speranza Italiana
Lodge, No. 219, at San Francisco, and of which he is still a member.
He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, April 17th, inducted and presided
in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, May 15th, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Mas
ter, May 22d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, May 29, 1878, in Naval
Chapter, No. 35, at Vallejo, and of which he is still a member.
In all of his Masonic duties he has been an active and devoted Brother and Companion, and
a faithful workman amon^ the Roval Craft.
CHRISTIAN HAUSCH. P. H. P., P. C.
HE was born May 6, 1832, at Wessingen, Hohenzollern, Hechin

gen, Prussia, and his parents were JoHANNEs and GERTRUDE PFLUMM
HAUSCH. He was educated in the public schools of his native place.
He came to the United States in 1851, locating at Buffalo, N. Y.,
where he learned and followed the trade of cooper. After learning his
trade he went to Sandusky City, O., from there to Petersburg, Ky., from
there to Cincinnati, O., thence to St. Joseph, Mo., and in 1856 crossed
the plains to California, settled in Sonoma County, remaining there
about one year. He then went to Sierra County and was for five
years engaged in mining, when he returned to Sonoma County, where
he farmed and coopered for twelve years, and afterward in 1874 settled
in Tulare County, near Visalia, where he now resides and is engaged
in farming and stock-raising. He was elected and served as School
Director of Packwood District from 1875 to 1885; was the first Pres
ident of the Persian Ditch Company, and served three terms as Director and is now President of
the Mill Creek and Kaweah Company.
He was married to ELIZA JANE IRELAND at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, on June 29, 1858,
by whom he had six children. Misfortune befell him when he lost his wife on July 3, 1873, his
youngest child being but six months old. He then kept house with his children for ten years, when
he was again married to CATHERINE PFLUMM, at Visalia, on April 20, 1883, by whom he had one
daughter.
- BLUE LODGE RECORD.
Bro. CHRISTIAN HAUSCH was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, February 16th, passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft, March 21st, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, April
18, 1868, in Sotoyome Lodge, No. 123, at Healdsburg. He was appointed Senior Deacon, owing to
a vacancy, shortly after being raised; appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1869, and elected and
served as Senior Warden in 1871. He dimitted therefrom in 1877, and affiliated with Visalia Lodge,
No. 128, in the same year, of which he is an ardent and enthusiastic member still.
ROYAL ARCH RECORD.
Comp. HAUSCH was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, January 30th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, February 5th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, February 20th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on Feb
ruary 27, 1886, in Visalia Chapter, No. 44, at Visalia. He was elected and served three terms as
King, and as High Priest in 1897.
CHIVALRIC RECORD.
Sir CHRISTIAN HAUSCII received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, July 3d, and was
created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, July 4, 1886, in Visalia Commandery, No. 26, at
Visalia. He is a Past Commander of this Commandery.
Bro. HAUSCH received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
October 8, 1898, from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, from Ill.". Bro. W.M. FRANK PIERCE, 33°,
Active Inspector-General for California, and became a charter member of Visalia Lodge of Perfec
tion, No. 9, at Visalia.
FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CALIFORNIyá. I 99
W. BRO, WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE, 33°,
PAST MASTER, PAST GRAND HIGH PRIEST, P. M. ILL. . GRAND MASTER, GRAND CAPTAIN-GENERAL.
*
$| |R3|T IS indeed a sincere and great pleasure that we have to inscribe upon the Masonic roll of
- s honor the name, biographical history, and Masonic record of so great and good a man as
* our kind friend and Brother of intimate and fraternal intercourse for the last seventeen years,
WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE. He was born January 16, 1855, in the town of Ripley, Chautauqua County,
N. Y., and was educated in the public schools, and at Alleghany College at Meadville, Pa. He
came to California, arriving July 20, 1877, and settled in Oakland, where with his father and brother
(the latter Hon. CHARLEs D. PIERCE, ex-Mayor of Oakland) he engaged in business under the firm
name of Pierce & Co. These two brethren became exceedingly popular with all classes of people,
so much so that the younger brother, CHARLEs D. PIERCE, became the spontaneous choice of the
citizens of Oakland for the office of Mayor, which position during his term he filled with honor and
ability, but declined a re-election. Bro. WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE was also urged to occupy the
same station, and in fact he could have been elected to almost any high position within the gift of
the people of Alameda County if he would have consented to be a candidate; but, while interested,
like any other good citizen, in having good government, he never would consent that his name
should be used for any political purpose or object whatever. He was and is a purely business man,
and has been reasonably successful in his line.
Bro. PIERCE has progressed along commercial and financial lines to a high position in the
mercantile, manufacturing, and financial world, with abundant means at command to conduct large
enterprises in the development of the resources of the State. As the President of the Blue Lakes
Water Company, and with comparatively unlimited power, he has but to press the button and water
will flow in abundance and electricity generated to light up the hills and valleys and supply the
aqueous and subtle fluids to San Joaquin, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and other counties.
His ambition has mainly been in that direction, and his object realized in part, with the reasonable
expectancy of being crowned with abundant success, in which his friends enjoy the hope that
he will receive his just and satisfactory reward. We have said that he did not seek nor would
he accept any public or political office whatever, which is the gospel truth; but we know of no man
or Brother Mason among the Craft where the office has sought the individual, as it has been with
our deserving and capable Bro. WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE. To this, while modest to the extreme and
unsolicitous, he has been compelled to yield to the general demand of his Brethren, and without
effort on his part to secure any office, it has been thrust upon him, and how well he has filled his
offices his Masonic record here attests.
Bro. WILLIAM FRANK PIERCE was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, June 10th, passed
to the degree of Fellow Craft, June 17th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, June
24, 1882, in Oakland Lodge, No. 188, at Oakland, Cal. He was elected and served as Senior
Warden in 1892, and Worshipful Master in 1893, of which Lodge he is a Life Member, and he is a
Life Member of all the other Masonic bodies. Bro. PIERCE is the Grand Representative of the
Grand Lodge of Louisiana near the Grand Lodge of California.
Comp. P1erce was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, July 24th, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as a Past Master, July 31st, received and acknowledged a Most Excel
lent Master, August 7th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, August 14, 1882,
in Oakland Chapter, No. 26, at Oakland, Cal. He was elected and served as Treasurer in 1883-4,
King in 1885, and High Priest in 1886-7, and was High Priest when said Chapter was consolidated
with Alameda Chapter, No. 36, and became Oakland Chapter, No. 36, chartered April 27, 1887.
He was elected first High Priest of Oakland Chapter, No. 36. He received the Order of High
Priesthood in 1886; was appointed and served as Grand Royal Arch Captain in 1892, and Grand
Captain of the Host in 1893. He was elected and served as Grand Scribe in 1894, Grand King
in 1895, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1896, and M.\ E.\ Grand High Priest of the Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of California in 1897. He is the Representative of the Grand Chapters of Min
nesota and Nevada near the Grand Chapter of California.
Comp. P1erce received the degrees of Royal, Select, and Super Excellent Master, October 19,
1882, in Oakland Council, No. 12, at Oakland, Cal. He was elected Treasurer and served from
1887 to date, and Th.\ Ill.\ Master in 1885. He was appointed and served as Grand Steward in
1885; elected Grand Principal Conductor of the Works in 1886-7, Grand Ill.\ Master in 1888,
Deputy Grand Master in 1889, and M.\ Ill.\ Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and
Select Masters of California in 1890- 1-2. He is the Representative of the Grand Council of Ohio
near the Grand Council of California.
Sir Knight P1erce received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, October 10th, and was
created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, October 31, 1882, in Oakland Commandery, No. 11,
at Oakland, Cal. He was elected and served as Junior Warden in 1887, Senior Warden in 1888,
Captain- General in 1889, Generalissimo in 1890, and Eminent Commander in 1891 ; was appointed
Grand Sword Bearer in 1896, elected Grand Junior Warden in 1897, Grand Senior Warden in 1898,
Grand Captain -General in 1899, and if living will doubtless be elected as Grand Generalissimo in
1900, Deputy Grand Commander in 1901, and Grand Commander in 1902 of the Grand Command
ery of Knights Templar of California.
Bro. W1ll1am Frank P1erce received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry, from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, September 30, 1883, from Ill.\ Thomas H.
Caswell, 33°, then Active Inspector-General for California. He was a charter member and appointed
Master of Ceremonies of Oakland Lodge of Perfection, then No. 12 now No. 2, at Oakland, Cal., in
1883-4-7-8; elected and served as Senior Warden in 1885, and Venerable Master in 1886. He
was a charter member and appointed Master of Ceremonies of Gethsemane Chapter, then No. 5 now
No. 2, Rose Croix, at Oakland, Cal., in 1883-4-5, 1890-1 ; elected Wise Master in 1887. He was
a charter member and served as Master of Ceremonies of De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2, at
Oakland, Cal., in 1883-4-5; elected Preceptor in 1886, Prior in 1887, and Eminent Commander in
1888-9, 1 890- 1. January 10, 1884, he was elected a member of the Grand Consistory of California,
serving as Grand Marshal of Ceremonies in 1888-9, 1890; elected Grand Prior in 1891, and Vener
able Grand Master in 1892.
Sir Knight P1erce was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor of the Supreme
Council of the 33d degree for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, in October, 1886, and
to receive the 33d degree, which was conferred upon him at San Francisco, January 16, 1887, by
Ill.\ Thomas H. Caswell, 33° Active Inspector-General for California, having made the most active
progress in Masonry in the Golden State ever known. It was only four years, six months, and
twenty-seven days from the time of his initiation as an Entered Apprentice Mason to his being coroneted
a thirty-third and an Honorary Inspector-General in that Supreme Council, on his thirty-second birth
day, and the youngest then on the roll. On October 18, 1893, ne was elected and the day following
crowned an Active Inspector -General for California and the coadjutor of Thomas H. Caswell, 33°,
then Active Inspector -General for California and now Sovereign Grand Inspector -General of the
Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States—eleven years, three months, and
twelve days to reach the highest figure in the scale of Masonic degrees. He was installed Grand
Sword Bearer, October 21, 1895, elected and installed Treasurer-General in October, 1899, and is the
Representative of the Grand Lodge of Norway near the Southern Supreme Council.
Since his elevation to the office of Active Inspector-General for California, by his genial pres
ence and encouragement, with unmercenary and unselfish motives, the bodies of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry long established and working in San Francisco, Oakland,
Marysville, and Los Angeles, have received new vigor, with increase of spirit and energy, and are
rapidly and permanently augmenting in numbers and efficiency in that rite; while the Lodge of Per
fection, Chapter of Rose Croix, Council of Kadosh, and Consistory of Pasadena, and the Lodges of
Perfection constituted by him at Sacramento, San Diego, Redlands, and Visalia, are actively engaged
in the good work for which they were created, and will continue to prosper under the liberal, free,
and benign spirit which is manifested by him in his excellent administration.
Bro. P1erce was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast on October 13, 1887, for his eminent services to Freemasonry in general and to this
Association in particular, and for which also he was on May 6, 1896, transferred to the Active Life
Roll, having attained in longevity and by sixty-six years official service in all bodies of Masonry the
requisite Masonic age to render him eligible to active membership.
On October 17, 1892, Bro. P1erce was elected and received the degrees of the Royal Order
of Scotland, an exalted branch of Masonry whose honors are bestowed upon meritorious and distin
guished patrons of our Order.
But the greatest of these is Charity; and with others the Masonic Widows' and Orphans'
Home will be his monument. Prior to the present organization of the Board of Trustees, he was
appointed and served from the very beginning and laying of the corner-stone, being an ardent and
untiring worker as a member of the Board until the Home was completed and dedicated by the
Grand Lodge; and as Vice - President he continues to give it his unremitting, close attention and
supervision, that it shall fully realize the hopes and desires of all who have an interest in it and the
happiness and comfort of those who are the recipients and inmates of this Home, the landmark of
the charity of the Craft.
In connection with the forceful Masonic life of Bro. W1ll1am Frank P1erce, it is most grat
ifying to make record of the earnest endeavor and exceeding executive ability of Mrs. P1erce in the
Order of the Eastern Star. To her appreciation of the wise purposes of, and the far-reaching bless
ings to follow, the establishment of the Widows' and Orphans' Home; to her faith in the accom
plishment of the undertaking; and to her never-flagging interest and determination that the project
should be the crown of loyal effort, is largely due the magnificent success of that enterprise. When
Brethren faltered, her counsel encouraged; and, with other co- laborers, she was diligent, persistent,
hopeful, and expectant. As Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, her influence is broad
and beneficent.
W.\ BRO. DENNIS VINCENT MAHONEY, P. M.
D. V. Mahoney, Esq., was born October 31, 1862, in the city of

Dublin, Ireland. Profession, attorney-at-law, and also the Official Reporter
of Department 1 of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, at San
Jose, Cal., where he now resides. He came to the United States in
November, 1868, and to California in 1877. He was educated at the
University of the Pacific at San Jose, taking a special course in that
institution. He is proficient in the law profession, and makes an efficient
officer of the court to which he is attached ; urbane and courteous in his
deportment as a gentleman, and an honored citizen in the community in
which he resides — true to the culture he received in his native city.
He was married in San Jose in 1893, and has a boy 4^ years of age.
Bro. Denn1s V1ncent Mahoney was initiated an Entered Appren
tice Mason, March 13th; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, March
20th; and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, March 27, 1890, in Friendship Lodge, No.
210, at San Jose. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1891, and Senior Deacon in
1892-3; elected and served as Junior Warden in 1894-5, Senior Warden in 1896, and Worshipful
Master in 1897-8, having faithfully served in office eight years out of the nine years of his Masonic
life as a Master Mason, which of itself is a sufficient attestation of his ability and worth, and the
high regard in which he is held by his Lodge, which requires no additional encomium of praise, and
now holds the office of Marshal.
Companion Mahoney was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, June 8th; inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master; received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master, June 15th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, July 6, 1894, m Howard
Chapter, No. 14, at San Jose.
Sir Knight Mahoney received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, August 22d; was created
a Knight Templar, September 12th; and a Knight of Malta, November 1, 1894, in San Jose Com-
mandery, No. 10, at San Jose, and of which he is at present Alternate Prelate: a true Mason and
defender of the Christian religion.
W.\ BRO. FRANK PUTNAM FLINT, P. M.
He was born July 15, 1863, in North Reading, Mass., and his parents
were Franc1s Eaton and Althea Lou1sa Fl1nt. His residence is in Los
Angeles, Cal., and profession attorney and counsellor at law. He came to
California with his parents when but two years of age, and was educated in
the public schools of San Francisco. He now holds the position of United
States Attorney for the Southern District of California. He was married at
Los Angeles, February 25, 1890, to Kathar1ne Bloss, and his family consists
of his wife and two children.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, April 10th, passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft, April 24th, and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason, May 2, 1891, in Sunset Lodge, No. 290, at Los Angeles. He was appointed and
served as Senior Deacon in 1892; elected and served as Junior Warden in 1893; Senior Warden in
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNI,4. 2O3
1894, and Worshipful Master in 1895. He was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master,
November 17th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, November 24th, received
and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, December 8th, and exalted to the sublime degree of
Royal Arch Mason, December 14, 1891, in Signet Chapter, No. 57. at Los Angeles. He received
the degrees of Royal and of Select Master, March 26, 1899, in Los Angeles Council, No. 11, at Los
Angeles. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, May 1oth, and was created a Knight
Templar and a Knight of Malta, May 24, 1894, in Los Angeles Commandery, No. 9, at Los Angeles.
BRO MORRIS SIMINOFF, 32°.
HE was born March 8, 1864, in St. Petersburg, Russia. His parents were SIEMAN and MINA
SIMINOFF, and he is a nephew of General SIMON SIMINOFF, one of the greatest Generals that Russia
ever had. His residence is in - San Francisco and occupation
cloak manufacturer. He was educated in his native city of
St. Petersburg, from whence he emigrated to New York on
July 17, 1885, where he lived two years and then went to
Texas, where he resided six months, and then came to San
Francisco, making it his perma nent home. He celebrated the
anniversary of WASHINGTON's birthday, February 22d, 1889,

by marrying Miss EMMA FANK HAUSER in San Francisco. He
was initiated an Entered Appren tice Mason, September 12th,

passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, October 31st, and raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason, November 14, 1895, in
Pidelity Lodge, No. 120, at San Francisco. He was advanced
to the honorary degree of Mark Master, September 5th, inducted

and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, received
and acknowledged a Most Excel- lent Master, September 12th,
and exalted to the sublime de gree of Royal Arch Mason, Oc
tober 26, 1898, in San Prancisco Chapter, No. 1, at San Francisco.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Masters, March 1, 1899, in California Council, No. 2,
at San Francisco. He received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, August 11th, and was
created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, October 13th, 1899, in California Commandery,
No. 1, at San Francisco. He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of
Freemasonry, as follows: The 4th to the 14th, inclusive, October 15, 1897, in Yerba Buena Lodge
of Perfection, No. 1, at San Francisco; the 15th to the 18th, inclusive, October 29, 1897, in Yeróa
Buena Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1, at the same place; the 19th to the 30th, inclusive, November
26th, 1897, in Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, at the same place; the 31st and 32d degrees
in January, 1898, in San Francisco Consistory, No. 1, at the same place, and he is a member in
good standing in all of the above named bodies.
In crossing the sands of the Libyan Desert to reach Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San
Francisco, his camel “bucked" and threw Simonoff.
2O4 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
BRO. ZACHARIAH ANTONIO JAMISON.
BORN on the Island of Samos, in the Grecian Archipelago, on

December 17, 1858, a resident of the United States since 1879, and
for sixteen years past a citizen of Vallejo, Mr. ZACHARIAH ANTONIO
JAMISON has had an interesting experience, and is one of the faithful
members of the Masonic fraternity in his American home. His father,
ANTONIO JAMISON, was a sea captain, sailing from Greece to all parts
of the world. ZACHARIAH was educated on the Island of Samos, and
early adopted the life of his father and sailed the seas over for thirteen
years, during five of which he was a rigger.
Bro. JAMISON was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Solano
Lodge, No. 229, in Vallejo, on May 1st, was passed to the degree of
Fellow Craft on May 17th, and was raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason on June 1, 1897, and is now serving Solano Lodge as
Junior Deacon. Comp. JAMISON is a member of Naval Chapter, No. 35, of Vallejo. He was
advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master on February 16, 1898, was elected and presided as
Master on Feb. 23, 1898, received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master on March 30,
1898, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on April 9, 1898, and he still
holds his membership in the Chapter. He is also a member of Naval Commandery, No. 19, Vallejo.
On January 26, 1899, Comp. JAMISON received the degrees of Royal and Select Master.
He is active in all of the bodies and enjoys a fine reputation in the fraternity.
- - - -
--->
BRO. GEORGE THOMAS MCCABE, P. M.
A STRONG, representative young man in the old Keystone State,

