History of the Third Masonic District Grand Lodge of the State of New York

Senior Warden.—John Matthews, 1855-6-7; Richard Oliver, 1858; Wm. H. Carman, 1859; James DeFevere, 1860; Denis Smith, 1861; Robert F. Smith, 1862; John H. Dixon, 1863; Wm. M. Post, 1864; Aaron H. Davison, 1865; Isaac J. Thomas, 1866; Chas. S. Baldwin, 1867; Judson Curtis, 1868; John Scrimgeour, 1869; Isaac J. Thomas, 1870; John C. Heineman, 1871; James H. Taylor, 1872; W. Fred. Selleck, 1873; George Ingraham, 1874; John Lee, 1875; William Parker, 1876; Wm. M. Perry, 1877; Thos. B. Watson, 1878; Edwin F. Page, 1879-80; Chas. L. Clark, 1881; Thos. C. Morris, 1882; S. H. Mildenburg, 1883; James Bowen, 1884-5 ; Lafayette Halsey, 1886-7 ; George Pook, 1888.

Junior Warden.—Wm. Magee, 1855-6; David M. Carman, 1857; Henry Thompson, 1858; Chas. H. Delius, 1859; Denis E. Smith, 1860; Robert E. Smith, 1861; Elisha Sands, 1862; John H. Besher, 1863; J. C. Brower, 18R4; Chas. S. Baldwin, 1865; Henry Vanderveer, 1866; John H. Heineman, 1867; John Scrimgeour, 1868; Edward Van Eiper, 1870; W. Fred. Selleck, 1871; James W. Smith, 1872; Thomas C. Morris, 1873; Wm. Parker, 1874; P. Fred. Kraushaar, 1875; Wm. M. Perry, 1876; Thos. B. Watson, 1877; Edwin F. Page, 1878; Edwin Ides, 1879; Wm. P. Wild, 1880; John J. Alexander, 1881; Chas. H. Rollins, 1882; George G. Pook, 1883; Lafayette Halsey, 1884-5 ; Phillip Munnich, 1886-7; Abraham Noden, 1888.

Treasurer.—Wm. Johnson, 1855; Wm. M. Stone, 1856; P. C. Muldoon, 1857-8-9; Geo. E. Wheeler, 1860-66 ; John E. Johnson, 1867; Chas. S. Baldwin, 1868-72; Isaac J. Thomas, 1873-80; Wm. P. Wild, 1881; Samuel W. Cornell, 1882-88.

Secretary.—J. M. White, 1855; Richard Oliver, 1856; Michael Dowling, 1851-2; Godfrey Taylor, 1859; Wm. Matthews, 1860-62; Chas. H. Delius, 1863; J. W. W. Hayward, 1864 ; R. V. Asten, 1855-6; John H. Platt, 1868 ; Aaron H. Davison, 1869 ; John C. Heineman, 1870 ; Edward S. Van Orden, 1871-2; John Scrimgeour, 1873-4 ; John C. Heineman, 1875 to 1888, inclusive.

JAMES BOHEN, Past Master Of Long Island Lodge.

For nearly a quarter of a century Bro. Bohen has devoted his time and energies to the cause of Masonry and to assist in building up Long Island Lodge. Thoroughly imbued with the principles of the Order, he has sought by precept and example to inculcate its teachings. He was entered, passed and raised in this Lodge in 1864; served as Junior Deacon, Senior Master of Ceremonies, and in 1884 was elected Senior Warden and served as Worshipful Master in 1886-7. It was during his administration that tnis Lodge was called upon to meet its quota of the Hall and Asylum Fund. The Lodge at the time was in a weak financial condition, but Bro. Bohen, with the assistance of others, raised the requisite amount by individual subscriptions, which the Lodge afterwards assumed and liquidated. Great credit is due to Bro. Bohen for his energetic efforts to meet this obligation. It was a determined hand to hand and man to man appeal, and the full quota was raised within a few weeks.

