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

Senior Warden.—James Milligan, 1865-6-7; Benj. Du Moulin, 1868; Nelson Race, 1869-70; D. B. Phillips, 1871; A. M. Pough, 1872; D. B. Phillips, 1873-4; M. P. Bestow, 1875; J. W. Senior, 1876; C. M. Nichols, 1877; J. W. Senior, 1878; Samuel Green, 1879; Benj. Du Moulin, 1880; Edward Johnson, 1881; Samuel Green, 1882; Henry Drisler, 1883; Chas. E. Mensch, 1884-5; Wm. C. Knapp, 1886-7-8.

Junior Warden.—Luman W. Kimball, 1865-6-7; Nelson Race, 1868; A. M. Pough, 1869-70; T. B. Bush, 1871-2; C. M. Nichols, 1873-4; D. H. Hopkinson, 18,5; J. D; Shedlock, 1876; Wm. White, 1877; T. B. Tilton, 1878; Edward Johnson, 1879; E. T. Bush, 1880; S. H. Graves, 1881; Eugene Tollner, 1882; Jas. B. Davenport, 1883; Edwin Heald, 1884; W. B. Bokee, 1885; Chas. G. Little, 1886-7-8.

Treasurer.—John Blair, 1865 to 1885, inclusive; Rt. Wor. Benj. H. Dewey, 1886-7-8.

Secretary.—Theodore C. Granniss, 1865 to 1869, inclusive; C. I. Camp, 1870; W. H. Donnell, 1871 to 1888, inclusive.

RT. WOR. JOHN K. OAKLEY, Past Master Of Bedford Lodge, Past District Deputy Grand Master. Third Masonic District.

Right Worshipful Bro. Oakley is the recognized father of Bedford Lodge, and, from the youngest to the oldest, the brethren look up to him with a filial love and affection little less than that which unites hearts bound by the ties of nature. While he has devoted thirty-six of the best years of his life to the cause, it is but eight years since he laid aside the gavel and ceased from active labor. He entered Joppa Lodge No. 201, in April, 1852, at 293 Fulton street, and was the first one raised in Montauk Lodge room after the removal of Joppa Lodge to their new rooms there appointed. He served one term as Junior Warden, and continued in active service until 1865, when he with others withdrew and organized Bedford Lodge. He became its first Master, serving continuously through 1865-6-7-8. During his second term he was appointed by M.’. W.’. Grand Master Holmes, District Deputy Grand Master of the Third Masonic District, which then comprised all the Lodges on Long Island; and he visited that year, with one exception, every Lodge within his jurisdiction. At the close of his administration as Master, in 1868, he was presented by the Lodge with an elegant gold watch and chain, with the following inscription on the inside of the case : "Brooklyn, December 21, 5868. Presented to War. Brother P.: M.: John K. Oakley by Bedford Lodge No. 574, F. and A. M., on his retirement from Master, which he acceptably filled from the organization of the Lodge, February 22, 1865." The obverse side of the case shows a representation of a District Deputy's Jewel, and the reverse side the monogram J. K. O. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Orient Chapter 138, but subsequently dimitted to assist in organizing Constellation Chapter No. 209, of which he was offered the position of High Priest, but was compelled to decline on account of business engagements, and finally withdrew for the same reason. In 1865 he ascended to the 32d degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is still a member of the New York Consistory. In 1880, Bedford Lodge having decided to fill all the offices with its Past Masters, he was again called to the East, presiding with the same dignity and ease, and performing the work with the same impressiveness that characterized his early administration.

Bro. Oakley was born near Mount Hope, Orange County, NY, 8 Jun 1822. He received a good academic education, aid for a number of years was principal of the public school at Flatbush, L. I., from 1845 to 1851, and Town Superintendent of common schools, town of Flatbush, 1849. He came to Brooklyn in 1851 and engaged in the auction business. He became prominently identified with the American party, and was elected Alderman from the Fourth Ward on that ticket, serving from January, 1855, to 1857. He was also Chairman of the Health Committee, and during the prevalence of the yellow fever in Brooklyn, in the summer of 1855, he visited daily the infected districts and performed the duties of his office at the imminent risk of his own life. He was a delegate to the Philadelphia Convention in 1856, which nominated Millard Fillmore for President. Subsequently he ran for Street Commissioner of Brooklyn, as the representative of the American party, and, although he ran 3,000 ahead of his ticket, he was evidently "counted out." In 1863 he became Special Agent of the Continental Insurance Company, and in 1870, General Agent of the same Company, his whole term of service with that Company exceeding nineteen years. In December, 1882, he was elected President of the Mechanics' Fire Insurance Company, and resigned two years later to assume the duties of adjuster of losses, for several companies.