GEORGE THOMAs McCABE early possessed a desire to identify himself
with the development of the Golden State by the Pacific. Born in
Driftwood, Cameron County, Pa., he was educated in the public schools
of that village, and upon the rudimentary knowledge there acquired he
built for himself, in a practical way, a broad and comprehensive educa
tion. His parents were AsA and NANCY SULLIVAN McCABE, prominent
personages in the settlement in Cameron County. GEORGE T. McCABE
learned the machinist trade in the famous Cambria Iron Works, in
Johnstown, Pa., and became expert in his chosen calling. He remained
in Johnstown five years and then went to Pittsburgh, where he was
associated in business with GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE, inventor of the rail
road air brake.
In 1884 Mr. McCABE came to California, locating in Knight's Ferry, where he engaged in
general merchandising. From 1888 to 1897 he was agent for Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, and
from 1890 to 1894 was postmaster at Knight's Ferry. He was also elected Justice of the Peace in
1890 and served four years. In 1897 Mr. McCABE moved to Oakdale, Stanislaus County, which
place has since been his residence. He has a general store, and is a Notary Public, having held a
commission as such since 1888.
FIFTY YEARS OF MY4SONRY IN Cy LIFORNIy1. 2O5
In 1887 Mr. McCABE married Miss KITTIE PARKER, in Knight's Ferry. Four children
have blessed this union, two daughters, VELMA BERTHA and RUTH NAOMI, and two sons, ASA D.
and JAMES GARFIELD.
Bro. GEORGE THOMAs McCABE was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Summit Lodge,
No. 1 12, at Knight's Ferry, on April 9th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on May 7th, and
was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 4, 1892. In 1892-3 he served Summit
Lodge as Senior Warden, and in 1894–5 he was Worshipful Master. Bro. McCABE is one of the
most capable and earnest Masons in this jurisdiction. He has been Inspector of the 30th District
four terms, and is still serving in that capacity. His ritualism is perfect and his work is impressive
and effective. He enjoys the greatest confidence of and is held in the highest esteem by all the
Lodges in his district, and by the Craft generally throughout the State.
*
BRO. CHARLES CASWELL SMITH.
ONE of the most prominent citizens of Northern California, whose extensive business furnishes
employment to hundreds of persons, and whose reputation in commercial circles is A1, is Mr.
CHARLEs CAswÉLL SMITH. He is a native son of the Golden West, his parents, WILLIAM and JANE
SMITH, having been early residents of San Francisco, and in which city CHARLEs C. SMITH was born
on December 31, 1855. While a boy, the family removed to Grass Valley, Nevada County, and in
that beautiful city he obtained his school education. Variously employed in after life, and uniformly
successful, some years since Mr. CHARLES C. SMITH located in
S is son, Siskiyou County, in which place he has established

extensive lumber interests, being Secretary and Manager of the
Siskiyou Lumber and Mercan tile Company.
Bro. CHAs. CASWELL SMITH was initiated an Entered Ap
prentice Mason in Sisson Lodge, No. 310, at Sisson, Cal., on
December 17, 1891, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on
December 28th the same year, and on January 19, 1892, was
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.
Comp. SMITH received the Capitular degrees of Masonry

in Cyrus Chapter, No. 15, in Yreka, Cal. He was advanced
to the honorary degree of Mark Master, elected and presided in
the Oriental Chair, received and acknowledged a Most Excel
lent Master, and was exalted to the sublime degree of Royal
Arch Mason at the same con vocation, on February 12, 1895.
The distinction of receiving all the Chapter degrees is seldom
accorded a candidate, and this exception is very flattering.
Sir CHARLES CASWELL SMITH was received as a Companion of the Red Cross in Mt. Shasta
Commandery, No. 32, in Yreka, Cal., on March 21, 1896. He was created a Knight Templar and
Knight of Malta on January 8, 1897.
Bro. SMITH enjoys in an eminent degree the confidence and esteem of the fraternity, and by
his sterling traits of character shows that such consideration has been most worthily bestowed. Per
sonally and socially he is a congenial companion, with a sunny nature that attracts kindred natures
to him, and makes friends wherever he goes. With him the call of distress ever finds a ready ear
and responsive hand. In a word, he is a firm, reliable, and faithful friend in the hour of affliction,
and a believer in the practice of the truths and precepts of Masonry.
Bro. SMITH is a Noble of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at San Francisco.
CHARLES WILLIAM CONLISK, P. V. G. M., K. C. C. H.
As the acorn never falls far from the tree, and the youth foreshadows the man, it is not
difficult, in analyzing Bro. Charles W1ll1am Conl1sk's career, to determine his worth as a man and
a Mason. His Masonic predilection and zeal are coincident with his birth, which occurred at St.
Joseph, Mo., on July 3, 1861, and are ascribable to his father, P. G. Conllsk. The latter attained
honorable fame as a distinguished Mason in Missouri, where his unselfish devotion to the fraternity
earned for him the merited honor of R.\ E.\ Grand Corn-
mander of Knights Templar, in which body, as also in the
Scottish Rite, his eminent talents found ample scope. After
a scholastic course, embracing a full career in the public schools
and graduation from St. Joseph's College and St. Louis Univer-
sity, Bro. Conllsk entered mercantile life, the activities of trade
being more congenial to his nature than the more restricted
passivity of professional callings. His aptitude for business, com-
bined with fine talent for figures and Spartan-like fidelity to
his employers' interests, found him constantly employed until
his departure in 1884 for Cali- fornia. He settled at San Jose,
where his exceptional abilities soon won for him a number of
important positions. As secretary of several of the largest
corporations in Santa Clara County he acquired distinction
not alone for mastery of detail, but also for executive capacity
of high order. This led to his selection in 1894 as manager
of the San Francisco Call. He removed to San Francisco, and
for several years filled this most exacting position with great credit, voluntarily retiring therefrom to
accept a position less exhausting.
The Masonic record of Bro. Conllsk is one creditable alike to himself and his fraternal
ancestry. He was initiated in San Jose Lodge, No. 10, on December 10, 1894, passed December
17, 1894, and raised December 24, 1894. In Capitular Masonry Comp. Conl1sk holds membership
in Howard Chapter, No. 14, at San Jose, receiving the degrees in 1895, tnat of Mark Master March
1st, Past Master April 12th, Most Excellent Master April 26th, and Royal Arch May 3d. Bro.
Conllsk was knighted in San Jose Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, July 31, 1895. He is
also a member of California Council, No. 2, Royal and Select Masters, at San Francisco. It is in
the Scottish Rite, however, that Bro. Conl1sk's abilities and Masonic zeal have found their best
opportunities. He received the degrees, from the 4th to the 14th, inclusive, in the period extending
from May 9th to June 28, 1895, in Yerba Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, at San Francisco; the
15th to the 1 8th, inclusive, November 22, 1895, in Yerba Buena Chapter, No. 4, at the same place;
the 19th to 30th, inclusive, December 20, 1895, m Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1,
of the same place; and the 31st and 32d, January 9, 1896, in the Grand Consistory of California.
The beauty and sublimity of the work of the different degrees in the rite soon found an
ardent and cultured exponent in Bro. Conllsk, whose devotion to the rite has been most marked.
He rapidly advanced through the various chairs, and in 1897 was Grand Preceptor of the Grand
Consistory of California. The death in July of that year of the Venerable Grand Master, Charles
F. Crocker, and the resignation of Webb N. Pearce, Grand Prior, who withdrew with Brethren of
the Oakland bodies who desired to form a Consistory in their own city, placed Bro. Conllsk in the
FIFTY YEy{RS OF My{SONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 2O7
chair as Acting Grand Master at the forty-fourth Sitting of the Grand Consistory, September 2d.
This was the last session of the Grand Consistory of California. At that assembly the Consistory
was closed sine die, subsequently succeeded to by San Francisco Consistory, No. 1, under the master
ship of Bro. CoNLISK, who thus became the last Venerable Grand Master of the Grand Consistory
and the first Venerable Grand Master of the first Particular Consistory in this State, an honor that
seldom falls to one Brother. On October 19, 1897, the Supreme Council created Bro. CONLISK a
Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, as an honorarium, for distinguished services rendered
the fraternity.
This summary presents but a few aspects of Bro. CONLISK's Masonic career, but they illustrate
his fidelity and love of the Craft. In every phase of fraternal and civil life his manliness and loyalty
stamp him a true Mason.
— K.
>
/ BRO. GEORGE SPAULDING, K. T., 32°.
As THE FIRM of George Spaulding & Co. are the publishers of “Fifty Years of Masonry in
California,” it is but just to the memory of the dearly beloved Brother, who was the chief founder of
this publishing house, that his honorable record should be included with the others whose names and
Masonic careers are given in this work.
Bro. GEORGE SPAULDING was born December 16, 1828, in New Ipswich, N. H., and was the
son of JAMEs and SoPHIA KIDDER SPAULDING. He was a descendant of EDWARD SPAULDING, who
emigrated to this country in 1632 and settled in Chelmsford, Mass., and from whom all the SPAULD
INGs of New England are de scended. His father was a
volunteer in the last war with Great Britain in 1812–14. Bro.
SPAULDING's early years were spent on his father's farm.
When fifteen years of age he began to learn the trade of
printer at Amherst, N. H., but becoming dissatisfied he left
that place. When sixteen, he shipped at New Bedford, Mass.,
on a whaler, coming around Cape Horn to this Coast in
1844, and went to the whaling grounds in the Arctic Ocean.
He left the vessel at Honolulu, where he spent the winter. Join
ing another vessel, he returned to the Arctic Ocean. The fol
lowing winter he went back to New Bedford. After spending

a vacation at the home of his parents, he and his brother
JAMEs went to St. Louis; there he completed his trade as a
printer, and worked several years as a journeyman. From there
he moved to Fitchburg, Mass., and was employed as foreman
on the Fitchburg Sentinel for several years.
In 1857 Bro. SPA ULD IN G married Miss CALISTA, daughter
of ISAAC and ROSEMOND VARNEY NICHOLS, at Gardiner, Mass. In 1863, accompanied by his wife and
son, JAMES GARFIELD SPAULDING, he came to California via Panama. He was employed for a time
by the well-known firm of Towne & Bacon, printers; afterward was foreman on the American Flag,
a newspaper first published by D. O. McCARTHY at Sonora, Cal., and removed to San Francisco,
where it was issued during the second administration of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. When it ceased publica
tion Bro. SPAULDING became the foreman of our late Bro. A. T. DEWEY's printing establishment of
2O8 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CyALIFORNIy1.
the Mining and Scientific Press in this city, which position he held up to March, 1869, when he
formed a co-partnership with Mr. HARRISON BARTo (a practical printer, who was also then employed
in the same office), under the firm name of Spaulding & Barto, purchased the job department of
Dewey & Co., and located at 414 Clay street, in this city. This firm continued until 1878, when Mr.
BARTo withdrew and the firm became George Spaulding & Co. In 1886 Mr. BARTo returned and
the business was incorporated under the name of George Spaulding & Co.
Bro. SPAULDING was a member and then a Director of the Mechanics' Institute for sixteen
years. He was very popular, earnest in everything he undertook, thoroughly honest and upright in
all things, the very embodiment of charity, and the ABOU BEN ADAM of San Francisco. He made
business a pleasure and it was a pleasure to do business with him, while not an unkind word ever
left his lips. Eminently sociable and genial in his nature, he early sought fellowship with our ancient
and honorable fraternity. The following is his Masonic record:
Bro. GEORGE SPAULDING was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, April 15th, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft, May 18th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, June 17, 1856,
in Bethel Lodge, No. 24, in the town of Ipswich, N. H. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with
California Lodge, No. 1, at San Francisco, July 6, 1865, and of which he continued a member over
twenty-eight and a half years, until his death.
Comp. SPAULDING was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, March 6th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master, March 13th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, May 8, 1876, in San
Prancisco Chapter, No. 1, at San Francisco, and remained a member until death.
Sir Knight SPAULDING received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, March 31st, and created
a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, April 28, 1881, in Golden Gate Commandery, No. 16, at
San Francisco, of which he was a member at the time of his death.
Bro. SPAULDING received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freema
sonry, from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, from the Northern Supreme Council at Boston, Mass.,
May 22, 1862, He affiliated with the various bodies of that rite in San Francisco as follows: Yerba
Buena Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, May 5, 1871; Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1, March
29, 1872, of which he was elected and served as Junior Warden from August 16, 1872, until April
20, 1876, and then as Orator until April, 1882. By an oversight he failed to affiliate with Godfrey
de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1, of which he was always presumed to be a member, but he
was not enrolled. He affiliated with the Grand Consistory of California on January 8, 1879, and of
which with the other bodies of that rite he was a member until death.
Bro. GEORGE SPAULDING was one of the first nine of the original founders of the Masonic
Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast on December 27, 1878. He was elected and served as V. .
Grand Marshal from January 8, 1879, until January 9, 1882, when he was elected and served as
R. V.'. Grand Vice-President until January 8, 1883, and of which he was a member at the time of
his death, and was always greatly interested in its welfare.
Bro. SPAULDING died in San Francisco on January 27, 1893, after a lingering illness of more
than two years. His funeral took place in King Solomon's Hall, in the Masonic Temple in this city,
under the auspices of California Lodge, No. 1, Bro. HERMAN MULLER, Worshipful Master, pre
siding, and the hall was densely thronged by his mourning Brethren of the Mystic Tie and a large
concourse of friends. W.". Bro. COLUMBUs WATERHOUSE, Past M. V.'. Grand President, and W. .
Bro. NATHAN W. SPAULDING represented the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast as
pall-bearers with the others, and tenderly laid him to rest in the Masonic Cemetery.
FIFTY YEARS OF My SONRY IN Cy{LIFORNIy1. 2O9
ALEXANDER KAUFMAN CONEY, W. M.
To MASONRY is the President of Mexico directly indebted for his life and to it also is due the
existence of that country as a peaceful and prosperous Sister Republic. The rescue of the former
when dangerously imperiled assured the establishment of the latter. W. Bro. ALEXANDER KAUFMAN
CoNEY performed the primary service and may, therefore, not unjustly be termed the savior of
Mexico. W. Bro. CoNEY was born at Athens, near Shreveport, La., April 1, 1848. His father
was KAUFMAN CONEY and his mother Louis.A LEE, one of the celebrated Virginian family. The
period of his early life was spent in the usual course of scholastics, but, as in the case of many
distinguished men, his knowledge and learning was mostly acquired in many parts of the world, in
the active spheres of trade and commerce. W. Bro. CoNEY has, in truth, been a wanderer in
almost every part of the globe. While still quite a
young man he became a pharmacist and followed the
calling in New York. Tir ing of this pursuit and fol
lowing the bent of his in clinations—a consuming love
of the sea and the passion for visiting strange lands—
he soon became one of the mighty host of Neptune,
traversing the deep in quest of adventure and fortune. It
was at this time that W. . Bro. CONEY became a mem
ber of the Craft. He was raised to the sublime third
degree February 24, 1875, in Silentia Lodge, No. 198,

of New York City. It was in June, 1876,
while W. . Bro. CONEY was purser of the American steam
ship City of Havana that the opportunity arose which
enabled him to save the life of PORFIRIO DIAZ. A revolu
tion, headed by General DIAz, had been inaugurated to right

abuses of the Government. After defeat in battle, Gen
eral DIAz had quietly taken passage on the vessel for
Vera Cruz as “Dr. DE LA BOZA.” At Tampico a large number of troops had to be taken on board.
They had marched from Icamole, where they had encompassed the defeat of General DIAZ. As
soon as some of the officers came on board General DIAz jumped overboard and attempted to swim
to some brigs lying about five miles off. The cry of “man overboard" was raised, a boat lowered
and the swimmer picked up. W. Bro. CoNEy, being notified, immediately went to see him. Find
ing him very much exhausted, he gave him some stimulants and left. Later W. Bro. CoNEy
learned that the rescued man was the Revolutionary General DIAz. The latter had been recognized
by some of the soldiers on board at the time of the rescue. When alone with W. Bro. CoNEy,
General DIAZ made known his distress as a Mason and craved the purser's assistance. This was
readily promised. An unsuccessful effort was made to transfer the Brother to an American man
of-war. In the meantime the Colonel of the regiment demanded the delivery of the General, but
this was evaded, although sentries were permitted to be stationed at the stern, near the General's
room. W... Bro. CoNEy's sympathies were deeply aroused, which, added to his conception of his
Masonic duty, determined him to save the General, if possible, knowing that unless this were done
DIAz's life would be forfeited. After considerable maneuvering and exhibition of daring, General DIAz
was smuggled into W. Bro. CoNEy's own room during a heavy storm which, providentially, had
blown up, and was there concealed in a narrow wardrobe. Bro. DIAZ had changed his clothes for
others furnished by W. Bro. CoNEy, leaving his own in the cabin, and a life preserver was there
2 IO FIFTY YEy{RS OF MYASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá.
upon thrown overboard to convey the impression that Bro. DIAZ had again jumped overboard.
Early the next morning W. Bro. CoNEY was awakened by officers of the regiment and informed of
the supposed escape of DIAz. W. Bro. CoNEY expressed doubts and caused them to make search in
various subterranean parts of the steamer, of course, without effect other than disgust for their
fruitless labors. Under greatest distress and with infinite difficulty, W. Bro. CoNEY concealed the
General and provided him with food. His difficulties were increased by the suspicion cast upon
him that he was responsible for the General's escape. At length on the night before arrival at Vera
Cruz the regimental Colonel demanded that W. Bro. CoNEY reveal the hiding place af General DIAz,
threatening his life on refusal, but by diplomatic arts W. Bro. CoNEY turned the tables on the
Colonel, impressing upon the latter the enormity of his offense in permitting the General to escape,
and mutual pledges of silence were made. The next morning upon the arrival at Vera Cruz the
Colonel again attempted to obtain the delivery of General DIAZ, offering $50,000 in coin, part of
which was on board, but W. Bro. CoNEY refused the offer. Almost immediately on arrival W. .
Bro. CoNEY succeeded in communicating with friends ashore and shortly afterward accomplished the
escape of General DIAz from the ship in the guise of a lighter-man, but this was not achieved
without great difficulty and danger and amid much excitement aboard and ashore over the rumored
presence of the revolutionary leader. General DIAZ avoided capture, and, making his way to the
interior, organized an army and at the battle of Tecoac defeated the armies of President LERDO.
Later he entered the Mexican capital and became its President. Under DIAz's rule Mexico has
become one of the first of the progressive nations of the world. The gratitude of General DIAZ and
his appreciation of the Masonic integrity of W. . Bro. CoNEY developed a friendship that has
remained unbroken to this day. Afterward President DIAZ appointed W. Bro. CoNEY Mexican
Consul-General to France, and subsequently Consul-General of the Republic to the United States,
with headquarters at San Francisco, which position was created for him and which he still holds.
Upon W. Bro. CoNEy's return to New York he was, on September 22, 1876, exalted to the
degree of Royal Arch Mason, and later was inducted into the mysteries of the Scottish Rite. In
October, 1891, the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction conferred upon W. Bro. CoNEy,
as an honorarium for preserving the life of General DIAZ, the distinction of Knight Commander of
the Court of Honor.
In April, 1878, W. Bro. CoNEy dimitted from Silentia Lodge and affiliated with La Parfaite
Union, No. 17, of San Francisco, of which he has been Worshipful Master for the past two years.
W. Bro. CoNEY has also been for the last eighteen months the Chairman of the San Francisco
Masonic Board of Relief. He is also Grand Representative of the Gran Dieta Simbolica of the
Republic of Mexico to the W. M. Grand Lodge of California.
BK
BRO. OSCAR P. DOBBINS.
MR. O. P. DoBBINs was born May 8, 1854, at Vacaville, Solano County, Cal., and his parents
were Dr. W. J. DoBBINs, a native of Kentucky, and ELIZA A. DOBBINs, a native of North Carolina,
who came to Vacaville in 1850, where they continue to reside. Mr. DOBBINs was educated in Bro.
J. W. ANDERSON's Academy and the Pacific Methodist College, flourishing institutions at that time at
Vacaville. In 1869 he entered Santa Clara College and remained there until 1873, when for the next
six years he assisted his father with his ranch at Vacaville.
FIFTY YEARS OF MYASONRY IN CALIFORNIA. 2 I I
During the winter of 1876–7 Mr. DoBBINs was Clerk in the State Legislature. In 1880 he
commenced studying law with Judge Joseph McKENNA, and after eighteen months was admitted to
practice law by the Supreme Court of California. He remained in his preceptor's office until he was
elected District Attorney of Solano County in 1884, which office he filled with remarkable ability
until the close of his term in 1892, after which he continued
to practice his profession as an attorney-at-law until the time of
his death, which occurred after a lingering illness in October, 1893,
at his residence in Suisun. He was married June 19, 1878, in
Vacaville, to Miss MARY R. WELLs, a daughter of CALEB and PRIS
CILLA WELLs, natives of Virginia, who came to California in 1861.
They had one son, BRANTLEy W. DOBBINs, born in 1879. Mr. DoB
BINS was honored and esteemed while living, and his death was
universally mourned by the com munity in which he resided.
Bro. Os C A R P. Do B B INs was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason, April 2d, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, May 7th,
and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, May 28, 1887,
in Su is un Lodge, No. 55, at Suisun. He was elected and
served as Senior Warden of the same in 1890.
Comp. DOBBINs was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, August 6th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, August 21st, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, September 3d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, Novem
ber 9, 1887, in Solano Chapter, No. 43, at Suisun.
Sir Knight DOBBINs received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, January 3d, and was
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, January 24, 1888, in Naval Commandery, No.
19, at Vallejo.
BRO, RANDOLPH CLINTON STROUP.
MR. STROUP was born March 9, 1874, in Visalia, Tulare County,

Cal., and his parents were JAMEs URIAH and KATIE STROUP. He was
early created an esquire and then knight of the plow, and followed the
beam and the cutter through the turf as an honest farmer until he
reached the age of seventeen years. He was educated in the public
schools; in Langtree School in San Joaquin County, Union School in
Stanislaus County, and the Stockton Business College, after he had left
farming. After graduating he entered the State Hospital as an attend
ant. He has lived also in Snelling, Merced County, and in Stockton.
Bro. RANDOLPH CLINTON STROUP was initiated an Entered Appren
tice Mason, August 31st, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, October
5th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, November 21,
1896, in San /oaquin Lodge, No. 19, at Stockton.
Comp. STROUP was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark
Master, June 3d, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and
2 I 2 • FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, June 29th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal
Arch Mason, July 6, 1897, in Stockton Chapter, No. 28, at Stockton. He was appointed and served
as Master of the 1st Vail in 1898 and Master of the 2d Vail in 1899, and is now in that office,
performing its duties.
Bro. STROUP is a zealous and true-hearted Mason. His exemplary character, his strict integrity,
his honorable dealings, and his genial, pleasant, social nature make him intensely popular, and he
enjoys to a high degree the confidence and respect of the fraternity and the community in general
in which he resides.
BRO, ROBERT HENRY STERLING.
HE was born February 14, 1829, at Bridgeport, Conn., and his parents were DAVID and EMMA
H. STERLING. He was educated in the public schools, but commenced going to sea when but four
teen years old, and in time rose to the command of a ship as a master mariner. He followed the
sea until 1850. He left New York on January 15, 1849, and
arrived in San Francisco July 6th following, and on Novem
ber 4th he sailed from San Francisco for China via Hon
olulu, returning in April, 1850, as mate of the ship Tarolinta.