Bro. Bohen was born in New York city, 13 Oct 1838. After completing his education he learned the trade of sail-making, which he followed until he was twenty-four years of age; he then started in the express business, first as an employee and in 1865 acquired a half interest with one Colyer. This was known as the Brooklyn and New York Express. In 1867 he bought out his partner and has since carried it on in his own name. His patronage has largely increased and he has continued to do a successful business. In October, 1860, he married Miss Mary A. Cooper, of New York, by whom he has had 13 children, only five of whom are now living. Bro. Bohen was for five years a member of the old volunteer hre department, both in New York and Brooklyn; he served two years with Engine No. 20, of New York, and four years with Crystal Hose Company, of Brooklyn; he was assistant foreman of the latter. He was formerly a member of Principal Lodge No. 48, I. O. O. F. He is at present a member of the North Western Masonic Life Insurance Company, of Harvard Lodge No. 2154, Knights of Honor, and of the Cleveland, O., Masonic Insurance Company; joined Masonic Veterans in 1886, was a charter member of Past Masters' Association of the Third District. He was appointed a member of the Historical Committee in May, 1888, to assist in compiling a history of the Lodge. Owing to his long experience and familiarity with its past history he was of very great assistance in the work.

THOMAS C. MORRIS, Past Master Op Long Island Lodge No. 382.

Brother Morris was born in Monmouth Co., NY; was educated in a private school; lived with his parents on a farm. In 1849 commenced his apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade in the city of Brooklyn. In 1850 he joined the volunteer firemen of Engine No. 13. He was married in 1853, returned to his native town in 1856 and commenced business as a builder. About that time he with others organized Co. A, 2d Regiment, Monmouth and Ocean Brigade, NJ State Militia, in which he rose from private to the rank of captain. In 1859 the Lieutenant-Colonel offered a prize for the best drilled man in the regiment, which was awarded to him with a set of resolutions accompanying it. At the breaking out of the war he with hia company were among the first to volunteer their services, but were not accepted. At the first call for three years' men he raised sixty men for the 29th Regiment NJ Volunteers. In 1864 his first wife died leaving one child. In 1874 he married Margaret Carlile, of Brooklyn, by whom he had four children, two of whom are still living. He went to South America in 1864, returning in 1866. In 1869 he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Long Island Lodge and was appointed S. M. C. in 1870; was elected J. W. in 1871, Senior Warden, 1882; S. Deacon, 1883, and Master in 1884-5. His administration as Master was very successful and met the hearty approval of the brethren. He is a member of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association aud director of the L. I. Lodge. He is a member of Clinton Council No. 24, Order of Chosen Friends, and was its Chief Councilor for two years; after serving six months as Past Chief Councilor he was unanimously re-elected Chief Councilor. He is also a member of Past Masters' Association of Third Masonic District.

He carried on carpenter and building business since 1869 successfully, and is a member of the Master Carpenters' Association, and is also a member of the Veteran Volunteer Fire Department of the Western district.

LAFAYETTE HALSEY, Worshipful Master Of Long Island Lodge.

Bro. Halsey received the mental training and the heart preparation long before he took upon himself the obligations of a Master Mason. His grandfather was a member of St. John's Lodge No. 1, of New York, the oldest Lodge in the State. Abraham Halsey, his brother, is one of the oldest members of St. Nicholas Lodge, New York, and he has a nephew who is Senior Deacon of Anglo-Saxon No. 137, of Brooklyn; so that Bro. Halsey not only belongs to a masonic family, but the principles of masonry were early instilled into his youthful mind and heart. He was duly and truly prepared, and made a Master Mason in Long Island Lodge in 1878; was appointed Chaplain in 1879; served as Junior Warden in 1884-5, as Senior Warden in 1886-7, and, at the annual election in December, 1887, was elected Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. When the effort was made—in 1886—to raise the quota of this Lodge for the Hall and Asylum Fund, he was among the first to assume the heavy financial obligations, and maintain the credit of the Lodge. He is looked upon by the brethren as one of its most earnest and staunchest supporters. During his brief administration he has exhibited that wisdom and discretion in the government of the Lodge that have ever characterized his worthy predecessors. His labor of love has not been confined to Blue Lodge masonry. He was exalted in Gate of the Temple Chapter No. 208, R. A. M.; is a member of Harvard Lodge No. 2154, Knights of Honor, in which he has also rendered efficient service, having passed through the several chairs, and is now Past Dictator.