The three score and six years have not impaired the mental faculties of Bro. Oakley; his memory of events is clear and he is able to transact the same amount of business, and more, that he did twenty years ago. He is still hale and hearty, with a fair promise of reaching the nineteenth century.

WOR. THOMAS E. PURDY, Chaplain And Past Master Of Bedford Lodge.

Wor. Bro. Purdy was raised in Star of Bethlehem Lodge No. 322, in 1858. He served as Senior Deacon and Junior Warden, and was Master from 1861 to 1865, inclusive, and again in 1873; serving as its Treasurer in 1867. He affiliated with Bedford Lodge February 9, 1877, and was elected Master in 1879, and was appointed Chaplain in 1888. During his administration in Star of Bethlehem Lodge he was presented with an elegant Past Master's jewel, set with diamonds. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Orient Chapter No. 138. He ascended to the 32d degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and became a charter member of the Aurora Grata Bodies.

Bro. Purdy was born in New York City, 30 Apr 1827. He engaged in the manufacture of window shades; first as a clerk and has for twenty-one years carried on business for himself.

WOR. BENJAMIN DU MOULIN, Past Master Of Bedford Lodge.

Although Bro. Du Moulin is one of the veterans of the Third Masonic District, there is little in his personal appearance to indicate advancing years. He was made a Mason in Long Island Lodge No. 382, about twenty-five years ago. He dimitted from there in 1865, and assisted in organizing Bedford Lodge, and was its first Junior Deacon, U. D., continuing through 1866; he was S. M. C. in 1867; Senior Warden in 1868, and Master in 1869-70. He showed great administrative and executive ability; was prompt and decisive in action, a man of tact, good judgment, and quick discernment, checking discussion where the peace and harmony of the Lodge was concerned, and preserving strict discipline without giving offense. While unable to attend the regular Communications of the Lodge, owing to business engagements, his brethren cherish a grateful remembrance of his labors and many acts of kindness.

Bro. Du Moulin is of French Huguenot descent, born in New York City, 25 Oct 1837, where he received a good common school education. He afterwards followed for several years the occupation of sail maker, and during the war engaged in making government tents. He went to the front with the 56th Regiment, NGSNY, just prior to the battle of Gettysburg, and remained until his regiment was ordered back to New York to assist in quelling the draft riots.

He was engaged for a time in the photograph business. In 1878 he became connected with W. L. Cameron, of 577 Fulton street, in the stationery business, and has continued up to the present time.

WOR. THOMAS B. TILTON, Past Master Of Bedford Lodge.

Wor. Bro. Tilton was made a Master Mason in Hyatt Lodge No. 205, Brooklyn, E. D., in 1864, and affiliated in Bedford Lodge, March 1, 1868. He served as Organist in 1868-9 and 1870; was Junior Warden in 1878; Chaplain in 1879, and Master in 1881-2. He was advanced to the 32d degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in the Aurora Grata Bodies, and New York Consistory.

Bro. Tilton was born in Keyport, Monmouth Co., NJ, 13 Dec 1838. He became connected with the financial department of the New York Independent in 1860, and has remained continuously in that position for upwards of twenty- eight years.

IVOR, HENRY DRISLER, Past Master Of Bedford Lodge.

Wor. Bro. Drisler was made a Mason in Bedford Lodge, March 28, 1881; was Senior Deacon in 1882; Senior Warden in 1883, and Master in 1884—5. He was exalted in Orient Chapter No. 138, R. A. M., of which he is Past High Priest. Wor. Bro. Drisler was born in New York City, 29 Sep 1850; was graduated at Columbia College in 1869. He has been connected with the financial department of Harper Bros. Publishing House for several years.

R.’. W.’. JAMES B. DAVENPORT, Wor. Master Of Bedford Lodge; Grand Steward Of The Grand Lodge, State Of NY.

Although Bro. Davenport cannot claim Bedford Lodge as his alma mater, yet the Lodge has never had an officer for whom they entertained a stronger degree of affection than for him. He has been for three years its presiding officer, and during that period has obtained a hold on the hearts of his brethren that death alone can sever. His administration has been marked by an unusual degree of prosperity, and not only have members been added to its membership, but the average attendance has been exceptionally large. His individuality is impressed upon the Lodge, and his attractive qualities of mind and heart drew and held the brethren together. He was first brought to light in, and served as Senior Deacon of, Long Island Lodge No. 382, in 1880. He affiliated with Bedford Lodge April 25, 1881; was elected Junior Warden in 1883, and Master in 1886-7-8. He was honored by the Grand Lodge at its last Annual Communication with the appointment of Grand Steward, and in addition to the honors accorded him by his own Lodge, he thus becomes a Right Worshipful, with all the honors that the name implies.