Sometime afterward he was ap pointed and served as Deputy
Assessor of United States In ternal Revenue, and later as
Deputy Collector of United States Internal Revenue. He
was elected and served as City Trustee of Napa in 1887, and

appointed and served as Post master of Napa from 1890 to
1894. He was married May 20, 1854, in Benicia, and has
one daughter. Bro. Ro B ERT H. STER LING was initiated an
Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of Fellow

Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, March
7, 1852, in St. /o/in's Lodge, at Bridgeport, Conn., by dispen
sation from the Grand Master. He dimitted therefrom and affil
iated with Yount Lodge, No. 12, at Napa, May 21, 1860.
Comp. R. H. STERLING was advanced to the honorary de
gree of Mark Master, April 9th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, June
11, 1869, received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, April 15, 1870, and exalted to the
sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, May 20th, in Napa Chapter, No. 30, at Napa.
Bro. STERLING is recognized as a most zealous and consistent Mason, although he has not
manifested a disposition to enter upon official stations, preferring instead a place in the ranks, feeling
that his best work could be performed among the laymen. As a citizen, he ranks among the most
influential and enjoys the highest respect of his friends and neighbors. As a Mason, he holds the
love and esteem of the Brethren in an eminent degree.
-
BRO. JOSEPH OBERTI.
He was born March 3, 1856, in Cassalla, near the city of Genoa, Italy, the birthplace of
Chr1stopher Columbus, and his parents were Frank and Domenc1a Obert1. His father was a
soldier in the Italian Army in the reign of King Charles and fought in the five -days' battle of
Milan, and all of his regiment were wounded or killed excepting fourteen, but he fortunately escaped
injury. He was also in the battle of Solferino in 1861, and was not injured. The Austrians had
blown up the bridge of twenty -six arches and the Italian Army threw the bodies of dead soldiers
and brush -wood into the shallow stream and made a new bridge of this composite material upon
which they were able to cross and follow the enemy. His father received many medals for bravery.
Mr. Obert1 was educated in the public schools and came to California, arriving on April 5,
1875, and went to Vallejo, where he resided three years, and then removed to Green Valley, where
he has made his home until the present, and is engaged in
farming and wine-making. He was married in Green Valley
on August 7, 1883, to Miss Lou1se M1 ester, by whom he
has had two sons, Frank and Joseph, the latter deceased. H is
first wife dying, he married her sister Soph1e M1ester in 1887,
who also died, and on June 8, 1896, he married Ed1t Mande-
berg, his present wife, and his home is a happy one, while he
is one of the most industrious and successful farmers and vine-
yardists to be found in Solano County, and deserves prosperitya
Bro. Joseph Obert1 was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason, July 30th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, October
10th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, No-
vember 12, 1881, in Su1sun Lodge, No. 55, at Suisun, Cal.
Comp. Obert1 was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark
Master, July 15th, inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair
as Past Master, August 5th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, September 9th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, Sep
tember 9, 1882, in Solano Chapter, No. 43, at Suisun. Sir Knight Obert1 received the Illustrious
Order of the Red Cross, September 13th, and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta,
October 18, 1898, in Naval Commandery, No. 19, at Vallejo.
Some twelve or more years ago Bro. Joseph Obert1— a native son of that land of art, of
poesy and song, and redeemed by the late Brethren King V1ctor Emmanuel, Gar1bald1, and a host
of other Italian patriots, with a now united country with Rome for its capital — concluded to make a
flying trip and visit to his native land. While there and visiting some of his relatives and friends,
one of them inquired of him if he was not a Mason, to which he replied in the affirmative. "Well,"
replied the other, "our Lodge meets to-night and will be visited by the Grand Master, and I want
you to come." Bro. Obert1 said, "I cannot come, for I have no diploma or certificate with me —
nothing but my receipt for dues paid—and your Lodge working in the Italian language cannot exam
ine me in English, and I understand that your work is different from ours." The other replied,
"That will make no difference; but come anyhow, and it will be all right." Bro. Obert1 at last
reluctantly consented and went with him, but they were a little late in arriving there. The Lodge
was then at labor, and the Grand Master of Italy had already been admitted and received with due
Masonic honors to his exalted station and rank. When it was announced that there was a Brother
from California who desired to be examined and visit that Lodge, a committee of examination was
2I4 FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
appointed by the Worshipful Master, who came out for that purpose. Bro. Obert1 showed them his
receipt for dues, but beyond that, they not understanding English, were compelled to return and
report their ill success. In this dilemma the Grand Master arose and said that he would go out
and examine the visiting Brother from America. He came out and kindly spoke to Bro. Obert1 in
English, and being satisfied that he was a Master Mason in good standing, entered with him and
introduced him to the Master and the Lodge as Bro. Joseph Obert1, a Master Mason and a member
in good standing in Suisun Lodge, No. 55, of the State of California, U. S. A., and commended him
to the fraternal embraces of all the Brethren present. The Master extended to him a most cordial
welcome, and invited him to make himself at home among them. Bro. Obert1 was completely over
come by this expression of fraternal kindness, and shed tears of gratitude as he stood there at the
altar by the side of his examiner, the Grand Master, who was no other than Umberto, the King of
Italy, who introduced him into the Lodge, where there were so many distinguished men present.
BRO. CARL AUGUST BACHMANN, 32°.
Mr. C. A. Bachmann was born January 24, 1827, in the city

of Magdeburg, Germany, and his parents were He1nr1ch and Theresa
Kuntz Bachmann. His residence is on the San Joaquin River,
eight miles from Stockton, Cal. He was educated in the public
schools of his native city, and where he learned the trade of machinist
and engineer from 1840 to 1847. He then served in the 12th Hus
sars three years and one year in the 26th Regiment of Lancers, after
which he worked at his trade as engineer for three years at Magde
burg, where his father was assessor during his lifetime and where Mr.
Bachmann was married on October 16, 1852, to Miss Dora E1chler,
daughter of Jacob E1chler, Esq. He came to the United States
and first settled in Detroit, Mich., later in Chicago, Ill., then in Min
nesota, and since 1864 at his present place of residence. He was the
first settler in District No. 17, and has held the office of Trustee of that reclaimed land district for
twenty-three years, which through his energy and untiring industry has been made flourishing, affluent,
and progressive under his supervision. Since 1872 he has been engaged in the manufacture of chicory.
He is the father of one daughter, Theresa, who married Mr. C. H. W. Brandt, who is now his
partner, and has five sons and three daughters to call her father grandfather.
Bro. Carl August Bachmann was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the
degree of Fellow Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in October, 1863, in
Garvick Lodge, No. 2, at Detroit, Mich. He dimitted therefrom in 1865 and in the same year
affiliated with Morning Star Lodge, No. 68, at Stockton.
Comp. Bachmann was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, February 7th,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, February 14th, received and acknowl
edged a Most Excellent Master, June 1st, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason,
June 20, 1882, in Stockton Chapter, No. 28, at Stockton.
Sir Knight Bachmann received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, January 12th, and was
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, February 9, 1883, in Stockton Commandery, No.
8, at Stockton. Bro. Carl August Bachmann received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, from the 4th to the 32d, by communication, on June 27, 1887.
FIFTY YEx4RS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNly1. 2I5
V.'. W. BRO. GEORGE JOHNSON, P. M.,
GRAND SECRETARY OF THE M.'. W. . GRAND LODGE OF F. & A. M. OF CALIFORNIA.
IT is with more than ordinary pleasure that we give this sketch of our good friend and Bro.
GEORGE JoHNSON, whom we have known long and well. He was born May 29, 1843, in the town
of Pembroke, Colchester County, Nova Scotia. His parents were JOHN and SARAH JOHNSON, who
sent him to the public schools to be educated, in which he faithfully improved his time. It was
natural that he should choose the profession of accountant and secretary, in which he has no superior.
He arrived in San Francisco via Panama on July 1, 1868, and was soon afterward employed as
bookkeeper of the AEtna Foundry, where he gave eminent satisfaction to his employers for many
years, when by reason of his uniting with the Masonic Order in this city a change somewhat in his
occupation was directed in another channel. He was married
in San Francisco in 1878, and by this union had two sons.
Bro. GEORGE JOHNSON was initiated an Entered Apprentice
Mason, August 8th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft,
August 15th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Ma
son, August 29, 1872, in Cal */ornia Lodge, No. 1, at San
Francisco. He was appointed and served as Junior Deacon
in 1873 and Senior Deacon in 1874; elected and served as
Junior Warden in 1875, Senior Warden in 1876–7, and Wor
shipful Master in 1878–9, 1881. He was then elected and served
as Secretary from 1887 to 1891, inclusive. He was appointed
and served as Assistant Grand Secretary under our late V. .
W. . Bro. ALEXANDER. G. ABELL from December, 1887, until the
death of the latter in Decem ber, 1890, when he was ap
pointed by Grand Master ALVAH R. CoNKLIN to fill the vacancy
until the Annual Communica tion of the Grand Lodge in
October, 1891, when he was elected V.'. W. . Grand Secre
tary, has been continuously re-elected ever since for eight consecutive years, and in all probability
will continue to be far into the twentieth century.
Comp. JoHNSON was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, April 19th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master, May 24th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, May 31, 1881, in Cal.
1/ornia Chapter, No. 5, at San Francisco. He was elected and served as its Secretary from 1887
until 1891, and of which he is still a member.
Comp. JoHNSON was greeted a Royal and a Select Master, August 6, 1881, in California
Council, No. 2, at San Francisco. He was elected and served as its Recorder from 1887 until 1891.
Sir Knight GEORGE JoiiNSON received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, April 7th, and
was created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, May 12, 1882, in California Commandery,
Bro. JoHNSON was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the
Pacific Coast, February 23, 1888, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry. He was ordered
to be transferred to the Active Life Membership roll on October 15, 1891, for his kind services
rendered to that Association.
2 I6 FIFTY YEy{RS OF MYASONRY IN CyALIFORNIM.
M.'. W. BRO. DR. WILLIAM THOMAS LUCAS, P. G. M.
DR. LUCAS was born March 18, 1850, in Buchanan County, Mo., and his father was Capt.
GEORGE J. LUCAs, who served with distinction in the United States Army during the late Civil
War, his mother being SALLIE (THOMAs) LUCAs. At the age of fourteen years he removed with his
parents to Montana, and in 1868 he came to California. He worked on a farm when a boy and
was educated in the public schools of California and Hesperian College at Woodland, Yolo County,
from 1870 to 1873. He entered the Medical College of the Pacific in June, 1874, from which he
graduated in November, 1876, and began the practice of medicine.
DR. W. T. LUCAs ancestors settled in Maryland and Virginia early in the eighteenth century.
Some of them served in the French and English War of 1755, and in the Revolutionary War for
American independence in 1776- 1783. He was first a Director
and then President for the 37th - term of the Agricultural Asso
ciation of California. He celebrated the twenty-ninth anni
versary of the admission of Cal- ifornia into the Union (Septem
ber 9, 1879) by being married to Miss LULA MA UPIN, near
Sacramento. His residence for twenty years has been in Santa
Maria, Santa Barbara County, where he has successfully fol
lowed his profession as a physician, having the confidence
and esteem of the community in that section.
The following is his Masonic record, in which he reached the

highest honor and station with in the gift of the Craft:
M.'. W. . Bro. WILLIAM T. LUCAS was initiated an Entered
Apprentice Mason, May 9th, passed to the degree of Fellow

Craft, May 23d, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason on June 6, 1881, in Guadalupe Lodge, No. 237, at
Guadalupe, Santa Barbara Coun- - - ty. At the election of officers
in the following December, he |- was elected direct from the floor
as Worshipful Master, and never saw the third degree conferred upon a real candidate until he con
ferred it himself. He continued to serve that Lodge eleven years as Master. He was appointed
Inspector of the Thirty-second District by Past Grand Master EDMUND C. ATKINSON in February,
1887, and served as such until 1893. He served on the Committee on Grievances of the Grand
Lodge of California from 1888 to 1893, and was elected and served as Junior Grand Warden in
1893–4, Senior Grand Warden in 1894–5, Deputy Grand Master in 1895, and Most Worshipful
Grand Master of Masons of California in 1896–7.
Comp. W. T. LUCAs was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, inducted and
presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, and received and acknowledged a Most Excellent
Master, August 11th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, September 2, 1887,
in San Luis Chapter, No. 62, at San Luis Obispo.
Sir Knight LUCAS received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, March 22d, and was
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, July 24, 1888, in San Luis Obispo Commandery,
No. 27, at San Luis Obispo. -
M.'. W. Bro. LUCAs was elected an Honorary Member of the Masonic Veteran Association
of the Pacific Coast, July 7, 1896, for his eminent services rendered to Freemasonry, especially at the
laying of the corner-stone of the Sloat Monument at Monterey, Cal., on that date, it being the fiftieth
anniversary of the taking possession of California and raising the American flag at Monterey by Com
modore JoHN D. SLOAT of the United States Navy.
> FIFTY YEARS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIy!. / 217
/ >
W. BRO. JAMES WRIGHT ANDERSON, P. M., P. G. L.
HE was born April 1, 1831, near the city of Pittsburgh, Pa. His parents were THOMAs and
Esther WRIGHT ANDERSON. He was educated in the public schools, St. Clair Academy, Duquesne
College, under the management of the celebrated Dr. BRUCE; entered the Junior Class of Jefferson
College, City of Canonburg, Pa., and graduated in the fall of 1851. He taught school two years in
his native State, and in Kentucky until the spring of 1854, when he started across the plains for
California, arriving in September, 1854. He established a classical academy at Vacaville, which he
sold to the Board of Trustees of the South Methodist College, which is now located at Santa Rosa,
Sonoma County, after which he was elected Principal of Grammar School in Sacramento, and soon
afterward was promoted to Principal of the High School in that city. During the flood in 1861 he
was elected President of Hesperian College in Yolo County, Cal., where he remained until the fall of
1863, when he resigned his position and established the Sotoyome Institute at Healdsburg, Sonoma
County, which he sold in 1867, and was elected the Principal of the public schools at Santa Rosa,
where, after remaining about - eight months, he was elected
the Principal of the schools in Petaluma, and remained there
until 1873, when he was elected to a school in San Francisco and
continued until 1886, in the fall of which year he was elected
Superintendent of Schools in San Francisco County. In 1890
he was elected State Superin tendent of Public Instruction
for California, and at the close of his term in 1895 he settled

in Fresno, Cal., and engaged in business as vineyardist and or
chardist, where he now resides. He was married first in May,
1857, at Vacaville, to N AN cy ELLEN, daughter of Ro B ERT
H E 1z ER, Esq. His second marriage took place on June
15, 1873, at Los Angeles, to Miss ANNA BRYANT.
Bro. J. W. A N DER SON was initiated an Entered Apprentice