Bro. Halsey is a native of Brooklyn, born 16 Dec 1840. He was instructed in the rudimentary branches and acquired a knowledge of the classics at home, having spent but three years at school. His father was for many years cashier of the Brooklyn bank, and young Halsey entered the American Exchange Bank of New York wnen he was but fourteen years of age, remaining until 1857. He joined the army in 1864 as paymaster's clerk, and was stationed at Chattanooga, Tenn.; Dalton and Atlanta, Ga.; and in 1865 was ordered to St. Paul, Minn., being the headquarters of the Division of the Army of the Northwest. He left the army in the spring of 1865, and soon after his return East entered the employ of the Tradesmens National Bank, where he has since continued. He was married in 1864, to Miss Anna Kent, of Brooklyn. Six children have been born to them —all living. He was for some years a member of the volunteer fire department, and was attached to Engines No. 9 and 20.

GEORGE G. POOK, Senior Warden.

Bro. Pook was made a mason in this Lodge in 1879; served as S. M. C. in 1880, Junior Deacon in 1881, Senior Deacon in 1881-2, Junior Warden in 1883, and in December, 1887, was elected Senior Warden for the ensuing year. He is a nephew of Adolpheus Andreas, one of the oldest masons in New York, who was Knighted—over sixty years ago—on the same evening with Genl. La Fayette.

Bro. Pook was born in Brooklyn, 19 Aug 1843; served his time at pattern-making, which he has followed ever since. He was for some time a resident of Boston, and was for two years and eight months a member of Company A, 5th Begt., Massachusetts Militia; was also a member of the volunteer fire department for one year.

WOR. CHARLES L. CLARK, Past Master, and Secretary, Pro Tem., Of Long Island Lodge.

Bro. Clark became a member of this Lodge by initiation in 1871; served as Senior Deacon in 1877-8, and again in 1880; he was Senior Warden in 1881, and Worshipful Master in 1882-3. He made an excellent presiding officer, and was highly respected by the brethren. On his retirement as Master, in 1883, he was presented with an elegant gold watch and chain by Wor.-. Bro. William Taylor (since deceased), on behalf of the members of Long Island Lodge, in consideration of his eminent services rendered. In May, 1888, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee for compiling a history of Long Island Lodge, his long experience, constant attendance and thorough knowledge of the transactions of the Lodge for the past seventeen years rendering him peculiarly adapted to the work.

Bro. Clark was born in Monticello, Sullivan County, NY, 30 Jul 1849. He had the advantages of both public and private school education. He came with his parents to Brooklyn in 1862; he was engaged for a time in the dry goods business, and afterwards in the business of glassware and crockery. In 1866 he entered the service of the New York Herald, as clerk at the main office in New York, and has been continuously in the employ of the firm for nearly twenty-three years. Bro. Clark has been twice married: his first wife deceased in 1875, and in 1879 he married Miss Victoria Isele, of Brooklyn.

ABRAHAM NODEN, Junior Warden.

Bro. Noden was made a Master Mason in Long Island Lodge, in 1876. He served as S. M. C., and at the annual election of 1887 was elected Junior Warden. Bro. Noden was born in England, in 1842, where he spent a portion of his early life. He came to this country in 1854, and settled in Brooklyn, where he has since been engaged in mercantile affairs.

COMMONWEALTH LODGE NO. 409, F. & A. M.

Commonwealth Lodge was established on the broad principles of love, charity and benevolence; and as the name signifies, "the common good or happiness.'' The founders were men of liberal views, who, in their previous masonic connections had been under severe restraint owing to the illiberality of some of their associates, and, in erecting a new Lodge, they determined that "no pent up Utica should contract their powers." They laid the foundation broad and deep, and were exceedingly careful in the selection of building material so that when the work was finally commenced "there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was building."

The incident that led to the organization of Commonwealth Lodge was a division of sentiment among the members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge in regard to the payment of the funeral expenses of a deceased brother, a majority having decided not to pay the bill. The small minority were indignant at this action of a majority of their brethren and paid the bill out of their own pockets, at the same time asking for their dimits, which were granted. The brethren who withdrew were James M. Fuller, Benjamin Price, Joseph Stockbridge, Fred. W. Showering, Charles Weeks, Jr., William Howard and Henry Smith. It is but just to state that a more liberal and charitable course has since characterized Star of Bethlehem Lodge, and the brethren of the present generation would discountenance such action as unrnasonic and uncharitable. The brethren who withdrew hoped to find a home in another Lodge more in harmony with their liberal views. Failing in this they decided to organize a new Lodge; Bro. James M. Fuller, now familiarly known as "Pop" Fuller, was the leading spirit in these initial movements. He obtained the following signatures to the Application for a Dispensation from the Grand Lodge: Robert D. McChesney, Brooklyn No. 288; James M. Fuller and Benjamin Price, Star of Bethlehem No. 322; Chas. F. Hermance, Frank Webb and John D. Ammerman, Polar Star No. 245; William Howard, Joseph Stockbridge, Fred. W. Showering and Henry Smith, Star of Bethlehem No. 322; Robert B. Turner, Brooklyn No. 283.