WOR. WILLIAM C. KNAPP, Senior Warden And Worshipful Master-elect.

Although still holding the position of Senior Warden, Bro. Knapp has frequently acted as presiding officer of Bedford Lodge, and has won golden opinions from his brethren for the able manner in which he has discharged the duties of that office. Prompt and decisive, yet pleasing in his manners; self- possessed, yet modest and unassuming; a thorough ritualist, yet with sufficient originality of thought and ease of expression as to avoid even the appearance of mannerism. His work shows great care and forethought, and is exceptionally good. He was made a Master Mason in Bedford Lodge, January 28, 1884; appointed Senior Deacon in 1885, and was elected Senior Warden in 1886, 1887-8. In December, 1888, was elected Master. He was exalted in Orient Chapter No. 138, R. A. M., in which he has served as Principal Sojourner. He is a member of Burnside Council, R. A., of Brooklyn; Empire City Council No. 185,. A. L. of H., New York; and Standard Council No. 31, U. S. Benevolent Fraternity.

Bro. Knapp was born in Germany, 8 May 1842, but has been a resident of New York and Brooklyn since he was four years of age; received a common-school education, and commenced as a boy with the dry-goods house of Charles Heard & Co., 301 Grand street, New York, with whom he continued for fifteen years. He commenced business for himself in New York, in 1874, under the firm name of Dorris & Knapp. Since 1884 he has continued the same business in his own name in Brooklyn, NY. He has an interesting family of six children living, having lost two. His wife was Miss Minnie A. Bergman, of Brooklyn, to whom he was married in 1864.

CHARLES G. LITTLE, Junior Warden And Senior Warden-elect.

The principles taught by Speculative Masonry were "bred in the bone" with Bro. Little, both his father and grandfather being prominent Masons in the State of New York, his brother also being a member of the Order. He received his light and knowledge of Masonry in Temple Lodge No. 412, of Fideonte, Pa., December 10, 1872. He took no active part in the work until he affiliated with Bedford Lodge, January 28, 1884. He was appointed Junior Deacon the following year; elected Junior Warden in 1886-7 and '88; and at the annual election in December, 1888, was elected Senior Warden.' He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Orient Chapter No. 138, on May 28,1885, in which he served as Master of the 2d Veil, and is now Captain of the Host. He was dubbed and knighted in Clinton Commandery No. 14, K. T.; is a member of Standard Council No. 31, U. S. Benevolent Fraternity of New York.

Bro. Little was born in the old historic town of Newburgh, NY, the last rallying point of the Continental Army in the War of the Revolution, and identified with the Fraternity by the frequent visits of General Washington to American Union Lodge. The date of Bro. Little's birth was 11 Jun1847. His only education was that of the public school, but he made the most of his opportunities, and subsequently accepted a lucrative position in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where he spent eight years of his life. He entered the employ of the Camden Consolidated Oil Co., of Baltimore, Md., in 1876, and in 1880 accepted a responsible and lucrative position with the Standard Oil Company of New York. He found a life-partner at Pleasantville, Pa., in 1874, in the person of Miss Mary Louisa Esler. Two children have blessed this union. Bro. Little served his term with the old Volunteer Fire Department of Newburgh, from which he received an honorable discharge, December 2,1873. He was connected with the Lawson Hose Co. No, 5.

R.’. W.’. BENJAMIN H(opkins). DEWEY, Past Deputy Grand Master Of Masons In The State Of Vermont, And Treasurer Of Bedford Lodge No. 174.

Bro. Dewey was made a Mason in Winooski Lodge No. 49, of Waterbury, Vt. He served as Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, and Master. In the Grand Lodge of the State of Vermont he was Grand Junior Deacon, Grand Junior Warden, and Deputy Grand Master. He affiliated with Bedford Lodge, January 8, 1872; was elected Treasurer in 1885-6-7-8.

Bro. Dewey was born in Georgia, Vt., 21 Mar 1832, son of Martin Dewey and Rachel Lodema Simmons. He removed to Plattsburg, NY, thence to the State of Ohio. He returned to Vermont in 1853, and was cashier of the Waterbury (Vt.) Bank for eleven years. He commanded Company A, First Regiment, Vermont Militia; rose to the rank of Colonel and Aide-de-Camp attached to the staff of Governor Dillingham, father of the present Governor of Vermont. He was foreman of Seth Warren Engine Company No. 2, and subsequently became Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. He was married in 1857 to Miss Kate B. Adams, of Burlington, Vt., and had two children, one now living. He came to New York in 1870, and was for a time connected with the wholesale drug house of John F. Henry. He was two years cashier of the Security Bank of New York, and for the past nine years has been cashier of the Sone & Fleming Manufacturing Company (connected with the Standard Oil Works) of New York. Bro. Dewey has resided in Brooklyn for the past eighteen years, where he has made many friends, both in and out of the Lodge.