Mason, July 23d, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, Septem
ber 7th, and raised to the sub lime degree of Master Mason,
October 1, 1864, in Sotoyome Lodge, No. 123, at Healdsburg,
Sonoma County, Cal. He was elected and served as Secretary,
January 18, 1865, but dimitted therefrom on June 3, 1876, and affiliated with Pacific Lodge, No. 136,
at San Francisco. He was appointed and served as Senior Deacon in 1877; elected and served as
Junior Warden in 1878, Senior Warden in 1879, and Worshipful Master in 1880. He was appointed
and served as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of California in 1889, and compiled one of the
most comprehensive digests which has ever appeared of the Constitution, Forms, Ceremonies, Decisions,
and work of both the Grand and Subordinate Lodges of California for the general use of the Craft.
Comp. ANDERSON was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, May 17th, inducted
and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, May 24th, received and acknowledged a Most
Excellent Master, May 26th, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason on May 31,
1869, in Petaluma Chapter, No. 22, at Petaluma, Cal. He dimitted therefrom and affiliated with San
Francisco Chapter, No. 1, at San Francisco, on January 24, 1881. He was appointed and served
as Principal Sojourner in 1883; elected and served as Scribe in 1884, King in 1885, and High Priest
in 1886. Comp. ANDERSON received the degrees of Royal and of Select Master, April 28, 1886, in
California Council, No. 2, at San Francisco, and dimitted January 2, 1895.
Sir JAMES WRIGHT ANDERSON received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, August 23d,
and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, September 23, 1889, in California Com
mandery, No. 1, at San Francisco.
2 I8 FIFTY YEARS OF MyASONRY IN CyALIFORNIyá. -
BRO. HENRY BECKMAN. BRO HENRY THEODORE BECKMAN, W. M.
BRO. FRANK WILLIAM BECKMAN, S. D.
BRO. HENRY BECKMAN was born March 13, 1835, in Wehe, Germany, and his parents were
WILLIAM and WILHELMINE BECKMAN. Bro. HENRY BECKMAN attended the Wehe public school, and
may be said to have been self-taught. He came to the United States at the age of 15, and at 19,
in October, 1854, he settled at Lodi, San Joaquin County, Cal., and has been greatly interested in
the welfare of that community, of which he may be said to be the father. Bro. BECKMAN has been
and is still engaged in stock farming business. He was married at Sutter Creek, August 9, 1868, to
Miss MARGARETTA ToNI, the daughter of JoHN TONI, from Canton Granbunden, Switzerland, by
whom he has had four children, three sons and one daughter. The eldest boy, GEORGE VICTOR,
was born June 24, 1869; Bro. HENRY THEODORE, born May 3, 1871; Bro. FRANK WILLIAM, born July
26, 1874; and Eva MABEL, born June 29, 1882, now attending the High School at Lodi. The fol
lowing are the Masonic records of the father and the two sons:
Bro. HENRY BECKMAN was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, February 4th, passed to
the degree of Fellow Craft, March 18th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, April 15,
1865 (on the day of Pres- - ident ABRAHAM LINCOLN's
assassination and death *- in Washington, D. C.),
in Woodbridge Lodge, No. 131, at Woodbridge,
San Joaquin County, being still a member.
Bro. H E N R Y THE O D OR E, his second son,
was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, Feb
ruary 25th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft,
March 20th, and raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason, April 29, 1893, in Woodbridge
Lodge, No. 131, located at Woodbridge. He was
appointed and served as Junior Deacon in 1895;
elected and served as Junior Warden in 1897,
Senior Warden in 1898, and Worshipful Master
in 1899, and is now in office. [He was Worthy
Patron of Woodbridge Chapter, Order of the
Eastern Star, in 1896.] Bro. FRANK WILLIAM
BECKMAN, his third son, was initiated an Entered
Apprentice Mason, August 21st, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, September 28th, and raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason, November 2, 1895, in Woodbridge Lodge, No. 131, at Wood
bridge. He was appointed and served as Steward in 1898, Senior Deacon in 1899, and is now in
office. [He is also the Worthy Patron of Woodbridge Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.]
Comp. HENRY BECKMAN was advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master, April 8th,
inducted and presided in the Oriental Chair as Past Master, April 8th, received and acknowl
edged a Most Excellent Master, April 22d, and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason,
November 25, 1890, in Stockton Chapter, No. 28, at Stockton, Cal.
Sir HENRY BECKMAN received the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, March 18th, and was
created a Knight Templar and a Knight of Malta, March 24, 1892, in Stockton Commandery, No. 8,
at Stockton.
Bro. HENRY BECKMAN was elected an Active Member of the Masonic Veteran Association
of the Pacific Coast, October 12, 1899.
CHAPTER I.
The Or1g1n of Freemasonry. — Its History Like that of a Nation, Historic and Pre-historic — Connection
with Remote Associations — Antiquity of Freemasonry — Mysteries of Ancients and Symbolism of Masonry
Identical in Spirit — Tradition and Symbolism Inherited from the Ancients — Moses Imparts Sacredness to
Egyptian Symbols — The Temple of Karnak, the Seat of the Old Mysteries and the Fountain of Moses'
Knowledge — Masonic Symbols Preserved from Mysteries of Moses and Solomon which were of Egyptian
Origin — Solomon's Temple the Traditional and Historical Base of Masonry, Built by Ancient Parliament of
Religions — The Great Purpose of Solomon — Worship of One God, for which the Great Temple was Erected —
Dedication of the Temple by King Solomon for all Peoples — Prayer for Foreign Masons — First Organiza
tion of Freemasons Under Direction of Hiram Abif — Life and Death of Hiram Abif the Basis of Symbolic
Masonry — The Master Builder of the World — Hiram's Recommendation — King David the Designer of the
Temple Plans — Tradition of Solomon's Jealousy of Power as the Real Cause of Hiram Abif 's Death — Crafts
men Pursue the Art of Building in Every Country — Their Familiarity with Science of Construction — Knowl
edge of all Religions Known to Them — Their Tools Symbols for Moral Teachings and Guides of Conduct —
Scattered Lodges Mostly Found in England and After Plague and Fire — Four English Lodges Admit
Scholars and Scientists as "Accepted Masons," and Instruct them in Allegories and Symbols of Craft — Free
masonry Expands by these Augmentations, and its Temples Become Neutral Ground, Barring Political and
Religious Disputations, and Encouraging Humanity and Kindness.
CHAPTER II.
The Objects of Freemasonry. — The First Triad of Principles, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, the
Base of the Institution — The Second Trinity, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, the Living Force of the
First — These Intwined Tenets the Foundation of the Triune, Faith, Hope, and Charity — Faith in the Creator
of the Universe — Hope of Immortality — Charity the Crown of all Virtues — The Golden Rule — Fundamental
Principles of Masonic Universal Religion — Ancient Charges of a Freemason — Concerning God and Religion —
Of the Civil Magistrate, Supreme and Subordinate — Further Extracts from Ancient Charges of a Freemason —
Principles of "Ancient Charges," the Germ of Civil and Religious Liberty — Respect and Esteem Cultivated
and Spirit of Brotherly Love and Affection Engendered — Freemasonry Punishes Neither Religious Heresy nor
Political Rebellion, Except Tinctured with Crime — Principles, Maxims and Policy of Masonic Institution
Formulated by English Grand Lodge at Revival of Freemasonry, as Outgrowth of Persecution of Huguenots
and Scotchmen — Design of Freemasonry is Search After Truth — Representation of Various Degrees —
Scholars Received into Operative Guilds as Accepted Freemasons — The Antiquarian Elias Ashmole Made a
Mason, and Leaves His Impress Upon Fellow Craft Degree — Statutes Intended to Abolish Freemasonry —
Free Government Owes Existence to Influence of Masonry .— Speculative Freemasonry the Child of Rational
Religion and Liberal Politics'— Influences that Molded and Enriched Masonic Ritualism — "Revival of Free
masonry," the Spiritual Rebuilding of King Solomon's Temple — Qualifications Requisite for Freemasonry —
Desaguliers the Real Author of the Revival of Freemasonry — First Grand Masters of England — The Grand
Lodge the Custodian of the Great Light — Desaguliers' Charge to the Master — The Scottish Element Pre
vails in the " Revival of Freemasonry" — Rev. James Anderson Compiles the History and Charges of the Fra
ternity — Troublous Times at Organization of Grand Lodge of England — Ashmole, Anderson, and Desaguliers,
Representative of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, the Three Great Master Builders — The Grand Mission of
Freemasonry.
ii Table of Contents.
CHAPTER III.
Advent of Freemasonry Into Amer1ca. — Existence of French Freemasonry in Nova Scotia — The
First Mason — Masons Made in Pro Tempore Lodges — No Supreme or Controlling Authority — Masonry in
the British Isles — English Grand Lodge Restricts the Making of Masons, Except in Warranted Lodges —
The New Regulation Approved in British North American Provinces -- Formation of Irish and Scotch Grand
Lodges — Masonic Bodies of American Colonies Warranted by British Grand Lodges — Origin of York Grand
Lodge — Split in English Jurisdiction and Creation of Northern and Southern Grand Lodges — Unfriendliness
of the Two Grand Bodies — Secession from Southern Grand Lodge Followed by Establishment of New Grand
Lodge Under Name of Ancient York Masons — Issuance of Warrants by Rival Grand Lodges to Subordinates
in American Colonies — First Authority to Constitute Lodges in Colonies — Provincial Grand Masters
Appointed — First American Grand Lodge Formed and Warrant Issued for St. John's Lodge in Boston —
Recognition of English Authority by Benjamin Franklin, and Creation of First Philadelphia Lodge — Warrants
Issued for Lodges by Grand Lodge — St. Andrew's Lodge Opened in Boston Under Scotch Authority —
Joseph Warren Appointed Grand Master — " Massachusetts Grand Lodge " — Lodges Chartered up to Close
of Revolutionary War — Benjamin Franklin and his Early Connection with the Fraternity — The Germs of
the Great Issues of the Revolution — Masons Leaders in the Events Culminating in Revolutionary War — The
Boston " Tea Party " Composed of Masons — Continental Congress Presided Over by Grand Master of Masons —
Grand Master Joseph Warren and the " Suffolk Resolves" — Masonic Brethren Active and Watchful — Brother
Robert Newman, the Sexton of Old North Church, and the Incident of his Signals to Brother Paul Revere —
Great Strength of the Masonic Element in the Revolutionary Movement — George Washington and Other
Masons Selected to Command Troops — Masons Unite to Resist Tyranny and Oppression and Aid the Colo
nies — The Masonic Grand Lodges Charter Military Lodges — Masons Create the American Flag — Masonic
Symbolism in American Flag and Great Seal of United States — American Coat-of-Arms Fully Masonic —
Freemasonry Upholds and Preserves the Cause of Freedom in the Dark Hours, and Welds its Defenders Into
a Sacred Brotherhood that Guards the Patriot Army.
CHAPTER IV.
Advent 0f Freemasonry Into Cal1forn1a. — First Lodges ot Mississippi Valley Constituted After
Revolutionary War — French Lodge Warranted in Louisiana, now State of Missouri — Progress of Masonry
Disturbed by War of 1812 — Organization of Missouri Grand Lodge, the Foster Mother of Western Masonry —
Migration of Individual Masons to Pacific Coast — Peter Lassen the First Masonic Missionary to California —
Arrival of Capt. John A. Sutter and Construction of his Famous Fort — First Company of Emigrants Leave
Missouri for California — John Bidwell Maps the Sacramento Valley and Names the Streams — Lassen Obtains
a Grant of Land in Tehama County and Lays out Benton City to Establish a Masonic Lodge — Lassen
Returns to Missouri to get a Charter for a Masonic Lodge — Charter Granted to Lassen for Western Star
Lodge, No. 98, to be Located at Benton City — Lodge Instituted at Oregon City, Oregon — Death of Lassen
and his Burial at Honey Lake by Brethren — Lassen County and Lassen Peak Named for Him — Bro. Saschel
Woods, First Master of Western Star Lodge, Saves a Party of Traders from Indian Punishment with the Sign
of Distress — Bro. Robert Semple, of Kentucky, Aids "Bear Flag" Revolution — Commodore Sloat Raises
American Flag at Monterey, and Bro. Rodman M. Price Reads the Proclamation of Annexation — Masons in
Capt. Montgomery's Force — Masonic Grandson of Paul Revere Hoists Stars and Stripes at Sonoma — Bro.
Robert Semple Affiliates with Benicia Lodge — Bro. James F. Reed, the First Authenticated Mason to Come
to California — He Organizes Emigrant Party at Springfield, 1ll., Afterward Known as Donner Party — Other
Distinguished Masonic Emigrants — Bro. Aquilla Glover's Pledge to Bro. Reed to Rescue His Family — Arri
val of Bro. Jonathan D. Stevenson — Discovery of Gold and Great Emigration Causes Large Numbers of Emi
grants to Become Masons — Dispensations Without Limit Issued by Grand Lodges Everywhere — Charters
Issued for Traveling Lodges — Charter Granted by Grand Lodge of District of Columbia for California Lodge,
No. 13, at San Francisco — Charter Issued by Connecticut Grand Lodge for Lodge No. 75 — Dispensations
Issued for New Jersey, Pacific (Benicia), and Davy Crockett Lodges — Other Lodges Chartered — First
Masonic Notice Printed in California — Organization ol California Lodge at San Francisco — First Petition for
Degrees — Fees for Degrees and Membership — Formation of Masonic Relief Association at Sacramento —
Institution of Connecticut Lodge, No. 75, at Sacramento — New Jersey Lodge, U. D., Opened at Sacramento —
Benicia Lodge Commences Work.
Table of Contents. 111
CHAPTER V.
The Most Worsh1pful Grand Lodge of Cal1f0rn1a. — Two Grand Lodges Formed — First
Grand Lodge Irregular and Illegal — Pacific (Benicia) and Davy Crockett Lodges, Formed Under Authority ot
Louisiana Independent Grand Lodge, Clandestine — Action of California Lodge, No. 13, Relative to Formation
of First Grand Lodge — Recommends Rescission of all Action Taken at Sacramento — First Grand Lodge
Dissolved and Call Issued for Legal Formation of Grand Lodge of California — Convention at Sacramento
April 17, 1850, to Establish Grand Lodge — Legally Constituted Lodges Represented — Constitution of Grand
Lodge Adopted — Text of Original Constitution — Election of First Grand Officers —- Formation of Grand
Lodge, April 19, 1850 — First Annual Communication of Grand Lodge — Subordinate Lodges Constituted —
Other Business Transacted — Masonic Aid Extended During Cholera Epidemic of 1850 — The Grand Masters,
Deputy Grand Masters, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens of the Grand Lodge — The Grand Treasurers and
Grand Secretaries — Famous Grand Orators — The Grand Lecturers — Committee on Correspondence — The
Grand Organist — The Grand Tyler — Statistics of the Subordinates'— Charity and Boards of Relief — Corner
stones Laid by the Grand Lodge.
CHAPTER VI.
The Subord1nate Lodges of Cal1forn1a. — Their History After Organization of the Grand Lodge —
Passing of Some of the Lodges — Surrendered Subordinates and their Membership — Existing Chartered
Lodges — Membership of Fraternity — California the Second Palestine — Altar Fires Kept Burning by the
Subordinate Lodges — California, No. 1, the Mother Lodge of the Jurisdiction — Raises Restriction 0f Non-
Intercourse with David Crockett Lodge — Removes to its New Hall — One Hundred Meetings held in
Thirteen Months — Work Performed by the Lodge in Same Period — Joins in Procession Celebrating Admis
sion of State to Union — Grand Officers Selected from the Lodge — Celebration of its Semi-Centenary — Its
Distinguished Membership and Great Roster — Western Star Lodge, No. 2, Oldest Chartered Lodge —
Located at Benton City, but Subsequently Removed to Shasta City — Flourishes Until Fire of 1853 — Hall
and Records Destroyed — Re-chartered and Helped by Grand Lodge — Progress of the Lodge — Bro. Saschel
Woods, Master of Western Star Lodge, First Master of Masonic Lodge in California .— Monument Erected to
his Memory by Grand Lodge — Tehama Lodge, No. 3, of Sacramento, Originally Known as Connecticut,
No. 75 — Surviving Charter Members — Notable Members — Its First Lodge Room — Proud Record of the
Past — Jennings Lodge, No. 4, Originally Constituted as New Jersey Lodge and Chartered by Grand Lodge
as Berryman Lodge — It Prospers for a Time and then Surrenders its Charter — Grievance of a Brother
Against the Lodge — Alleged Reason for Surrender of Charter — Most Remarkable Member of Jennings
Lodge — Benicia Lodge, No. 5, Cured of Illegitimacy by First Grand Lodge — Was Offspring of Spurious
Louisiana Grand Lodge — First Meeting and Officers Selected — Table of Fees Established — Presentation of
Bible — Issuance of Charter by Grand Master — First Masonic Hall in California Built by Benicia Lodge —
Cost of Former and Present Buildings — Celebrated Members —- Sutter Lodge, No. 6, of Sacramento, First
Lodge Created by Grand Lodge — Surrendered Charter Through Loss of Books and Furniture — Davy
Crockett, Afterward Designated as San Francisco Lodge, No. 7, Organized Under Dispensation from Clandes
tine Louisiana Grand Lodge — Manifested Great Masonic Zeal — Its Irregularity Subsequently Cured — Noted
Members — Charter Revoked — Tuolumne, No. 8, of Sonora, Chartered — A Representative Lodge —
Renowned Members — Its Hall is Destroyed and Degrees Conferred in Open Air in a Small Valley near the
Town — Furnishes two Grand Masters — Marysville, No. 9, Organized as Saville Lodge under Illinois Dispen
sation, Holds Meetings in a Tent and is Chartered by Grand Lodge — Afterward Consolidated with Corinthian,
No. 69 — Honorable Roll of Members — San Jose, No. 10, Chartered — Impetus to Lodge Given by First
Meeting of State Legislature — Splendid Record and Membership of the Lodge — Willamette, No. 11, of
Portland, Oregon, First Lodge Organized by Grand Lodge Out of State — Withdrew to Form Oregon Grand
Lodge — Yount, No. 12, Constituted — Named for its Principal Founder — Furnishes Two Grand Masters and
Other Grand Officers — Famed Hospitality of Bro. George C. Yount — First Log House in California Erected
by a Mason — One of "Bear Flag" Revolutionists on Roll of Yount Lodge — Honorable Record of Mili
tary Member — Resplendent History and Promising Future.
Table of Contents.
CHAPTER VII.
The Subord1nate Lodges of Cal1f0rn1a. — Lafayette, No. 29, of Nevada City, First Masonic
Organization in Nevada County — Chartered by Wisconsin Grand Lodge — Destruction of Hall and Records
by Fire — Chartered by California Grand Lodge as Nevada, No. 13 — Extraordinary Work Done by Nevada
Lodge — Thomas H. Caswell First Mason Raised — Famous Members — Noted Officials in Masonry and
Public Life — Thrice Destroyed by Fire — Hall Association and New Hall — Dispensation for Sonoma Lodge
Issued to George Stoneman and Others — Name Changed to Temple, No. 14, when Chartered — Lieut. George
H. Derby, Chief Organizer, Elected Master — First Spanish-Californian to receive Degrees — Julio Carrillo's
Initiation — Lieut. Derby and the Branding Iron — Lafayette, No. 15, of Oregon, Chartered — Withdraws to
Form Oregon Grand Lodge — Christopher Taylor First Mason Made on the Pacific Coast. Afterward Grand
Master of Oregon — How a Great Sacramento Firm was Founded — Circumstances Under Which Eureka, No.
16, was Organized — Removed from Horseshoe Bend to Auburn — Grand Officers from this Lodge — La Par-
faite Union, No. 17, Warranted — An Early Initiate, Jacob Mayer, P. G. M. of Oregon — Works in French,
Having its Own Ordeal Ceremonials in E. A. Degree — Foremost in Works of Benevolence — Tahiti French
Masons aid Shipwrecked Family — French Ceremony of Adoption — Celebrates Both Sts. John's Days — Bro.
A. K. Coney, S. W., Saves Life of Porfirio Diaz, President of Mexico — Mountain Shade, No. 18, Instituted
at Downieville — Noted Grand Officers from this Lodge — San Joaquin, No. 19, Constituted at Stockton —
Three Eminent Grand Masters — Signification of Name — Formation of Washington, No. 20, at Sacramento —
Distinguished Brethren and Statesmen on Its Roll — Second Native Spanish-Californian to Receive Degrees --
Hawaiian No. 21, of Honolulu, H. I., Third Extra-Territorial Lodge Created, and First by California Grand
Lodge in Foreign Country — Friction with French Lodge — Action of Grand Lodge — Existence Maintained
Under Peculiar Circumstances — Handsome Temple Erected — A Light-ship of Freemasonry — Occidental, No.
22, of San Francisco, First Lodge Chartered Without Dispensation — Notable Members and Past Masters —
Charter Issued to Madison, No. 23, of Grass Valley — A Victim of the Great Fire — Situated in Quartz
Region, its Membership Largely Miners — A Prosperous Lodge — Mariposa, No. 24, Organized — Has Done
Good Work — A Symbol of Energy — Georgetown, No. 25, Started — A Flourishing Lodge — Remarkable
Masonic Career of Thomas M. Reed, its First Master — Other Prominent Members and Their Services — Work
Commenced at Placerville in El Dorado, No. 26 — Fluctuations Due to Mining Excitements — Sole Surviving
Charter Member — Furnishes an Eminent Grand Officer — Notable Members — Trinity, No. 27, of Weaver-
ville, Does Extraordinary Amount of Work in its First Year — Performs Prodigious Work Second Year — A
Member Becomes Grand Master — Columbia, No. 28, Chartered —- Works Industriously — Decadence of Mining
Industry Causes Surrender of Charter and Consolidation with Tuolumne, No. 8 — Lengthy and Creditable
Career of Lodge -— Able Grand Officers Furnished by Lodge — Incident of Rescue from Mormons of Womea
by Masons in Utah — Diamond, No. 29, and Its Good Work — Notable Members — Bro. Gridley and His
Famous " Sanitary " Sack of Flour — Surrenders its Charter — Formation of Golden Gate, No. 30 — Surviv
ing Charter Members — First Master, W. S. Moses, One of the Two Surviving Visitors at Organization of
Grand Lodge — Long Line of Distinguished Past Masters.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Sub0rd1nate Lodges of Cal1forn1a. — Petition for Mokelumne, No. 31, Granted — Prospers
for a time, and Surrenders Charter on Failure of Mines — Well-Known Charter Members — Sacredness of
Private Property in Early Days Illustrated by Incident — Gold Hill, No. 32, Established at Mining Camp of
Gold Hill — Removed to Lincoln — Ophir, No. 33, Opened at Murphy's — Owns Hall and is Prosperous —
Subordinate Consecrated at Santa Clara as No. 34, but Prosperous Career Impaired and Charter Revoked —
History of San Diego, No. 35 — Its Condition and Membership at the End of Forty-Six Years — J. Judson
Ames, First Senior Warden, and his Interesting Experiences -— Oldest Past Master Only Surviving Charter
Member — Capt. Geo. H. Derby Affiliates and Presents Jewel — Other Prominent Members — Butte, No. 36,
Constituted at Bidwell's Bar — Gen. John Bidwell, Most Distinguished Member — Charter Surrendered — St.
John's, No. 37, Erected at Yreka, Historic Membership — Lieut. Schwatka Enrolled — Ten Brethren Open
Santa Cruz, No. 38 — Past Grand Master Howard and His Nevada Juries — P'irst Master Elected Governor of
TaBle of Contents. v
Nevada — Work of the Past Masters — Yuba, No. 39, of Marysville, Added to the Roll — Prominent Brethren —
Dispensation Granted for Sacramento, No. 3 — Furnishes Two Grand Masters — Illustrious Members — First
Lodge of Sorrow — Sole Charter Member — Notable Names — Martinez, No. 41, Makes the Third Native
Spanish-Californian a Master Mason — Long and Honorable Record of L. C. Wittenmeyer, Oldest Past Master —
Los Angeles, No. 42, Composed of Best Citizens, and Conservator of Order in Early Times — Roll of Promi
nent Members — Hiram, No. 43, Started at Mud Springs — Nearness of Lodges in Mining Regions — Credit
Due Members for Fidelity to Masonry — Mt. Moriah, No. 44, of San Francisco, Instituted — Oldest Members —
First Master Healed — Masonic Remains Identified by Silk Handkerchief — Distinguished Members in Grand
Lodge — W. G. Badger, Oldest Member in Masonic Age — Famous Members — Crescent City, No. 45, Added
to Grand Lodge Roster — One Master Serves Fourteen Years — Ministers to Wants of Bro. Saschel Woods,
First Master of First Lodge, and Forwards Erection of Monument at His Grave — Texas, No. 46, Granted
Moveable Charter — Members Build Fine Hall — Mother of Four Neighboring Lodges — Eminent Members —
Makes Fourth Native Spanish-Californian Mason — Michigan City, No. 47, of Michigan Bluff, Produces One
Great Man, Leland Stanford, Governor, Senator, Railroad President, and Philanthropist — Grass Valley, No.
48, after Nine Months' Existence, Surrenders its Charter — Lebanon, No. 49, Chartered at San Francisco,
Loses its Charter for Failing to Enforce Masonic Laws — Fidelity, No. 120, the Offspring of Lebanon — Louis
Cohn, P. M., becomes Grand Master of Masons in Oregon — Forbestown, No. 50, Chartered — A Noted
Member.
CHAPTER IX.
The Sub0rd1nate Lodges of Cal1forn1a. — Illinoistown, No. 51, Chartered — Subsequently Removes
to Colfax — Dedicates its New Hall and Celebrates the Occasion — Oldest Past Master, Single Survivor of
Charter Members, and Father of Lodge — Rough and Ready, No. 52, Constituted — Flourishes for a Period,
and Surrenders Charter Through Failure of Mines — Franklin, No. 53, of Sacramento, and St. James, No. 54,
of Jamestown, Instituted, but Cease Work — Fidelity of Past Masters of Suisun, No. 55, the Parent of King
Solomon's, No. 260 — Volcano, No. 56, Erects a Hall on High Pyramidal Rock, Resembling Miniature Vol
cano, in Channel of Sutter Creek — Erects a Commodious Building — Prominent Statesmen and Citizens
Borne on its Roll — None of Charter Members Now on Roll of Santa Rosa, No. 57 — Reminiscences of Older
Members — Sturdy Growth of Union, No. 58, of Sacramento — Only Living Charter Member — Grand Lodge
Honors it in Selection of Grand Master — Able Craftsmen — Good Average of Gravel Range, No. 59, of Camp-
tonville — A Prominent Public Man — Plumas, No. 60, of Quincy, Develops a Famous Character and Patriot —
Raises a Future Grand Commander, K. T. — Proud Record of Live Oak, 61, of Oakland, as Pioneer Lodge
of Alameda County .— The Mother of Ten Subordinates .— Two Continuous Members — Historic Names on its
Scroll — Bench and Bar Predominate — Chair of Washington as Master Saved from Flames by a Member —
George Washington, No. 62, of Chinese Camp, Shapes Several Perfect Ashlars — Iowa Hill, No. 63, Raises a
Trinity of Fine Brethren, and Surrenders its Charter — Natoma, No. 64, Removes to Folsom and Affiliates
Members of Folsom, U. D. — Active Careers of Brethren — Masonic Charity Displayed by a Reverend Brother —
Flourishing Condition of Amador, No. 65, of Jackson — Owns the "Masonic Building" — Honorable Public
Citizens Who Have Brought it Fame — The Parent Lodge of Able Grand Master — Forest, No. 66, Changes
its Locality to Alleghany City — Recollections of First Workers — After Brief Existence, Minnesota, No. 67,
Ext1nguishes its Altar Lights — Morning Star, No. 68, Second Lodge in Stockton — Makes Refulgent Record
for Masonry — Corinthian, No. 69, Consolidated with Marysville, No. 9 — Enterprise, No. 70, of Yuba City,
Maintains High Standing — Nebraska, No. 71, of Michigan Bar, Consolidates with lone, No. 80, Through
Dispersion of Membership — E. K. Kane, No. 72, of Nevada City, Relinquishes its Authority — The Mother
of Notable Masons — Tyro, No. 73, of Drytown, Abandons its Labors — Wisconsin Hill, No. 74, Merged in
Ionic, No. 121 — Mountain Forest, No. 75, of Eureka North, has Short but Active Existence — Bear Moun
tain, No. 76, Sustained Successfully for Many Years — Stupendous Projects of Former Member — Petaluma,
No. 77, Passes Inspection of Overseer's Square — Members Attain Prominence in the Fraternity -— Remark
able Uniformity of Numbers Maintained by Calaveras, No. 78, of San Andreas — Well-Known Members of the
Past — Humboldt, No. 79, After Institution Transfers its Seat to Eureka — Its Exemplary Record and Roll of
Honor — lone, No. 80, Receives Members of Nebraska, No. 71 — Its Building and Funds — Interesting Finan
cial Regulations of Yolo, No. 81 — Mountain, No. 82, at Don Pedro's Bar, Overwhelmed by Fire, Closes its
Table of Contents.
Career — Rising Star, No. 83, Founded at Todd's Valley, Celebrates its First Charter Meeting by Dedicating
a Fine Hall — Afterward Removes to Forest Hill — Distinguished Members of Vesper, No. 84, of Red Bluff—
Indian Diggings, No. 85, Revives Recollections of Early Days — Its Lodge Building and Panorama of Char
coal Drawings — Consolidates with St. Mark's, No. 115, of Fiddletown, and after Hopeless Struggle, Conjoined
Lodge Stops Work — St. Louis, No. 86, Unites with Gibsonville, No. 158 — Grand Record of Naval, No. 87,
of Vallejo — Owns its Building, has Large Membership, and is Prosperous — A Past Master Designer of Amer
ican Warships — A Member Four Times Grand Master — Jewel of Past Master J. M. Browne — Quitman, No.
88, Changes its Name and Twice Changes its Location — Rose's Bar, No. 89, Removes to Smartsville — Its
Charity Unexcelled.
CHAPTER X.
The Subord1nate Lodges of Cal1forn1a. — Polar Star, No. 90, of Forks of Poor Man's Creek,
Moves to Onion Valley, and Returns its Charter — North Star, No.' 91, Migrates Through Siskiyou County
and Settles at Fort Jones — Its Brethren Honored — Acacia, No. 92, Planted at Coloma — Personnel of Lodge
Unsurpassed — Caymus, No. 93, of Yount, Transferred to St. Helena and Name Changed for Town — Past
Masters' Diversity of Trades — Has One Master Eleven Years — Founded by George C. Yount — Mt. Hermon,
No. 94, of Elizabethtown, Winds Up its Affairs —'A Lesson in Masonic Charity and Friendship Illustrated by
A Member of Henry Clay, No. 95, of Sutter Creek — It Matures a Chief Engineer of U. S. Navy — Howard, No.
96, of Yreka, named for the Grand Master — A Past Master Becomes Grand Master — Past Masters, Worthy
Exemplars of Masonry — Jefferson, No. 97, of La Porte, Claims Noble Brethren — A Past Master's Fidelity
Unto Death — Quartzberg, No. 98, Enters a New Field of Labor and Assumes Name of Hornitos — Displays
Heroic Fortitude and Practices Sublime Charities — Its Master serves Twenty-eight Consecutive Terms '— La
Grange, No. 99, of Merced, has Fluctuating Existence — Devoted Officers and Zealous Membership — Honored
by Selection of Grand Master — Campo Seco, No. 100, of Valley Springs, Makes Noble Fight Against Adverse
Circumstances — Clay, No. 101, of Dutch Flat, Added to List of Mining Lodges —'Prosperous Course of Man-
zanita, No. 102, of North San Juan — Its Distinguished Charter Master — Oroville, No. 103, Granted a Charter
After One Month's Existence — Its Members Pillars of the Craft —- Two Grand Masters Drawn from its
Roster — Another Perfect Ashlar Added to the Temple in Lexington, No. 104, of El Monte — Earnest
Workers — Siskiyou, No. 105, of Cottonwood, Combines with St. John's, No. 37 .— Handsome Home of
Arcata, No. 106 — Masonic Brethren Subdue Hostile Indians — Mt. Jefferson, No. 107, of Garrote, after Nom
inal Existence, Fuses with Tuolumne, No. 8 — Bell Made from Chippings of Liberty Bell — Owen, No. 108, of
Scott's Bar, Displays Marvelous Tenacity — Dibble, No. 109, removes from Alpha to Omega, and gives up its
Charter — Pajaro, No. 1 10, of Watsonville, Fathers Masonic Patriarchs and Maintains Steady Growth — Chico,
No. 111, and its Roll of Bright Masons — Summit, No. 112, of Knight's Ferry, Established and Preliminary
Steps Taken to Erect a Hall — First Member a Distinguished Warrior — Eden, No. 113, of San Leandro,
Provides the Craft with Good Material — Mt. Zion, No. 114. of Grizzly Flat, with Small Roster, Commend-
ably Retains its Charter — St. Mark's No. 115, of Plymouth, Consolidates with Indian Diggings, No. 85 —
Windsor, No. 116, Concludes its Existence — Concord, No. 117, of Sacramento, Chartered Without Usual
Probation — Record of its Most Active Members — Vallecito, No. 118, Retires from Labor — Clinton, No. 119,
Chartered at Horsetown, Moves to Piety Hall and Settles at Igo — Creditable Efforts for the Fraternity —
Formation of Fidelity, No. 120, Outgrowth of Recalcitrant Majority of Lebanon, No. 49, whose Charter
Arrested — Credit Due its Oldest Past Master — Members Become Honored Grand Officers — Its Magnificent
Widows' and Orphans' Fund — High Standard of Lodge Work — Ionic, No. 121, of Iowa Hill, Rises from
Remains of Wisconsin Hill and Iowa Hill Lodges — Alamo, No. 1 22, Chartered at Alamo, Reports from
Danville, and Finally Locates at Walnut Creek — Organization of Sotoyome, No. 123, at Healdsburg — Its
Charter Members and Past Officers — Table Mountain, No. 124, Transfers its Altars to Cherokee — Devotion
of its Members — Progress, No. 125, of San Francisco, Falls Into Unworthy Hands and Loses its Charter —
La Fayette, No. 126, of Sebastopol, and its Third Master — Granted Permission to Move to Bodega, but
Fails to Take Advantage of Right — None of Charter Members Borne upon Roll — Varied Abilities and Pur
suits of Its Third Master — A Faithful and Noble Member — One of the First Settlers Near Bodega, and an
Honor to the Fraternity.
Table of Contents.
CHAPTER XI.
The Subord1nate Lodges of Cal1forn1a. — Permission Granted to Hermann, No. 127. to work in
German Language — Honorable Existence of the Lodge — Temple Groundwork Mosaic in Character — Faithful
to Craft Teachings — Conscientious and Learned Brethren — Splendid Beginning of Visalia, No. 128, Retarded
by Negligent Officers — Exceptional Work Evokes Praise and Charter — Pioneer Members — Work of Nico-
laus. No. 129, of Wheatland, Compares Well with Other Lodges — Unity, No. 130, of San Bernardinoa
Declared Extinct for Unmasonic Conduct — Woodbridge, No. 131, an Industrious Lodge — Furnishes Material
for Two Neighboring Lodges — Attractive Statistics — Sincerity, No. 132, of Taylorville, Welded to Greenville,
No. 249, Retains its Name, Number, and Location — Yosemite, No. 133, Chartered at Coulterville, Increases
its Temple Toilers — Vacaville, No. 134, Regains its Lost Membership by Earnest Efforts — Generous and
Hospitable Valley, No. 135, of Linden, Actively Upholds Masonic Principles — Pacific, No. 136, Created from
Membership of Defunct San Francisco, No. 7 — Financial Distress of Lodge Causes Removal from Temple —
Steadfast Faith of a Few Members Invokes Renewal of Prosperity — Its Ample Treasury — Its Big-hearted
Craftsmen — Generous Legacy of Pioneer Member — Oro Fino, No. 137, After Destruction by Fire, Winds
up its Affairs — Violet, No. 138, of Spanish Flat, Unable to Cope with Adversity, Quenches its Altar Fires —
Crockett, No. 139, of San Francisco, Has Gradations of Prosperity — A Fearless Master Seizes a Brother's
Corpse and Fulfills a Sacred Promise — Curtis, No. 140, of Cloverdale, Named in Honor of Grand Master —
A Lively Country Lodge — Oldest Charter Member of Grafton, No. 141, Withdraws — Colusa, No. 142, and
its Offshoot, Equality, No. 240, Coalesce — Their Notable Workers — Pleasant Memories Cluster Around
Franklin, No. 143, of Courtland — An Industrious Lodge — A Grand Master Chosen From its Roll — Three
Masters, Sons of Three Other Masters of Same Lodge — Oriental, No. 144, of San Francisco, Second Lodge
Chartered During Civil War — The Cradle of Thomas Starr King, Whose Patriotism Aided the Union —
Its Pantheon of Distinguished Brethren — Its Gallery of Notable Members — Vitruvius, No. 145, of Bloomfield,
Credited with Good Work and Deeds of Charity — Abell, No. 146, of Ukiah, Perpetuates the Name of the
Late Grand Secretary — Masters Emulate High Standards — Healthy Growth of Eel River, No. 147, of
Rohnerville — San Luis Obispo, No. 148, Makes Second Spanish-Californian a Mason and Surrenders Charter —
Lassen, No. 149, Erected as a Bond of Closer Union Between Honey Lake Brethren — Commemorates Name
of Peter Lassen — Moved to Susanville — A True Corner-Stone — Molino, No. 150, of Tehama, Located Near
Benton City, Where First California Lodge Opened — Palmyra, No. 151, of Placerville, Excels in Work and
Numbers — Curious Masonic Career of a Member — Josephus, No. 152, of Mountain House, and Rising Sun,
No. 153, of Brandy City, Suspend Effort — Carson Lodgea No. 154, Constituted at Carson City, Nevada,
Withdraws to Form Nevada Grand Lodge — Mount Carmel, No. 155, of Red Dog, Returns its Warrant —
Woodland, No. 156, the Symbol of Fraternal Love and Aid — Washoe, No. 157, Withdraws to Organize
Nevada Grand Lodge — Gibsonville, No. 158, Increases Membership Under Zealous Masters — Gilroy, No.
159, Declared Extinct — Pilot Hill, No. 160, After Trojan Labor for Thirty-four years, is Adopted by George
town, No. 25 — Keystone, No. 161, Taken From Copperopolis to Milton and There Continues its Useful
Course — Virginia City, No. 162, Warraated by Grand Lodge, and Later Withdraws to Establish Nevada
Grand Lodge — Famous Assembly of the Lodge on Top of Mt. Davidson — Silver City, No. 163, Severs
Connection to Join in Founding Nevada Grand Lodge — Harmony, No. 164, of Sierra City, Well Named and
Compact — Silver Star, No. 165, Aids in Creation of Nevada Grand Lodge — Excelsior, No. 166, Formed in
San Francisco — Its First Master — Treasurer Installed Twenty-eight Times — Luster Cast by its Great Men —
Alameda, No. 167, of Centerville, Entertains Grand Lodge at Laying of Corner-Stone of Widows' and Orphans'
Home — Grand Lodge Commends its Subordiaate — Will Have Supervisory Care of Home — San Mateo, No.
168, of Redwood City, and its Generous Offer to its Charter Master — Mission, No. 169, of San Francisco,
First Lodge Formed on Outskirts of City — Its Small Commencement .— Business Improves at Close 0f Civil
War The Labors of the Masters to Increase the Membership — Presentation to Columbus Waterhouse —
First Native Son Master — The Lodge Purchases a Building Lot — Corner-Stone Laid by Grand Master —
Handsome Temple Erected and Dedicated by Grand Lodge — Esmeralda, No. 170, of Aurora, Escurial, No.
171, of Virginia City, aad Lander, No. 172, of Austin, Constituted, but all Subsequently Withdraw and Assist
in Organization of Nevada Graad Lodge — Alpine, U. D., of Markleeville, Refused a Charter — Dispensation
Granted to Brethren of Markleeville, and Alpine Lodge Instituted — Charter Refused by Grand Lodge Owing
to Lack of Population to Maintain and Support it — First and Last Attempt to Establish a Subordinate in
Alpine County.
Table of Contents.
CHAPTER XII.
The Subord1nate L0dges of Cal1forn1a. — Elk Grove, No. 1 73, Purchases a Tract of Land and
Dedicates Same for Masonic Cemetery — Members Incorporate Building Association and Erect a Hall — Dry-
town, No. 174, Chartered with Five Members of One Family on Roll — A Member an Officer for Thirty
Consecutive Years — Claiborne, U. D., Warranted as Antioch, No. 175 — Delegation Withdraws to Form
Contra Costa, No. 227 — Proverbial Entertainment of the Craft — Members of Merced, No. 176, Affiliate with
La Grange, No. 99, and Return Charter — Jurisdiction of Grand Lodge Extended to Arizona, and Aztlan, No.
177, Organized — Afterward Withdraws to Organize Arizona Grand Lodge — Phcenix, No. 178, of San Ber
nardino, Arises from Ashes of Unity Lodge — Three Brothers Prominent in Masonry — Life and Death of George
Lord, Oldest Mason in the World — Long Services of Officers of Mendocino, No. 179 — Its Future Certain —
Fraternal Rewards of Talented Members of Arcturus, No. 180, of Petaluma — Russian River, No. 181, of
Windsor, Liberal and Kind — Meridian, No. 182, Changes its Base to College City — Its Work Held on True
Line, Without Variation — Faithful Old Guard of Clear Lake, No. 183, of Lower Lake — Sierra Valley, No.
184, Loses its Brick Edifice by Fire — Quintette of Masons Examine Each Other in a Cabin and Organize a
Lodge — Claiborne, No. 185, of Point Arena, Maintains Equal Distribution of Labor and Honors — Evening
Star, No. 186, of Etna Mills, Boasts Five Officers all Past Masters — Character of Membership and Diversity
of Occupations — A Graceful Officer — Keith, No. 187, of Gilroy, Named After its First Master — Unsur
passed in Devotion to Masonic Principles — Past Masters Comprise a Roll of Honor — Thirteen Brethren
Meet and Form Oakland, No. 188 — Son Succeeds Father as Master of Lodge and Mayor of City — Lodge
in Front Rank of Jurisdiction — Lays Foundation Stone of Herrera y Cairo Monument — Confers Degrees
Upon Orphan Ward of Grand Lodge — Notable Past Masters and Members — Latrobe, No. 189, Consolidated
with Natoma Lodge — Valiant Service of Masters of Northern Light, No. 190, of Millville — Five Families
Represent One-Fourth of Membership — Marin, No. 191, of San Rafael, Provides Junior Grand Warden and
Grand Master — Complete Temple Possessed by Santa Barbara, No. 192 — Comforts Provided for Entertain
ment of Visitors and Brethren — The Craft Strong and Charity Predominates — Ferndale, No. 193, Keeps
Ranks Full — Mountain View, No. 194, Has a Good Record — Creditable Labors of Buckeye, No. 195, of
Winters — Master of San Simeon, No. 196, of Cambria, Serves One-fourth the Age of Lodge — Small and
Scattered Membership of Paradise, No. 197, of Haywards, Causes its Disappearance on Grand Lodge Roll —
Wilmington, No. 198, a Fine Body of Masons — Memorable Service of Eminent Master — Hartley, No. 199, of
Lakeport, Named in Honor of Deputy Grand Master, Has High Reputation for Material and Work — Truckee,
No. 200, Takes Name from Town of Location — The Indian Truckee and Fremont's Bible — Silveyville, No.
201, Seeks Wider Field at Dixon — Great Numerical Strength of Pentalpha, No. 202, of Los Angeles — Splen
did Statistical Record — Conducts Funeral of First Pacific Coast Master — A Monument of Usefulness to the
Craft — Confidence, No. 203, of Castroville, a Plucky Subordinate — Salinas, No. 204, Last Lodge Created in
Twentieth Year of Grand Lodge — An Historical Incident in the Grand Body — Aid to Sufferers by Chicago
Fire — Open-handedness of Salinas Master — Foundation of Newville, No. 205, Well Laid — Earnest Spirit
Manifested by Stanislaus, No. 206, of Modesto — Inspiration for Organization of Anaheim, No. 207, Engen
dered by Assembly of Non-Affiliates to Aid Distressed Brother who was First Affiliate, and for Whom First
Funeral Held — Hall Site Donated and Temple Dedicated — Master of Rio Vista, No. 208, Raises Two Sons —
King David's, No. 209, of San Luis Obispo, Abandons Old Hall for New Temple — Commendable History —
Friendship, No. 210, of San Jose, a Worthy Child of its Mother Lodge — Strong Communion of San Jose
Lodges — Glowing Prospects of San Benito, No. 211, of Hollister — Distinguished First Master of South San
Francisco, No. 212, Who First Petitioned for Degrees in California, No. 1 — Hard Labors in Remote Part of
City — Efficient Officers — Erection and Dedication of its Own Hall — Charter of Bodega, No. 213, Revoked —-
Tragic Death of Past Grand Master of San Buenaventura, No. 214, of Ventura — Grand Lodge Eulogiums —
The Lodge a Notable Exemplar of Masonic Teachings — Picturesque Landscapes of Oak Grove, No. 215, of
Alameda — Commendatory Words for Officers — Firm Advancement of Doric, No. 216, of San Francisco —
Lieut. George H. Derby ("John Phcenix"), the Erratic Wit, Attempts to Establish a Lodge at Monterey Under
Extra-Territorial Authority, but is Rebuked — A Meddlesome Priest Attempts to Engender Contention at
Establishment of Monterey, No. 217 — Aids in Laying Corner-Stone of Sloat Monument — Pleasanton, No.
218, Gravitates to Livermore and Adopts Name of Mosaic — Birth of Speranza Italians, No. 219, of San
TA B L E OF CO N T E N T S. ix
Francisco, Generated by Celebration of Unification of Italy Under Masonic King – Despite Unusual With
drawals, Downey, No. 220, Maintains its Membership by Creditable Work – Inyo, No. 221, of Independence,
Contributes a Grand Master and Grand High Priest to the Fraternity – Granite, No. 222, Supplants Rocklin,
U. D., and Labors Earnestly for the Craft – Quarries Stones for Cairo and Sloat Monuments — Maui, No.
223, of Wailuku, H. I., After Short Existence, Succumbs – Most Indefatigable Worker of Bakersfield, No.
224 – Brooklyn, No. 225, of East Oakland, Boasts Descendants of Historic Americans — Hayward, No. 226,
of Half Moon Bay, Named for Honored Grand Officer and Citizen, and Induces New Rule in Grand Lodge –
Ineffectual Struggle of Contra Costa, No. 227, of Somersville – Athens, No. 228, of Davisville, a Sturdy Con
stituent — Solano, No. 229, of Vallejo, the Scion of Naval, No. 87 – Grand Officers from This Lodge – Past
Master, Commander of Raleigh, at Manila Naval Battle.
CHAPTER XIII.
T H E SU Bo R D IN A T E Lo D G E s of CA LIF o R N IA. — Masonry Inaugurated at Gridley by North Butte, No.