The following persons were named in the Application for the three principal offices: Robert D. McChesney, Master; Benjamin Price, Senior Warden, and James M. Fuller, Junior Warden.

In addition to the foregoing the following names, which were subsequently added, constituted the Charter Members: Charles Weeks, Jr., Star of Bethlehem No. 322; John J. Byram and James H. Clayton, Sylvan Grove No. 275; James L. Smith, Brooklyn No. 288.

The Application, dated May 20th, 1856, endorsed and strongly recommended by Joppa Lodge No. 201, met with strong opposition from other quarters, but was finally granted and a Dispensation issued May 25th, signed by M.'. W.'. Joseph D. Evans, Grand Master.

The first meeting of the Lodge, held under Dispensation, was on June 3,1856, at the corner of Court and Montague Streets, with the following officers in their several places, viz.: R. D. McChesney, Master; Benjamin Price, Senior Warden; James M. Fuller, Junior Warden; Joseph Stockbridge, Treasurer; William Howard, Secretary pro tem.; Chas. F. Hermance and Frank Webb, Deacons. Seated in the East, Wor. George B. Nicholl, Past Master of Excelsior Lodge No. 195; the latter Brother was a frequent visitor and a warm supporter of the Lodge and often assisted in the work. The following named brethren were appointed a committee to draft By-Laws: Benjamin Price, James M. Fuller and William Howard.

The first resolution adopted by the Lodge was a vote of thanks to Joppa Lodge, for their unanimous recommendation of the petition. The first work of the Lodge was the initiation of Monroe F. Gale, on June 17th, 1856. The By-Laws were adopted on June 24th, and on July 15th Bro. Monroe F. Gale was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. On July 20th occurred the first death, viz.: that of Bro. Robert B. Turner, a charter member. On July 29th, with an exceedingly limited exchequer, the Lodge donated the sum of $25 to benevolent purposes, thus fulfilling the proverb : "There is that giveth and yet enricheth; there is that withholdeth and yet impoverisheth.

In all their efforts the Lodge received the hearty support and co-operation of Joppa Lodge, whose members were frequent visitors and assisted in the work. On Aug. 5th, Bro. John Hackett, of Joppa Lodge, presented Commonwealth with a set of columns.

On Oct. 9th, the Lodge took part in the dedication of Anglo-Saxon Hall, corner of Court and Montague streets. Commonwealth rented the rooms of Anglo-Saxon Lodge, and continued to meet on every Tuesday at this place until 1866; they then met in Phoenix Hall alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays until April 28th, 1888, when they moved to their present quarters wnich they had fitted up at great expense.

Aided and encouraged by her sister Lodges in this locality Commonwealth Lodge persevered in the good work so auspiciously begun, and on March 31, 1857, received from the Grand Master a congratulatory letter which was read before the Lodge; but, unfortunately was not spread on the minutes, and has since became mislaid or lost. On April 14th, of this year, preparations were made for celebrating the first anniversary of the organization of the Lodge, and the procuring of the Warrant, which was now a foregone conclusion. The infant was about to lay aside its swaddling clothes and start forth on its mission of love as a full grown youth, with the motto of "Excelsior" inscribed on its banner, to achieve a success unparalleled in the history of Masonry in Brooklyn. A committee was appointed at this communication, consisting of Wor. Brothers McCnesney, Price, Fuller, and Brothers Byram and Howard, to make suitable arrangements for this event.

Application having been made to the Grand Lodge, a Warrant was issued by M.’. W.'. John L. Lewis, Grand Master, under the date of June 3.1857, and on June 9th following, a Communication was held at the Lodge room for the purpose of having the Lodge duly constituted and the officers installed. Grand Master Lewis and his staff with a large number of visiting brethren were present and at the close of these interesting ceremonies the brethren of the Lodge escorted the Grand Lodge Officers to the Pierrepont House, where a banquet was served in celebration of this important event.

Only two brethren have been elected Honorary Members of the Lodge since its organization. The first to receive this honor was Wor. Bro. George B. Nicholl, of

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