On March 6, 1856, Mr. Benjamin H. Dewey was duly appointed cashier of the (Waterbury) bank. Mr. Dewey remained with the bank until April 29, 1865, at which time he was succeeded by Mr. James K. Fullerton. Mr. Dewey accompanied the firm of John F. Henry & Company from Waterbury to New York where he continued with that firm until he entered the employment of the Standard Oil Company then occupying the old building at 44 Broadway. He remained with the Standard Oil Company until his death. He married Katherine Barnes Adams on 22 Jul 1857, by whom he had a son, Martin A., b. ca 1859.

WILLIAM H. DONNELL, Secretary Of Bedford Lodge.

Bro. Donnell is courteous, kind and affable in his manner, sacrificing personal comfort and convenience to serve his brethren. He was made a Master Mason on March 8,1869. He was Junior Deacon one term, and since 1870 has filled the office of Secretary. He was Secretary of Brooklyn Lodge No. 26, I. O. O. F.; is a member of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Brooklyn, and of the Northwestern Masonic Aid Association of Chicago.

Bro. Donnell was born, raised and educated in Brooklyn. He first saw the light of day 1 Jan 1844. He commenced his commercial career, at the age of 15, with Geo. W. Bead, Wholesale Commission Merchant, in New York; was in his employ two years, and afterwards was with John J. Hinchman & Co., wholesale dealers in hosiery, New York. After three years' service he entered the employ of Bellis & Co., fruit dealers, and since 1870 has been connected with the firm of Denslow & Bush, subsequently Bush & Denslow Mfg. Co., Refiners of Petroleum, as bookkeeper and cashier.

He has been twice married, his second wife being Miss Minnie Overington, an estimable lady, of Brooklyn, to whom he was united in 1883. His family consists of two children. He served his city as a member of the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department, and was Secretary of Jackson Engine Company No. 11. His friends are legion, to whom he is loyal, faithful, steadfast and true.

L. M. THATCHER, Junior Warden-elect, 1889.

By his unswerving devotion to the cause of Freemasonry, his constant and regular attendance at the stated communications of the Lodge, and the deep interest manifested by him in the work, Bro. Thatcher has merited and won the confidence of his brethren, who have recently honored him with a seat in the South by a unanimous vote. He was entered, passed and raised in Bedford Lodge in 1885; he served as Senior Deacon in 1887, as Senior Master of Ceremonies in 1888, and at the annual election held in December, 1888, was elected Junior Warden. That he is worthy and well qualified for the position, and that he has made suitable proficiency in the work, is shown by the recent action of the brethren. He is a true Mason at heart, and exemplifies in his daily walk and in his business transactions the true principles of Speculative Masonry.

Bro. Thatcher was born at Lansingburg, NY, 18 Feb 1850. He removed to Jersey City with his parents in early childhood, and received a liberal education at the public schools of that city. He commenced his business experience with his father, who is engaged in the manufacture of hot-air furnaces. His advancement to a post of trust and responsibility is due to merit alone and not to personal relations or influence. He became a resident of Brooklyn in 1882.

ALONZO C. BUCKLEY.

Bro. Buckley has never been conspicuous as a Master Builder in the Lodge Terrestrial, but for twenty-seven years has endeavored, in his own humble way, to do his duty as brother, observing closely the designs laid down on the trestle-board, and adding each year to his store of treasures in the Lodge Celestial, that "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens;" and when his work on earth is submitted for examination to the Great Architect of the Universe, it will receive the approval of "well done, good and faithful servant." Bro. Buckley was taught early in life that the true source of happiness was in doing good and in trying to live up to the golden rule. His first instructions in Symbolic Masonry were received in Peconic Lodge, Greenport, L. I., about 1861, and he remained a true and consistent member for about twenty years. He affiliated with Bedford Lodge, June 24, 1881, where he received a cordial greeting, and found brethren united with him in their efforts to "bear one another's burdens." He is a member of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Relief Association of Brooklyn, E. D., and South Brooklyn.

Bro. Buckley was born at Riverhead, Suffolk County, L. I., 19 Apr 1839. He obtained a sufficient knowledge of the rudimentary branches at the country school to fit him for the active duties of life. This completed, he learned the carpenter's trade, and in time became a master builder. He came to Brooklyn about twenty-two years ago, where he has since carried on the same business. He was married at Riverhead, in 1866, to Miss Mary P. Griffin, a native of that town. Only one out of a family of four children is now living.

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