230 – Fidelity of Covelo, No. 231 – Janesville, No. 232, Guards Sierra's Slope – Calistoga, No. 233, Mother
Masonic Light of Napa Valley – Hope, No. 234, of Beckwith, Prosperous — Surprise Valley, No. 235, of Cedar
ville, Pioneer of Modoc County – Hill's Ferry, No. 236, of Newman, Proud of its Trestle Board — Guada
lupe, No. 237, Illustrates Universality of Masonry and Honored by Selection of Brother for Grand Master –
Resumé of First Quarter of Century of Grand Lodge – Tyre, No. 238, of Gold Run, Yields its Charter
Through Failure of Mines – Pescadero, No. 239, Becomes Extinct — Equality, No. 240, Sinks Identity in
Colusa Lodge – Santa Ana, No. 241, an Example Worthy of Emulation — Magnolia, No. 242, of Santa
Barbara, Elects Same Master Fourteen Terms – Exalted Ambition of Eucalyptus, No. 243, of Haywards –
Symbolic Name of Alcatraz, No. 244, of West Oakland — Healthy Increase in Laurel, No. 245, of Willows –
Zealous Officer of Pomona, No. 246 – Work and Character of Fresno, No. 247, Evoke Compliments — Alturas,
No. 248, Tiles the Northern Heights – Greenville, No. 249, Merged in Sincerity, No. 132 – Adin, No. 250,
Sheds Radiance in North-East Corner — Charter of Brotherhood, No. 251, of Duncan's Mills, Surrendered —
Bodie, No. 252, the Sentinel of the East–Landmark, No. 253, of Madison, Founded by Extraordinary Men –
Reading, No. 254, of Redding, Named After Noted Pioneer Brother – Welcome, No. 255, of Lemoore, in
Good Condition – Lodi, No. 256, Retains But Three Charter Members — Arizona, No. 257, of Phoenix, Leaves
California Jurisdiction to Form Arizona Grand Lodge – Strength of Penrhyn, No. 258 – Evergreen, No. 259,
of Riverside, High Type of Masonic Body – King Solomon's, No. 260, of San Francisco, Noted for Accuracy
and Beauty of Esoteric Labors – Prepares to Erect a Masonic Temple – Tuscan, No. 261, of Williams, a
Star in Masonic Constellation — Lompoc, No. 262, a Progressive Lodge – Tucson, No. 263, of Tucson, and
Solomon, U. D., of Tombstone, Become Constituents of Arizona Grand Lodge — Line of Past Masters of
Hesperian, No. 264, of Santa Maria, Remains Unbroken — Orland, No. 265, Attains Good Membership —
Extreme Corner of State Represented by North East, No. 266, of Fort Bidwell — Father of Galt, No. 267 –
Durant, No. 268, of Berkeley, Named for Masonic Founder of State University – Olive Branch, No. 269, of
Tulare, Forwards Masonic Teachings — Fall River. No. 270, of Burgettville, Abolished — Snow Mountain, No.
271, of Stony Ford, Spreads the Light – Fine Temple of Pasadena, No. 272 – Remarkable Growth of Free
masonry in Southern California – Bountiful Charity of California Brethren — Anchor, No. 273, of Compton,
Flourishing – Devoted Services of Brethren of Arroyo, No. 274 – Oakdale, No. 275, Snug and Compact –
Westport, No. 276, Ceases Existence — Selma, No. 277, Doubles Its Membership — Southern California, No.
278, of Los Angeles, has Long Line of Single Term Masters – Provides a Grand Master – Loss of Hall by
Fire, Followed by Construction of Beautiful Temple – Helpful Advance of Hanford, No. 279 – Madera, No.
280, Advances — Mount Shasta, No. 281, of Anderson, Sheds Glory of Craft – Callayomi, No. 282, of Mid
dleton, Attests March of Civilization – South West, No. 283, of National City, Keeps Vigil at the Southern
Border — Tyrian, No. 284, Upholds the Square at Dunnigan — Mainstay of San Miguel, No. 285 – Diligence
of Paso Robles, No. 286 — The Legend of Winnedumah, No. 287, of Bishop Creek – Returns of Maxwell,
No. 288 – Past Grand Officers of Elsinore, No. 289 – Sunset, No. 290, of East Los Angeles, Displays True
Spirit of Craftship — Increase in Roll of Santa Paula, No. 291 – Fires of Fraternalism Induce Creation of
Los Gatos, No. 292 – Orange Grove, No. 293, Planted at Orange — Excellent Work of Traver, No. 294 –
Increasing Influence of Mount Jackson, No. 295, of Guerneville – Raising of Member of Silver Gate, No. 296,
X T a li 1. e of Content s.
of San Diego, by His Son — Dunsmuir, No. 297, Completes Work of First Forty Years of Grand Lodge —
Masoary Re-established at Mokelumne Hill, by No. 298 — Splendid Foundation Laid in Liberty, No. 299, of
Santa Clara — Noble Spirit of Brother of Redlands, No. 300 — Devotion of Ontario, No. 301 — Santa Lucia,
No. 302, of Kings City, Reflects Virtues of First Wise Grand Master —- Affiliate of Porterville, No. 303,
Who Aided in Discovery of Yosemite Valley — Reedley, No. 304, Added to the Roll — Azusa, No. 305,
Swells the Grand Roster — Ashlar, No. 36, of Colton, Adds Perfect Stones to Temple Walls — Santa
Monica, No. 307, Has Neat Hall — Monrovia, No. 308, Toils for Benefit of Members — Delano, No. 309,
Achieves Success — Sisson, No. 310, Locates at Foot of Mt. Shasta — Hueneme, No. 311, Joins Craft
Workers — Los Banos, No. 312, Augments Its Temple Builders — Tehachapi, No. 313, Guards the " Loop" —
Temescal, No. 314, of Corona, Empowered to Labor — Future of Norwalk, No. 315, Guaranteed — Sanger,
No. 316, Achieves Good Record —- Fallbrook, No. 317, Meets With Serious Loss — Emmanuel, No. 318, of
Biggs, Well-Named — Hollenbeck, No. 319, of Los Angeles, Constituted With Exceptionally Large Charter
Membership — South Gate, No. 320, of Los Angeles, Typifies Masonic Virtues — Alisal, No. 321, of Pleasanton,
Appreciates its Opportunities — Alhambra, No. 322, Owns Handsome Furniture — Whittier, No. 323, an
Outpost With Members Alert — Corona, No. 324, of Pasadena, the Crown Lodge — Consuelo, No. 325,
of Escondido, Has Truly Masonic Name — Needles, No. 326, Makes Fine Showing — Creditable Probationary
Career of Long Beach, No. 327 — Definitions of Name of Redondo, No. 328 — Peculiar and Unique History
of Vallee de France, No. 329, of Los Angeles —- Earnest Efforts of Kilauea, No. 330, of Hilo, H. I. —
Attractive Records of Pacific Grove, No. 331 — Beneficial Activity of San Pedro, No. 332 — Bridgeport
Brethren Fraternize in Alta, No. 333 — Presentation of Jewels to Covina, U. D., by its Foster Mother, Azusa,
No. 306 — Summary and Review of the History and Achievements of Blue Lodge Masonry in California.
CHAPTER XIV.
Mason1c W1dows' and Orphans' Home. — The Cap-Stone of Masonic Achievements in California —
Corner-Stone Laid at Decoto, October 12, A. L. 5898 — Spontaneous and Prodigal Charity of California
Masons — The Inception of the Project —- Resolution of Grand Lodge — Initiating Plan for Care of Destitute
Masonic Widows and Orphans — Committee Appointed to Consider Suitable Measures — First Committee Report
Rejected and New Committee Appointed — Subject of Home Referred for Third Time to Committee — Report
of Jurisprudence Committee Recommending Enlarged Committee and Wider Scope of Plan — Augmented
Committee Appointed — Plan of Organization Proposed by 'Committee Approved and Board of Trustees
Named — Limitation of Trustees' Powers — Liberal Subscriptions made by Subordinates and Members — Pur
chase of Tract of Land in Alameda County — Design and Plans of Home Adopted — Estimate of Cost —
Board Prepared to Forward Building — Generous Agreement of Brethren of Alameda Lodge, No. 167, at Cen-
terville — Additional Subscriptions made — Corner-Stone of Home Laid by Grand Lodge with Ample Cere
mony in Presence of Great Concourse — Grand Lodge Parade — Address of President of Home Board —
Response of Grand Master — Full Consecration Ceremonies of the Craft Performed — Eloquent Address of
Grand Orator — Barbecue Banquet — Grand Lodge Adopts Resolution of Thanks to Alameda Lodge, No.
167, of Centerville — Members of Various Boards of Trustees — Difficulties and Perplexities of Board of
Trustees — Grand Lodge Makes Liberal Appropriation for Construction of Building — Beautiful Site for
Edifice — Charming Panoramic View — Description of Building — Lack of Funds Works Hindrance of Early
Construction of Home — Plan of Great Masonic Festival Conceived — Festival Project Receives Approval of
Grand Master — Praise Due Order of Eastern Star for Efficient Aid in Festival Held at Mechanics' Pavilion
in San Francisco — Masonry Throughout State Represented — Delightful Programmes — Financial Success of
Festival Phenomenal — Proceeds Enable Trustees to Complete Home — Statement of Festival Receipts —
Dedication of Home by Grand Lodge — Imposing Procession by Masonic Bodies —'Special Formula for Dedi
cation of Home Prepared for the Occasion — Ceremonies of Consecration — An Eloquent Address Concludes
the Celebration — Grand Lodge Makes Further Allowances for the Home.
CHAPTER XV.
The Or1g1n of Royal Arch Masonry. — A Progressive Step in Ladder of Masonic Knowledge —
Allied to construction of Temple — Separate Royal Arch Degrees, having Political and Religious Aims in Interest
of the Stuarts and the Georges — Ramsey's Royal Arch Degree, the Cause of Discord Among English Crafts-
Table of Contents.
men and the Basis of the Zerubbabel Royal Arch — The Latter Symbolic of the Reformation Under the Crown —
Lawrence Dermott and the "Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons" — Establishment of the Royal Arch in
America and the First Provincial Grand Lodge — Ancient and Modern Masons — Estimate of Dermott's
Character — Desaguliers and his Great Influence upon Masonry — Dunckerley and his Creation of a Royal
Arch for the Modern Masons — Different Royal Arch Degrees Welded Together upon Consolidation of English
Grand Lodges.
CHAPTER XVI.
Royal Arch Mas0nry 1n Amer1ca. — Seniority of Royal Arch Chapters in America — Adoption of
Name and Title — Addition of the Mark, Past and Most Excellent Degrees — First Royal Arch Degree and its
Meaning — The Keystone — The Cabalistic Cube — Conferment of the Degree in America — Degree of Past
Master — Dismembered by Dunckerley — True Word Revealed — Assumed Jurisdiction of degree by Royal
Arch Masonry — Degree of Most Excellent Master — Refers to Dedication of Temple by King Solomon — Is
Purely American — Webb as a Masonic Teacher — Organization of Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons —
Spread of the Order in the West — Origin of the Degree — Royal Arch Degree —Webb's Adapted Version
Adopted as the American Rite — Differences between English and American Rites — Incongruities of the
Webb Ritual — The Ark of the Covenant — Formation of the General Grand Chapter for Government of
Capitular Masonry in the United States, and its Centennial Celebration in 1897.
CHAPTER XVII.
Royal Arch Masonry 1n Cal1forn1a. — Arrival of the First Royal Arch Mason — Jonathan Drake
Stevenson, Second Royal Arch Mason to Reach California — Capitular Masonry Introduced by the Argonauts —
Influences of the Royal Arch in California — Services of Comp. Charles Gilman — Dispensation for First
Chapter in California — First California Petitioners for Royal Arch Degrees — Work of San Francisco Chapter,
U. D. — Organization of Sonora Chapter — Comp. Peter Smith and Pope Pius IX. — Institution of Sacra
mento Chapter — Convention of California Royal Arch Masons at Sacramento — Formation of the Grand
Chapter — Election and Installation of First Grand Officers — Charles M. Radcliff, First Grand High Priest —
Seven New Chapters Chartered — Early History of California Chapter — Organization of Chapters at Nevada
City, Benicia, Columbia, Redding, Forest City — Other Chapters Chartered — Spread of Royal Craftship
Throughout the State — Past Grand High Priests — Order of High Priesthood.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Crypt1c R1te 0f Royal and Select Masters. — Absolutely Independent of All Other Branches
of Masonry — Ritual1sm Drawn from the Scottish Rite — Singularity of its Position in Masonry — Recognized
Though Irregular — Ritual Philosophical and Significant — Control of Degrees Relinquished by Mother Council
of Scottish Rite — Sources of Authority for Organization of Councils — Degrees Symbolic of Uncertainty of
Life — Secret Crypt of the Temple — Mosque of Omar — The Dome of the Rock — Degree of Royal Master
and its Significance — The Degree of Select Master and its Historical Object — Appendant Degree of Super
Excellent Master — The Cryptic Rite in California — First Assembly to Organize a Council — Formation of
Councils at Sacramento, San Francisco, Marysville and Placerville — Difficulties Attending Efforts to Establish
Councils — Convention to Organize Grand Council — Adoption of Constitution — The Grand Council Formed
and Opened — Resolutions Adopted — Further Councils Chartered — Membership and Prosperity of the Rite
in California — Past Grand Masters.
CHAPTER XIX.
Anc1ent Kn1ghthood and the Crusades. — Condition of European Peoples at the Dawn of
the Eleventh Century — Demoralization and Disorganization of the Political System — Scheming of the Roman
Church — Peter the Hermit Ealists the Aid of Pope Urban II Against the Infidels — The Greek Emperor
Recognizes the Pope as Universal Bishop — The Army of the First Crusaders Organized and Started —
Atrocities Committed by Them — Second Band recruited by Peter the Hermit — The Hungarian Nation
xii TA B L E OF CONT ENT S.
Exterminated by Crusading Bandits – Horrors Practiced in Greece–The True Crusaders Advance – Victories
in Asia Minor and Syria – Siege of Antioch — Jerusalem Taken and Godfrey of Bouillon Elected King -
Second Crusade of St. Bernard Fails Through Treachery – The Third and Fourth Crusades – The Children's
Crusade – Invasion of the Mongolian Tartar Chieftain Genghis Kahn – Plan of the Popes to Make the Holy
Land the Battle Ground Against the Tartar Ruler–Frederick II of Germany Commands a Fifth Crusade and
is Crowned King of Jerusalem – Sixth Crusade Compels Surrender of Holy Land by Turks – Defeat of
Seventh Crusade – Last Crusade by St. Louis Without Result – Chief Result of Crusades — Relation Between
Freemasonry and the Crusades – Benefits to Literature and Art that Flowed from Crusades.
ORDERs of RELIGIOUs KNIGHT Hood CoNNECTED witH THE CRUSADEs. - Origin of Hospitalers of Jerusa
lem – Converted to the Order of Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem – Bull of Pope Anastatius IV
Complaint of Foucher, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Against the Knights Hospitalers – Power and Arrogance of the
Order – Military Confraternity of Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ, Afterward Known as Templars – Approved
by Roman Ecclesiastical Council and Ascetic Rule Prescribed and Established as Order of Knights Templar
Extinction of the Order on the Death of De Molay – The Teutonic Knights of St. Mary of Jerusalem –
Their Influence in the Establishment of the Prussian Kingdom –Jealousy and Hatred of the Knights Templar
and Teutonic Knights – Knights Templar and Teutonic Knights Recover Estates and Become Powerful in
France and Germany – Conspiracy of Pope Clement V and Philip the Fair to Destroy the Knights Templar
De Molay Sails for France – The Renegades Florian and Noffodei — The Charges Against the Order of
Knights Templar – Templars Burned at the Stake — Trial and Death of De Molay – Templars Flee to Ger
many, Become Protestants and Protect Martin Luther – Clement and Philip Divide the Riches of the Templars
Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem Become Knights of Malta – English Knights Templar Aid
Robert Bruce to Gain Freedom of Scotland Against Edward II, and Become Scottish Knights of Chardon.
CHAPTER XX.
How T H E Ho L V C Ross W As Los T. – Kingdom of Jerusalem Threatened by Internal Foments and

Jealousies – Yusef Salah-E'deen Meditates Attack on Jerusalem – Reginald of Chatillon Taken Prisoner – Upon
Release Gathers Templars and Harasses the Saracens–Yusef Salah-E'deen Vows that Reginald Shall Die and
Jerusalem be Taken – Moslem Army Enters Galilee to Aid Raymond — Magnificent bravery of Knights in
Battle – Intrepid Jacques de Maille and his Valiant Struggle Against the Moslems — Advance of Salah-E'deen
Into Galilee – All Christian Knights Unite Against Him – Moslem Capture of Tiberius – Wise Counsels of
Raymond Disregarded, and the Army Advances Toward Tiberius – Surrounded by the Moslems – Terrible
Charges of Salah-E'deen Repulsed – Elevation of the Holy Cross – The Decisive Battle – Assaults of Templars
Upon the Saracen Front – The Fight Thickens around the True Cross Upheld by Bishop of Ptolemais – Valor
and Bravery of the Knights — Fierce Defense of the Cross – The Last Templar and the Beatific Vision –
Death of the Priestly Knight and Loss of the Cross – The Final Struggle — Escape of Raymond and
Renaud — Death of Reginald.
CHAPTER XXI.
O R D E R O F M A so N I C KN I G HTs T E M P L A R. – Degree of Knight Templar First Conferred in America –

Conferred Subsequently in Ireland — Sources from which Masonic Templars are Said to Derive Existence —
American Templarism Derived from English and Scotch Knights – The Baldwyn Encampment – Earliest
Constituted Authority possessed by York – Collapse of Early Movement – First Templar Encampment
Qualified to Give Rose Croix and Kadosh Degrees — Significance of These Degrees – Dispute as to Formation
of First Commandery in United States — Claims of South Carolina, Maryland, Boston, St John's, Washington
and St. Peter's Commanderies — Officers of Grand Encampment of United States for 1898–1901 – Grand
Commanderies of United States, Dates of Organization and Membership — Commanderies Under Jurisdiction of
Grand Encampment – Conclaves of Knights Templar.
Table of Contents. xiii
CHAPTER XXII.
Kn1ghts Templar 1n Cal1forn1a. — First Encampment Formed at San Francisco, September, A. D.

1852 — Dispensation Issued for San Francisco Encampment, No. 1 — Officers Designated — Organization
Effected and Additional Knights Received — By-Laws Adopted — Chartered by General Grand Encampment—
Change of Designation — Formation of Sacramento Commandery, No. 2 — Pacific Commandery, No. 3, Organ
ized — Convocation for Organization of Grand Commandery of California — Report of Committee on Creden
tials — Petition to Grand Master for Warrant to Establish Grand Commandery — Warrant Authorizing Forma
tion of State Grand Commandery — Adoption of Statutes — Election and Installation of Officers for Grand
Commandery — First Conclave of Grand Commandery — Petitions for New Commanderies — Dispensations
Ordered Issued for Commanderies at Oroville, Placerville, and Marysville — Name of San Francisco Com
mandery Changed to California Commandery — Code of By-Laws Adopted — First Returns of San Francisco
(California) Commandery — Pilgrimages of California Commandery — Sacramento Commandery, No. 2, and its
First Appearance in Parade — Pacific Commandery, No. 3, and its eminent Membership — First Chartered Com
manderies — Nevada Commandery, No. 6.
CHAPTER XXIII.
H1story of Subord1nate Commander1es. — Formation of Marysville Commandery, No. 7 — Distin

guished Members — Non-formation of Other Commanderies Caused by Unsettled Condition of the Country —
Stockton Next Espouses the Order — Fame of the Los Angeles Commandery — Proficiency of San Jose Com
mandery — High Character of Oakland Commandery — Efficiency of Chico Knights — Fortitude of Lassen
Knights Under Discouraging Afflictions — Santa Rosa Commandery Among the Best — Remarkable Career of
Bodie Commandery — Stimulating Effect of the Triennial Conclave Upon California Knighthood — Eight New
Commanderies Formed — Reflex Influence of Great San Francisco Conclave — Second Commandery Organized
in San Francisco, Known as Golden Gate, No. 16 — Notable Members — Beautiful Temple of Golden Gate
Commandery — Unique Record of Red Bluff Commandery — Ventura Commandery — Naval Commandery and
its Distinguished Membership — Pilgrimages and Growth of Golden Gate Commandery —- Creditable Record
of Mount Olivet Commandery — Fine Showing of Woodland Commandery — Watsonville Commandery Strong
and Famous — Splendid Work of Saint Bernard Commandery — Chivalric Roster of Colusa Commandery —
Rapid Growth of San Diego Commandery — Visalia Commandery an Earnest Body — Splendid Condition of
San Luis Obispo Commandery — Activity of Riverside Commandery — Fresno Commandery Drill Corps
Achieves a State Reputation — Zeal of St. Omar Commandery — Pasadena Commandery Takes Leading Rank —•
Mount Shasta Commandery, an Element of Force — Bright Prospects of Ukiah Commandery — Napa Com
mandery Excells as a Working Body — Eureka Commandery Alert and Progressive — Magnificent Increase in
Membership of Santa Ana Commandery — Organization of Southern California Commandery — Membership
of California Commanderies — . Grand Commanders, Living and Dead — State Drill Corps — The Knight
Templar a Drilled Soldier as well as Mason — Grand Army of Knights Armed for Defense of the Republic.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Anc1ent and Accepted Scott1sh R1te of Freemasonry. — Appearance of Freemasonry in

Europe Coincident with Protest Against Papal Power — Knights Templar Dispersed by Conspiracy of Pope
Clement V, Philip the Fair and Knights of St. John — Flight 0f One Portion to Germany where Perpetuated
as Teutonic Knights — Become Protestants under Name of Huguenots, So-called after Founder of Order of
Temple — Afterward Returned to France and Expelled upon Revocation of Edict of Nantes — English Knights
Forced to Incorporate with Knights of St. John — Persecution by Edward II — Other Knights Templar Join
with Robert Bruce of Scotland as Knights of St. Andrew — Aid in Defeat of Edward II at Bannockburn and
in Attainment of Independence for Scotland — The Victory Symbolized by Institution of Order of Rosy Cross—
Knights of Britain, France and Germany, Fathers of Freemasonry and the Reformation — Migration of Scotch
Knights — John Wyclif, the "Morning Star" of the Reformation — The Council of Constance — Wyclil's
Bones Burned — Martin Luther and his Appearance before the Court of Rulers at Worms — Demand for
Revocation of Safe Conduct Granted to Luther — Capture of Luther by Teutonic Kaights — Release of Luther—
Table of Contents.
Espousal of Luther's Cause by Teutonic Knights and Security for the Bible — King Henry VIII of England —-
Scotland Swarms with Vagabond Monks — Birth of John Knox — John Mair the Progressive Teacher of John
Knox — Liberal Sentiments Absorbed by the Youthful Knox — Patrick Hamilton Burned at the Stake for
Maintaining Liberal Principles of Faith — Hamilton's Death Kindled a Fire that Consumed the Papacy in
Scotland — George Wishart and John Knox — Wishart Condemned and Burned — Archbishop Beaton Smote
to Death and Irresponsible Power Destroyed — John Knox Reappears — Knox Moves the Multitudes —- Rome
Alarmed, Encompasses the Capture of Knox as an Heretic, and he is Taken to France and Imprisoned — At
Length Liberated, Knox Goes to London — At the Accession of Queen Mary, Knox Goes to the Continent —
Five Years Later he Returns to Scotland — Killing of David Rizzio, the Queen's Paramour — Scotland
Deserts the Queen who is Beheaded — Assassination of the Earl of Murray, the Friend of the Reformation, by
Hamilton — Massacre of St. Bartholomew -— Death of Knox — His Potent Influence — The Protestant King
James I Secures Religious Freedom and Provides for Use of the Bible in British Coronations — The
Romish Gun Powder Plot Fails — Charles I Tried and Beheaded for Treason — Flourishing Condition of
England Under Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell —- Accession of Charles II — Profligacy and Debauchery
Followed by the Great Plague and Great Fire — Influx of Operative Masons Seeking Employment in London —
Expatriated Huguenots Seek Security from Persecution in London — The Emigrants Fuse with London Guilds
and Indoctrinate Ideas of Civil and Religious Liberty — Death of Charles II, Followed by Ascension and Death
of James II — Exhortation to Prince of Wales — Machinations of Pope Clement XI — William and Mary
Called to the British Throne — Freemasonry Thrives Despite War and Hostility — Inactivity of English Free
masonry Through Internal Dissensions — Scottish Freemasonry Becomes Apostle of Free Thought, Speech,
and Conscience — Priestly Influence Annihilated, Reason of Mankind Developed, and Liberty Reanimated —
Freemasonry Creates Desire for Truth and Knowledge — Jesuits Invent Degrees and Rites to Confuse the
Fraternity — Ancient Craft Masonry Tied to the Throne — "Landmarks" Established — Schism in English
Grand Lodge — The Bible Made a Free Book by Freemasonry — Neutral Ground Afforded by Freemasonry
for Different Opinions — The Grand Doctrines 0f Freemasonry — Chevalier Michael Ramsay and his System
of Speculative Masonry — Archbishop Fenelon Received as a Knight — Ramsay Invents the Kadosh Degree —
Taken to England and Adopted by Athol Grand Lodge —- Chapter of Rose Croix Established at Arras,
France, by the Young Pretender — Rite of Perfection — Chevalier de Bouneville Establishes Chapter of
High Degrees at Paris — Baron Von Hund Initiated — He Reforms the Right of Strict Observance and
Disseminates the Degrees in Germany — Council of Emperors of East and West Established in Paris — Its Ritual
Based on Ramsay's Templar System — Exposition of the Degrees at Instance of Jesuits — Dissensions in
the Rite in Paris — Absorbed by the Grand Orient — The Degrees Established in Berlin — Stephen Morin
Empowered to Establish the Degrees of Perfection where not Existent — Morin Carries Degrees to West
Indies — The Degrees Brought to the United States .— Frederick the Great, the Friend and Protector of the
Masonic Fraternity — The Rite of Perfection Flourishes in Germany — Frederick gives the Rite its Grand
Constitutions — He Adds Eight Degrees, Renames the System, and Establishes New Grand Constitutions —
Lodge of Perfection Instituted at Albany, N. Y., in 1767 — Da Costa Establishes Grand Lodge of Perfection in
Charleston, S. C. — Council of Princes of Jerusalem Constituted — Rite First Worked in Charleston, S. C. —
Council of Knights Kadosh Organized at Philadelphia and Chapter of Rose Croix at New York — Condition
of Freemasonry in France -— Constitutions and Additional Degrees Received at Charleston — Creation 0f
Supreme Council.
CHAPTER XXV.
Anc1ent and Accepted Scott1sh R1te of Freemasonry. — Supreme Council of Charles

ton the Mother Council of the World — Supreme Councils Organized in France and West Indies by
Authority of Mother Council — Supreme Councils also Established in Italy, Naples, Spain and the Nether
lands — The Mother Council Establishes the Supreme Council for Northern Jurisdiction of United States —
Territory Embraced within Northern and Southern Jurisdictions — Supreme Council of England and Wales
Created by Northern Jurisdiction — Supreme Councils Instituted in Scolland, Canadian Dominion, Ireland
and Mexico — The Division of Scottish Freemasonry in United States — Scottish Freemasonry Incarnates
Civil and Religious Liberty, Equality and Fraternity — Truth its Worship — Its Allegorical and Real
Objects — Legitimate and Recognized Supreme Councils of the World — Spurious Bodies and Individual
Table of Contents. xv
Imposters — Confusion Caused by Fraudulent Masonic Bodies — Joseph Cerneau and His Clandestine Bodies —
The Cerneau Fraud Injected into Knights Templarism of United States — Supreme Council of Southern Juris
diction Suffers from the War of the Rebellion — Northern Supreme Council Sundered in Twain — Southern
Supreme Council Restored by Pike and Mackay — Bodies 0f the Scottish Rite Established in California —
Other Bodies of the Rite Constituted on Pacific Coast — Scottish Rite at San Francisco Conclave of Knights
Templar — Headquarters of Southern Supreme Council and its Great Library — Principles Inculcated by
Scottish Degrees — Qualifications Requisite for Scottish Degrees — The Ineffable Degrees and Their Teach
ings — Second Temple Degrees Symbolize Destruction of Order of Knights Templar — "Knight of the
East" — "Knight of the Red Cross"'— "Babylonish Pass" — "Embassy" — The Spiritual Temple Degrees
and Their Purpose — The Historic, Philosophic and Chivalrous Degrees and Lessons Which They Impart —
Consistorial and Judicial Degrees Expound Principles of Truth and Justice — Northern Councils of Delibera
tion — Thirty-third Degree of Grand Master of the Kadosh —• Honorary Inspector- Generals — Court of
Honor of Southern Jurisdiction — Active and Honorary Members of Southern Supreme Council — California
Representation in Supreme Council — Number and Membership of Various Bodies — Grand Commanders
of Southern Supreme Council — Officers and California Members of Southern Supreme Council.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Organ1zed Bod1es of Scott1sh R1te 1n Cal1forn1a. — First Steps by Supreme Council to

Propagate Rite-in California — Milton S. Latham Appointed Sovereign Grand Inspector-General and Active
Member for California — First Master Mason to Receive Degrees of Rite in California — Election by Supreme
Council of Ebenezer H. Shaw as New Active Member for California — Alexander G. Abell Elected Honorary
Member and Appointed Special Deputy — Spurious Cerneau Council Established by Atwood Council of New
York — California Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, Organized — First Regular Scottish Rite Body on Pacific
Coast — Degrees Conferred Upon Twelve Marysville Brethren, who Form Pacific Lodge of Perfection, No. 2 —
Sacramento Brethren Establish Palestine Lodge of Perfection, No. 3, Damascus Council of Princes of Jerusa
lem, No. 1, and Alpha Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1 — Bethlehem Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, Mt. Moriah
Council of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 2, and Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 2, Constituted at Grass
Valley — Kilwinning Lodge of Perfection, No. 5, Libanus Council of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 3, and St. Paul
Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 3, Created at Placerville — Organization at San Francisco of Yerba Buena Lodge
of Perfection, No. 6, Yerba Buena Council of Princes of Jerusalem, No. 4, Yerba Buena Chapter of Rose Croix,
No. 4, and Godfrey de St. Omar Council of Kadosh, No. 1 — Hartley Lodge of Perfection, No. 7, Founded
at Stockton — Jacques de Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2, Chartered at Sacramento — Naval Lodge of Per
fection No. 8, Instituted at Vallejo — Khurum Lodge of Perfection, No. 9, Warranted at Petaluma — The
Bodies Languish — Apathy of Members — Hostility Manifested Against the Rite — Prohibitive Fees Adopted —
Fears of Injury to Other Rite — Reason for Failure to work — Degrees Communicated Independently of Con
stituted Bodies — Dissatisfaction Created Thereby Causes Demand for Governing Body — Grand Consistory of
California Organized and Consecrated — Officers and Members of First Grand Consistory — Supreme Council
Abolishes Statutes Classifying Members of Grand Consistory — California Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, Surrenders
its Charter — All Subordinate Bodies Represented, Make Returns and Are Enrolled — The 310 and t,^ Conferred
in Full First Time on Pacific Coast — Myrtle Lodge of Perfection, No. 10, Established at Eureka — Charters
of Interior Lodges, Chapters and Councils Revoked and Surrendered — Pythagoras Lodge of Perfection, No.
11, Constituted at San Francisco by Albert Pike, Sovereign Grand Commander, to Work in German, Fails and
Dissolves — Petition Granted for Oakland Lodge of Perfection, No. 12, Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix,
No. 5, and De Molay Council of Kadosh, No. 2 — Strength Afforded Grand Consistory by New Oakland
Bodies —- Spirit of San Francisco Bodies Aroused — Deputy Appointed to Instruct Brethren and Constitute
New Bodies — Albert G. Mackay Lodge of Perfection, No. 13, Started at San Jose, but Soon Ceases Work —
Los Angeles Forms Three Strong Bodies, King Solomon Lodge of Perfection, No. 14, Robert Bruce Chapter
of Rose Croix, No. 6, and Hugues des Payens Council of Kadosh, No. 3 — Charter of Hartley Lodge of
Perfection, No. 7, Revoked — Pays Dues for Living and Dead Members, Furnishes Two V. G. M. of Grand
Consistory, and Never Holds a Meeting — Myrtle Lodge of Perfection, No. 10, of Eureka, Loses its Charter-
Lights of Fifteen Bodies Extinguished in Northern California — Occidental Consistory of Los Angeles Char
tered — Consent of Grand Consistory for Establishment of Los Angeles Consistory Initiatory Step in its Disso
xvi Table of Contents.
lution — Charter of Palestine Lodge of Perfection of Sacramento Revived Under Name of Isaac Davis Lodge
of Perfection — Delta Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, of Redlands, Temple Lodge of Perfection, No. 7, of Pasa
dena, Constans Lodge of Perfection, No. 8, of San Diego, Temple Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 4, of Pasadena,
and Temple Council of Kadosh, No. 4, of Pasadena, Constituted Under Jurisdiction of Grand Consistory —
Increase of Subordinates and Membership — The Grand Consistory Resolves to Reduce Itself to a Particular
Consistory — Last Officers of Grand Consistory — Consent of Supreme Council Granted for Formation of San
Francisco Consistory, No. 1 — Succeeds to Property of Grand Consistory — Method of Establishing State
Council — Death and Funeral of Charles F. Crocker, V. G. M. — Last Sitting of Grand Consistory — Memo
rial on Death of V. Grand Master — Resignation of Grand Prior — Oakland Brethren Dimit to Form a Partic
ular Consistory — Grand Consistory Closed Sine Die — Oakland Consistory Constituted and its Officers
Installed — Temple Consistory Formed at Pasadena — Visalia Lodge of Perfection Created at Visalia —- Santa
Rita Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, of Arizona, Reorganized at Phoenix — Present Bodies of Scottish Rite in
California and Rolls of Officers — Recapitulation — Devoted and Zealous Workers for the Rite — Sole Cathe
dral in State Owned by Oakland Bodies — Other Earnest Brethren — Historic Review of the Origin, Growth
and Purposes of Scottish Rite Masonry.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Mason1c Veteran Assoc1at1on of Pac1f1c Coast and Past Masters' Assoc1at1ons. —

Purpose of Original Veteran Association of New York — Unique Field for Pacific (5oast Association — Fra
ternal and Historical Union of Pioneer Masons — Proposition for Formation of Association Broached — Tempo
rary Organization Effected at San Francisco, December 27, 1878 — Board of Managers Chosen — Circular
Issued to Coast Craftsmen — Permanent Organization Accomplished and Officers Elected — First Grand Hon
orary Member Elected — Veteran Samuel Graves Welcomed — Distinguished Masons Received into Member
ship — Constitution and By-Laws Adopted — Declaration of Principles of Association — Purpose to Preserve
Masonic History of Pioneer Days and Brethren and Engender Veneration of Aged and Honorable Craftsmen —
Expansion and Growth of Association and its Great Jurisdiction — Nomadic Character of Pacific Coast Masons —
Its Members Volumes of History and the Association a Circulating Library of Masonic Lore — Its Badge a
Mark of Honor — Good Accomplished by Members — Membership of Association — Member Elected Presi
dent of National Masonic Veteran Association — Present Officers and Corresponding Secretaries of Association —
Past Grand Presidents — List of Veteran Bodies in the United States.
Past Masters' Assoc1at1ons 1n Cal1forn1a. — The San Francisco Association — First Assembly
for Organization — Its Objects, Social and Fraternal — Committee on Organization — Association Effected and
By-Laws Adopted — First Officers — Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries of Association — Beneficiary Depart
ment Founded — Celebrates St. John the Baptist's Day — Convocation for Entertainment on St. John the
Evangelist's Day — Confers Past Master's Degree Upon Newly Elected Masters, and Presents Each with
Bible — Present Officers — The Association Deserving of Reverence and Esteem — Represents Duty Faithfully
Performed — Stewards of True Charity.
Conclus1on. — Inspiration for " Fifty Years of Masonry in California " — Preservation of Traditions of Early
Builders — Magnitude of the Scheme — A Daring Enterprise — Deceased California Masonic Publications —
An Audacious Experiment on Grand Scale — Sources of Historical Data — Business Requirements of the
Undertaking — Credit for Artistic and Other Features of Work — Representative of Californian Spirit and
Pioneer Times — A Valuable Narrative — Words of Thanks to Officials and Craftsmen — Salutatory.
Addenda. — Additional Lodges Constituted Since Close of Blue Lodges in Volume I: West Gate, No. 335, Insti
tuted at Los Angeles — Fruitvale, No. 336, Chartered — Carquinez, No. 337, Warranted at Crockett — San
Jacinto, No. 338, the Infant Lodge of the Jurisdiction.
SUBORDINATE LODGES.
Na. Page. No, Page. No. Page.

Abell, . . . I46 318 Concord, 117 280 Franklin, 143 311
Acacia, . . . • 92 248 Confidence, . . . 203 385 Fresno, .... 247 445
Adin, .... • 25O 447 Consuelo, 325 503 Friendship, . 2 IO 397
Alamo, 122 287 Colusa, . . . . 142 3°9 Fruitvale, 336 801
Alameda, 167 337 Colusa 240 310 Gait 267 462
Alcatraz. . . • 244 441 Corinthian, . . . 9 118 Georgetown, 25 156
Alhambra, . . . 322 501 Corinthian, . 69 225 George Washington, 62 215
Alisal, . . . - 321 500 Contra Costa, . . 227 424 Gibsonville, . . . 158 329
Alpine, . . U.D. 348 Corona, . . . . 324 502 Gilroy, .... 159 330
Alta, .... - 333 510 Covelo 231 430 Golden Gate, . . 30 164
Alturas, . . . . 248 446 Covina, . . . . U.D. 510 Gold Hill, . . . 32 168
Amador, . . - 65 218 Crescent, . . . 45 191 Grafton 141 309
Anaheim, . 207 391 Crockett, . . 139 306 Granite 222 416
Anchor, . • 273 467 Curtis, .... 140 308 Grass Valley, . 48 196
Antioch, . . . - 175 351 Davy Crockett, 7 114 Gravel Range, 59 207
Arcata, . . 106 268 Delano, .... 309 493 Greenville, . . . 249 447
A rcturns, . . . 180 356 Diamond, . . . 29 164 Guadalupe, . 237 435
Arroyo, . - 274 467 Doric, .... 216 407 Hanford, 279 472
Arizona, . - 257 453 Dibble, . . . . 109 272 Harmony, . 164 334
Ashlar, . . . - 306 491 Downey, . . . 220 414 Hartley, .... 199 379
Athens, . . . . 228 425 Drytown, . . . 174 351 Hawaiian (H. I.), . 21 H5
Aztlan, . . . • 177 353 Dunsmuir, . 297 484 Hay ward, 226 423
Azusa, • 305 490 Durant 268 462 Henry Clay, 95 251
Bakersfield, . . 224 419 Eden, .... 113 276 Hermann, 127 293
Bear Mountain, • 76 229 Eel River, . . 147 319 Hesperian, . . . 264 460
Benicia, . 5 1 10 El Dorado, . . 26 158 Hill's Ferry, . . 236 434
Bodie, - 252 448 Elk Grove, . . . 173 349 Hiram, .... 43 187
Bodega, . . . • 213 402 Elsinore, 289 479 Hollenbeck, 3*9 498
Brooklyn, . . • 225 420 Emmanuel, . . . 318 497 Hope, .... 234 432
Brotherhood, . • 251 447 Equality (Colusa), 240 438 Hornitos, . . . 98 257
Buckeye, . . - 195 375 Enterprise, . 70 225 Howard, .... 96 253
Butte, . . . • 36 175 Esmeralda, . 170 346 Hueneme, . 311 494
California, . 1 97 Eucalyptus, 243 440 Humboldt, . . 79 233
Calaveras, . . . 78 232 Escurial, . . . 171 347 Illinoistown, . . 51 199
Callayomi, . . . 282 473 Eureka, .... 16 136 Indian Diggings, . 85 241
Carson, . • 154 326 Evening Star, . . 186 361 Inyo 221 415
Calistoga, - 233 431 Evergreen, . . . 259 454 lone, 80 235
Campo Seco, . 100 260 Excelsior, . . . 166 335 Ionic, 121 286
Carquinez, . . - 337 802 Fallbrook, . . . 317 497 Iowa Hill, . 63 215
Chico, 111 2 74 Fall River, . . . 270 464 Jefferson, . . . 97 256
Claiborne, . . • 185 361 Ferndale, . . . 193 373 Janesville, . 232 430
Clay IOI 261 Fidelity, .... 1 20 283 Jennings, 4 106
Clear Lake, . 183 359 Forbestown, . . 50 198 Josephus, . . . 152 325
Clinton, . . . • 119 282 Forest, .... 66 220 Kane, E. K., . . 72 227
Columbia, . . . 28 161 Franklin, . . 53 201 rêith 187 362
Index.
No. Page. Na. Page. No. Page.

Keystone, . . . 161 331 Mountain View, . 194 374 Rising Sun, . . 153 325
Kilauea (H. I.), . 330 507 Mount Zion, . 114 278 Rose's Bar, 89 246
King David's, . 209 395 Natoma 64 216 Rough and Ready, 52 200
King Solomon's, . 260 455 Naval 87 243 Russian River, 181 357
La Fayette (Or.), . 15 133 Nebraska, . . . 71 226 Sacramento, . . 40 181
La Fayette, 1 26 292 Needles 326 504 Saint Helena, . . 93 249
La Grange, 99 258 Nevada 13 127 Saint Mark's, . XI5 279
Lander 1 72 348 Newville, 205 389 Saint James', . 54 201
Landmark, . . . 253 448 Nicolaus, . . . 129 296 Saint John's, . . 37 176
Lassen 149 321 North Butte, . . 230 429 Saint Louis, . . 86 242
Latrobe, .... 189 368 North East, . . 266 461 Salinas, .... 204 386
Laurel, . . . . 245 442 Northern Light, . 190 368 San Benito, 211 399
Lebanon, . . . 49 196 North Star, . . 91 247 Sarj Buenaventura, 214 403
Lexington, . . . 104 266 Norwalk, . . . 315 496 Santa Ana, . . . 241 438
Liberty, .... 299 486 Oakdale 275 468 Santa Barbara, 192 371
Live Oak, . 61 2 10 Oak Grove, . . 215 405 Santa Clara, 34 170
Lodi, 256 452 Oakland 188 364 Santa Cruz, . . 38 177
Lompoc, .... 262 459 Occidental, . . . 22 150 San Diego, . . . 35 171
Long Beach, . 327 504 Olive Branch, . . 269 464 Sanger 316 496
Los Angeles, . 42 186 Ontario, . . . . 301 488 San Jacinto, 338 802
Los Banos, . 312 494 Ophir 33 169 San Joaquin, . . 19 142
Los Gatos, . . . 292 481 Orange Grove, 293 481 San Jose, . . . 10 120
Madera 280 472 Oriental 144 313 San Luis Obispo, 148 321
Madison, 23 152 Orland, . . . . 265 461 San Mateo, 168 340
Magnolia, 242 440 Oroville 103 264 San Miguel, . . 285 475
Manzanita, . 102 263 Oro Fino, . . . 137 305 San Pedro, . . . 332 509
Marin, . . . . 191 369 Owen, . . . . 108 270 Santa Lucia, . . 302 488
Mariposa, . 24 154 Pacific, . . . . 136 302 Santa Monica, . . 307 491
Martinez, 41 184 Pacific Grove, . 331 508 Santa Paula, 291 480
Maxwell, 288 478 Pajaro 1 10 272 San Simeon, 196 377
Maui (H. I.), . . 223 418 Palmyra, . . . . 151 324 Santa Rosa, 57 204
Mendocino, . . . 179 355 Parfaite Union, . 17 138 Selma, .... 277 469
Merced, .... 1 76 352 Paradise 197 377 Sierra Valley, . . 184 360
Meridian, . . 182 358 Pasadena, 272 465 Silveyville, . 201 382
Michigan City, 47 194 Paso Robles, . 286 476 Silver City, . . . 163 333
Minnesota, . . . 67 221 Penrhyn, . . . . 258 453 Silver Gate, . . 296 483
Mission 169 342 Pentalpha, . . . 202 383 Silver Star, . . . 165 335
Mokelumne, 31 167 Pescadero, . . . 239 437 Sincerity, 132 298
Mokelumne Hill, . 298 485 Petaluma, . . . 77 230 Siskiyou, .... 105 268
Molino 150 323 Phoenix 178 353 Sisson 310 494
Monrovia, . . . 308 492 Pilot Hill, . . . 160 330 Snow Mountain, . 271 465
Monterey, . . . 217 409 Plumas, . . . . 60 208 Solano, .... 229 426
Morning Star, . . 68 222 Pomona, . . . . 246 443 Solomon, U.D. 460
Mosaic 218 412 Polar Star, . . . 90 247 Sotoyome, . 123 288
Mount Carmel, . 155 327 Porterville, . . . 303 489 Southern California 278 470
Mount Hermon, . 94 251 Progress, . . . 125 291 South Gate, . . 320 499
Mount Jackson, . 295 482 Quitman, 88 245 South San Francisco ,212 400
Mount Jefferson, . 107 270 Reading, 254 . 450 South West, 283 474
Mount Moriah, . 44 189 Redlands, . . . 300 487 Speranza Italiana, 219 413
Mountain, . . . 82 237 Redondo, . . . 328 505 Stanislaus, . 206 390
Mountain Forest, 75 229 Reedley, . . . . 3°4 490 Suisun, .... 55 201
Mountain Shade, . 18 141 Rio Vista, . 208 394 Summit, .... 1 12 275
Mount Shasta, • . 281 Rising Star, 83 237 Sunset, .... 290
473 479
Index.
Na. Page. Na. Page. No. Page.

Surprise Valley, . 235 433 Tyro, 73 228 Western Star, . 2 IOO
Sutter 6 113 Union 58 206 West Gate, . . • 335 80I
Table Mountain, . 124 289 Unity, .... 130 297 Westport, . . 276 469
Tehachapi, . . . 313 495 Vacaville, 134 300 Whittier, . . • 323 502
Tehama 3 103 Vallecito, . . . 118 28l Willamette, . . 11 123
Temescal, . . . 3H 495 Vallee de France, 329 505 Wilmington, . 198 378
Temple, . . . . 14 1 29 Valley 135 30I Windsor, . 116 2 79
Texas, . 46 193 Vesper, .... 84 239 Winnedumah, . . 287 477
Traver, . 294 482 Violet, .... 138 306 Wisconsin Hill, 74 228
Trinity, . . . . 27 160 Visalia 128 294 Woodbridge, . - 131 297
Truckee 200 380 Virginia, .... 162 332 Woodland, . . . 156 327
Tuolumne, . 8 11S Vitruvius, 145 317 Yolo, .... . 81 236
Tuscan 261 458 Volcano, .... 56 203 Yosemite, - 133 300
Tucson 263 459 Washington, . . 20 143 Yount, . . . 12 124
Tyre, 238 437 Washoe, .... 157 328 Yuba, . . . 39 179
Tyrian 284 475 Welcome, . . . 255 451
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.
Acacia, . . . 64 600 Howard 14 587 Salinas, • 59 599

Alameda, . . . . 26 591 Humboldt, 52 San Diego, . . . 61 600
597
Alameda, . . . . 70 601 Kern Valley, . . 602 San Luis, . . . 62 600
75
Alturas, - • 34 593 Keystone 56 599 San Francisco, . 1 572
Antioch, . • • 65 600 La Fayette, . 24 590 Santa Cruz, . . - 38 595
Benicia, • • 7 583 Lakeport 599 Santa Rosa, . • 45 596
54
Bodie, . - • 55 599 Lassen, .... 596 Shasta, .... • 9 583
47
California, . . • - 5 583 Libanus, .... 588 Sierra, .... 21 589
*7
Chico, . . . 42 595 Los Angeles, . . Signet
33 593 - 57 594
Columbia, . . . 8 583 Manzanita, 29 593 Siloam • 37 594
Colusa, . . 60 599 Martinez, .... Solano, • 43
31 593 595
Corinthian, . - • 51 597 Merced 12 587 Sonora, . . . 2 573
Crown, . . • - 72 601 Modesto St. Helena, . - 63 600
49 597
Cyrus, . . . • - 15 588 Napa, 30 St. James, . 16 588
593
Delta, . . . • • 27 591 Naval, Stockton, . . . 28 591
35 594
Dixon, . . . . 48 596 Nevada 6 583 Sutter, .... 11 586
Donner, . . - • 39 595 Oakland, .... 36 591 Temple, . . . - 41 595
Doric, . . . . . 66 600 Oliver 23 589 Trigo . 69 601
El Dorado, . - • 4 583 Orange, .... 602 Trinity, . . . • 19 588
73
Encinal, . . U.D. 601 Petaluma, .... 22 589 Tulare, • 71 601
Ferndale, . . . . 78 599 Plumas, .... 58 593 Ukiah • 53 599
Forest, . . . . 10 583 Pomona, .... 76 602 Vallejo, . . . . U.D. 594
Franklin, . . . . 20 588 Ouincy, .... 32 593 Ventura, . . . - 5° 597
Georgetown, . • • 25 590 Red Bluff, . . . 40 595 Visalia, • 44 596
Grass Valley, . . 18 588 Redlands, .... 602 Washington, . • 13 587
77
Hanford, . . • • 74 602 Riverside, .... 67 601. Woodland, . . . 46 596
Hollister, . . . . 68 601 Sacramento, . . . 3 575
COUNCILS OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS.
California, . . . . 2 612 Sacramento, . . . 1 612 Sonora, . . . • 5 616

Gateway, . • • 13 617 Santa Ana, . 14 617 Stockton, . 10 616
Los Angeles, . . 11 616 Shasta, .... 6 616 Virginia, . • 7 616
Marysville, . • • 3 612 Sierra Nevada, . . 4 613 8 616
Oakland, . . . . 12 617
I N D E x.
C O M M A N DE RIES OF KNIGHT S T E M P L A R.
No. Page. No. Page. No. Page.
Bodie, . 15 686 Napa, . 34 7OO San Jose, . - - IO 682

California, I 657 Naval, . . . . I9 692 San Luis Obispo, . 27 697
Chico, . 12 684 Nevada, . . . . 6 678 Santa Ana, 36 701
Colusa, 24 694 Oakland, . . . II 684 Santa Rosa, . 14 686
El Dorado, 4 678 Oroville, . . . . 5 678 Southern California, 37 7OI
Eureka, 35 7OO Pacific, . . . . . 3 660 Stockton, . 8 68 I
Fresno, - 29 699 Pasadena, 3I 699 St. Omar, . 3O 699
Golden Gate, I6 688 Red Bluff, 17 691 Ukiah, . 33 7OO
Lassen, I3 684 Riverside, 28 699 Ventura, 18 692
Los Angeles, 9 682 Sacramento, . . . 2 658 Visalia, 26 697
Marysville, 7 681 Saint Bernard, . 23 694 Watsonville, . 22 694
Mount Olivet, 2O 692 San Diego, 25 696 Woodland, 21 693
Mt. Shasta, 32 699 San Francisco, . . I 657
SCOTT IS H R IT E B O D I E.S.
LO D G E S OF P E R F ECTION.
Albert G. Mackay, 13 765 Kilwinning, . . 5 7.59 Pacific, . 5 776, 780

Bethlehem, . . 4 7.59 King Solomon, . 3 779 Palestine, . 3 7.59
California, . . . I 7.58 King Solomon, . 14 766 Pythagoras, . . II 764
Constans, . . . 8 769, 78O Myrtle, . . IO 764 Santa Rita, I 776
Delta, . . . . 6 768, 78o Naval, . . . . 8 762 Temple, 7 769, 78o
Hartley, . . . 7 760 Oakland, . . . 2 779 Visalia, . 9 776, 780
Isaac Davis, . . 4 768, 780 . Oakland, . I 2 764 Yerba Buena, I 760, 779
Khurum, . . . 9 762 Pacific, . . . . 2 7.58 Yerba Buena, 6 760
CO UN C I L S OF PR IN CES OF J E R U S A L E M.
Damascus, . . . 7.59 Mt. Moriah, . . 2 7.59 Yerba Buena, 4 76o

Libanus, . . . 3 7.59
CHA P T E R S OF KNIGHT S ROS E C R O IX.
Alpha, . I 7.59 Robert Bruce, 3 778 Yerba Buena, . I 760, 778

Calvary, 2 7.59 Robert Bruce, 6 766 Yerba Buena, 4 76o
Gethsemane, . 2 778 St. Paul, . . . 3 760
Gethsemane, . 5 764 Temple, 4 769, 779
CO U NC I LS OF KNIGHT S K A DOS II.
De Molay, . . 2 764 Jacques de Molay, 2 762 Oakland, . . . 2 777

Godfrey de St. Omar, 1 760, 777 Hugues des Payens, 3 766, 777 Temple, . . . 4 769, 778
C O N S IS TO RI E S.
Los Angeles, . . 3 777 Occidental, . . – 768 Temple, . . . 4 774

Oakland, 2 774, 776 San Francisco, 1 770, 776
FOUNDERS AND BUILDERS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Page. Page.
ABELL, ALEXANDER GURDON 29 ESTEE, MORRIS MARCH 89

ALEXANDER, JoHN KING I2O FILMER, WILLIAM . I 25
ANDERSON, JAMES WRIGHT 2 17 FLINT, BRILSFORD PEASE 94
ATKINSON, EDMUND CLEMENT I 54 FLINT, FRANK PUTNAM 2O2
BACHMANN, CARL AUGUST 2 I4 FLINT, DR. THOMAS - • 6I
BARKER, WILLIAM . 18O FLINT, THOMAs, JR. 33

BEARD, JoHN SAMUEL I 59 FosHAY, JAMEs A. I3I
BECKMAN, FRANK WILLIAM 2 I8 Fox, CHARLEs N ELSON 34
BECKMAN, HENRY 2I8 FRASER, JoHN P. 146
BECKMAN, HENRY THEODORE 2 18 GAGNON, MICHAEL 55
BLACKMER, ELI TUCKER 83 GARDNER, ELIAS DELEVAN IO5
BLossOM, ROBERT HURD I5 I GEIL, SAMUEL FRANKLIN 98
BREUNER, JoHN, SR. I 68 GIHON, JOHN HANCOCK 24
BREUNER, JoHN, JR. I68 GORDON, JAMES EDWARD 167

BREUNER, LOUIS F. I 68 GOULD, WILLIAM OLIVER I 56
BROWN, HENRY WITHERS 93 GRADy, JoHN DEVANA I I4
BROWN, LEWIS HENRY 88 GREGORY, CALVIN LEVI 73
BROWN, WILLIAM GRAHAM 44 GRIBNER, GEORGE THOMAS IO6
BROWNE, JoHN MILLs 3I GUNZENDORFER, GUSTAVE I6 I
BUCK, SILAS MONTGOMERY 2 I

HALL, JAMES HEDGEs 74
CAMPBELL, JosepH CLAYBOUGH I9 I HALSEY, DAVID CRANE I 32

CASWELL, THOMAS HUBBARD HATCH, JAMES HENRY I 36
CAVE, DANIEL HAUSCH, CHRISTIAN 198
CHURCHILL, JEROME PERCY HAWKINS, DIVINE Z. I62
COLBV, ALONZO HAY DOCK, CLARENCE I 49

CoLEMAN, EDWARD HAYES, MORGAN 167
CoNEy, ALEXANDER KAUFMAN H EDGES, EDWARD RICHARDS I 88
CoNLISK, CHARLES WILLIAM HEINTZELMAN, TAYLOR WASHINGTON 172
COUSINS, CHARLEs S. HELLMAN, HERMAN W. 77
CROCKER, CHARLES FREDERICK HEWEL, CHARLEs LEWIS ADOLPHUs I 53
CROSSTHWAITE, PHILIP HULL, JosepH - •
CURTIs, NATHANIEL GREENE HoBE, GEORGE JOHN HENRY II 3

DALE, RICHARD JAMISON, ZACHARIAH ANTONIo 2O2
DALTON, HENRY PHILIP JoHNS, SAMUEL JosepH 195

DAVISON, JOHN PAUL JONES JoHNSON, GEORGE 2I5
DAY, FRANKLIN HENRY Johnston, ALFRED J. 39
DEAN, PETER I 79 JoHNSTON, WILLIAM 17o
DECKER, CHARLES WILLIAM I8 I JONES, MARTIN . • • •
I4O
DELGER, EDWARD F. 126 JoNES, THEODORE ELDON I IO
DE LONG, CHARLEs EGBERT 25 KENYON, CURTIs GEORGE I43

DICKIE, ALBERT ALEXANDER 96 KETTLEWELL, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 8O
IDOBBINS, OSCAR P. 2 IO KETTNER, WILLIAM I94
INDEx FounDERS AND BUILDERS OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.
Page. Page.
KEYES, HENRY CALCUTT • -

76 PRIMM, FRANKLIN PIERCE I 28
KNIGHTS, WILLIAM DURRANT I 30 RADER, FRANK 63
LAST, CARL FREDERICK AUGUST 78 RALSTON, JAMEs H. 57.
LEVI, SIMON 87 REAM, DANIEL • - - 7O
LLOYD, REUBEN HEDLEY I 47 REDINGTON, ALFRED AUGUSTUS I 90
LOGAN, MILBURN HILL 166 REED, JAMES FRAZIER I3
LOTZ, Joseph ALBERT IO9 REID, EDWARD ALEXANDER II 9
LOUIS, EMANUEL J. 84 RICHARDSON, JEROME BONAPARTE 95

LowDEN, WILLIAM SPENCER IO7 ROBINSON, ISAAC HENRY 8I
LUBECK, DAVID WLADEMER 52 ROCCA, ANDREW 92
LUCAS, WILLIAM THOMAS 2 16 ROLFE, IANTHIS JEROME 5O
LYMAN, WILLIAM WHITTINGHAM 79 RUSH, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN I O2
MAHONEY, DENNIS VINCENT 2O2 RUSs, HENRY BEAUCHAMPE I 74

MAIER, JosepH 64 RUTAN, ISAAC MYERS 79
MARTIN, JAMES THURSTON 158 SCHINDLER, HENRY BERNARD I4 I
McARTHUR, JoHN I I 2 SCHINDLER, LOUIS CY RUS I 35
McBRIDE, JoHN STORER 182 SHAw, HENRY C. 66
McCABE, GEORGE THOMAS 2O4 SHAW, SETH LOUIS I6O
McFADVEN, JOHN WILLIAM IO8 SHAw, STEPHEN WILLIAM I 2 I
McMILLAN, ROBERT I 73 SHERMAN, EDWIN ALLEN 183

McMURRy, JoHN II 5 SIMINOFF, MORRIS 2O3
MERRILL, JoHN FRANCIS 163 SINSABAUGH, GEORGE 65

MERRITT, JAMES BESTOR 9I SMITH, CHARLES CASWELL 2O5
MILLER, ALLEN CHARLES IO I SPAULDING, GEORGE 2O7
MOORE, FRED WALTER I 34 SPITZER, LEWIs A Miss
MOREHOUSE, HENRY VINCENT 99 STADTMULLER, FREDERICK D. I 33
MoRSE, JoHN FREDERICK 43 STEPHENS, JOHN DICKSON 7I
Moses, WILLIAM SCHUYLER I 16 STERLING, ROBERT HENRY 2 I 2
MURPHY, CHARLES HENRY I 44 STEVENSON, JONATHAN DRAKE

N EFF, JACOB HART I9 STEwART, SAMUEL 97
NUTTING, CHARLES WILBER I I I STREET, CHARLEs EDWARD J
OBERTI, Joseph 2I3 STREET, FRANK WILSON 42
OGLESBY, JAMES 127 STROUP, RANDOLPH CLINTON . 2 I I
OLMSTED, STEPHEN HORATIO 85 SUMNER, FRANK WILLIAM 37

ORME, HENRY SAYRE I75 TAPSCOTT, JAMEs ROBERT . 75
OTT, CHARLES FREDERICK 96 THOMPsoN, JOHN WALDO 86
PASSALACQUA, BENEDETTO - I 97 TUTT, JoHN Ashby 35

PATTON, CHARLEs LEWIS 27 VANDERHURST, WILLIAM I 18
PEEL, JoNATHAN MORFFEw I 24 VAN VOORHEIS, WILLIAM 48

PENDLETON, CORNELIUS WELLES I 93 WACKERBARTH, AUGUST 196
PERKINS, GEORGE CLEMENT I 37 WELLs, WILLIAM SEWALL 68
PERRY, WILLIAM HAYES IOO WHIPPLE, EDWIN I42

PETRIE, WILLIAM MONROE 178 WHITCOMB, FRANK RANDOLPH I 92
PIERCE, WILLIAM FRANK I 99 WILHELM, THEODORE HENRY I 29
PRESTON, EDWARD MYERS IO3 WooDROW, WILLIAM LORKIN IO8
PRICE, WILLIAM EDMUNI) I 50

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STANFORD AUXILIARY LIBRARY
STANFORD, CALIFORNLA 94.305-6004
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This is a reproduction of a library book that was digitized

by Google as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the

Compile (! and Edited by Edwin A. SH E R N1AN, 53°

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.:

(j| OI2(iD SD/\UILDING & CO., ; ; ; : DUIDliShCTS.

THE ORIGIN OF ROYAL ARCH 1ASONRY.

"This will be done

ries, and in a philosoph- ||

the third degree, and to ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL-England.

not particularly stringent. He con

Royal Arch Masonry in America.

HE recorded history of the Royal Arch degree in America gives the

DEDICATING the temple.

degree, by leaving out the Masonic portion

REBUILDING THE TEMPLE AFTER THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY.

THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE

ROYAL ARCH 1ASONRY IN CALIFORNIA

Sierra Nevada Mountains, of whom we have authentic account, was

duties of General Grand Secretary of this Grand Body,

cause of Masonry upon the shores of the Pacific, and

San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., was

CHAPTER HALL — MASONIC TEMPLE, SAN FRANCISCO.

CONVENTION OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF CALIFORNIA.

To the Convention of Aoyal Arch Masons now in Session :

CHAPTER HALL, MASONIC TEMPLE, ALAMEDA.

| £ Royal ARC * ca."

SAM'L H. WAGENER FLI. T. BLACKMER EDWARD R. HEDGES

SAM'L D. MAYER THOMAS H. CASWELL CHAs. E. GILLETT

THE ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.

JAcob H. NE FF, WILLIAM A. DAv1Es, THOMAs KYLE,

WILLIAM W. TRAYLOR, 1857; ISAAC DAVIS, 1858–9, 1860–1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9, or 12 consecu

*/~ & > < * *:

CRYDTIC RTE OF ROYAL AND SELECT *|ASTERS

Said Ill. . Comp. Josiah DRUMMOND in 1879:

DOME OF THE ROCK.

Masonic labor. Divine truth

THE GOLDEN VESSELS. when the promise was to

THE CRYPTIC RITE OF MASONRY IN CALIFORNIA.

Convent1on of Royal and Select Masters.

To the Convention of Royal and Select Masters now in Session:

F1rst Annual Assembly of the Grand Counc1l.

* IsAAC DAVIs, 32 (1860), * WILLIAM CALDWELL BELCIIER, 33 (1861), * ADOLPHUs HolluB

Ancient Knighthood and the Crusades.

!FORE taking up the subject of Masonic Knight Templarism, a brief

ORDERS OF RELIGIOUS KNIGHTHOOD CONNECTED WITH THE CRUSADES.

DEPARTURE OF CRUSADERS FOR PALESTINE.

MALTA. – FORTIFIED BY THE CRUSADER.S.

obtained an entrance into the Provincial

These calumnies formed the basis of the

longer catalogue of accusations, afterward pre

protesting their innocence; not one

constancy the fire were surely the

After a weary imprisonment

HOW THE HOLY CROSS WAS LOST.

“The Cry of the Battle-field went up before

God, and. He permitted the end to come."

intending to cut their way through the ranks of

Order or Hasonic Knights Templar.

CoMMANDERIEs UNDER THE IMMEDIATE JURISDICTION OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF THE

Delaware—St. /ohn's, Wilmington. Vegas, Las Vegas; /?ilgrim, Albuquerque; Al/c

I, 1816, New York, DEWITT CLINTON.

XII, 1853, Lexington, WILLIAM BLACKSTONE HURBARD.

XIV, 1859, Chicago, . BENJAMIN BROWN FRENCH.

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