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

Senior Warden.—Thomas A. Hodgson, 1863; J. Windle Fowler, 1867; James Walsh, 1868; John C. Simpson, 1869; William Ferguson, 1870; Joseph W. Lincoln, 1871-2; F. Zellinsky, 1873; Alexander W. Murphy, 1874; F. H. Downs, 1875; E. S. Bunker, 1876; G. W. Bennett, 1877; Edward A. Hodgson, 1878; Geo. W. Cummings, 1879; John Merrett, 1880; Geo. W. Cummings, 1881; A. W. Dougherty, 1882; Thomas Penney 1883-4; W. I. Phillips, 1885-6; A. W. Sloggatt, 1887; Walter S. Burnham, 1888.

Junior Warden.—Thomas H. Macarthy, 1866; James Walsh, 1867; John C. Simpson, 1868; Joseph W. Lincoln, 1869; Henry Waddleton, 1870; James Bullen, 1871; Geo. W. Bennett, 1872; Wm. H. Cummings, 1873; John D. Nolan, 1874; Wm. A. Younie, 1875; John N. Fordham, 1876; G. H. Slote, 1877-8; Asa C. Fellows, 1879-80; James Craig, 1881; Thomas Penney, 1882; Edward F. Lindridge, 1883; W. Irving Phillips, 1884; C. E. Taylor, 1885; A. W. Sloggatt, 1880; Thomas Butcher, 1887; John Parkinson, 1888.

Secretary.—J. Windle Fowler, I860; Hiram Bloomer, 1867 to 1877, inclusive; Ferd. Zellinsky, 1878-79-80; Edward Sloggatt 1881 to 1888; re-elected for 1889.

Treasurer.—Joseph S. Myers, 1866 to 1888, and re-elected for 1889.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

A special effort was made to obtain personal sketches of the officers and past officers of this Lodge. Some were not returned at all, and others were not returned until after the completion of the history of this Lodge.

WOR. E. A. HODGSON, Past Master Of Cosmopolitan Lodge.

Wor. Bro. Hodgson is the oldest living Past Master of Cosmopolitan Lodge, and one of the oldest Craftsmen in the Third Masonic District. He received his degrees in St. John's Lodge No. 1, in 1857, which was warranted by the St. John's or Atwood Grand Lodge, of the State of New York. He served as Junior Deacon and Senior Deacon, and subsequently assisted in the organization of Zeredatha Lodge No. 483, and became Senior Deacon, Senior Warden, and Master; he withdrew from there with a number of brethren in 1866, and helped to organize Cosmopolitan Lodge, and was its first Senior Warden, and performed the duties of Master during that period. He was Master in 1867-8; Trustee in 1871, and again elected Senior Warden in 1878. He was exalted in Orient Chapter No. 138, R. A. M., was formerly a member of Brooklyn Council R. and S. M., also of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Bro. Hodgson was born on Sable Island, Province of Nova Scotia, 21 Aug1830. His grandfather was for many years superintendent of Sable Island. Bro. Hodgson came to the States in 1847, and for the past twenty-three years has carried on the baking business in Brooklyn.

WOR. J. C. SIMPSON, Past Master Of Cosmopolitan Lodge.

Wor. Bro. Simpson has fairly earned and justly deserves tie many honors that have been bestowed on him by Cosmopolitan Lodge, not only for his ability displayed as a Craftsman, but for his large hearted benevolence, his zeal in the work, and his unceasing efforts to build up the Lodge, that it might in no way be behind its sister Lodges. He has labored incessantly for more than twenty-two years, not only to advance the general interests of the Lodge, but to lend a helping hand to the worthy and distressed. He entered this Lodge Oct. 2, 1866. He was Senior Master of Ceremonies in 1867; Junior Warden in 1868; Senior Warden in 1869; Master in 1870-71-2-3, and again in 1881. At the close of his third administration, the brethren of the Lodge, desiring to show their appreciation of his eminent labors as Master, as well as his many noble qualities as a man and Brother Mason, presented him with a gold watch, suitably inscribed, a memento he still cherishes with just and laudable pride. Although some years have passed since he laid aside the gavel, he is still a "living epistle" in masonry, "known and read of all men." He still continues his labors, and is unremitting in his efforts to promote peace and harmony and build up the Lodge. He has been for several years a member of Nassau Lodge No. 39, I. O. O. F.

Bro. Simpson was born on Deer Island, Province of New Brunswick, 25 Oct 1840, but was raised and educated at Eastport, Me. He commenced life as a clerk in a country store, and in 1862 came to New York and obtained a position in a clothing-house. He started in business for himself in 1874, which he has carried on successfully for the past fourteen years. He has an interesting family of a wife and one child; he was married in 1880 to Miss Emma C. Mann, of Delhi, NY.

WOR. ALEXANDER S. MURPHY, Past Master Of Cosmopolitan Lodge.

As Master of Cosmopolitan Lodge Wor. Bro. Murphy fully maintained the reputation it had hitherto borne, and strangers as well as his own brethren were always extended a hearty greeting. As a presiding officer he was exceptionally good, and, while he never permitted any unmasonic conduct during Lodge hours, and always insisted on strict decorum, yet, when called from labor to refreshment, he was the simple, unaffected Craftsman and warm-hearted brother. Cases of sickness and distress received his thoughtful attention, and he frequently made personal visits to such and extended the hand of sympathy as well as pecuniary aid. Bro. Murphy was initiated, passed and raised in this Lodge in 1872. He filled temporarily the several offices about the Lodge, and in 1874 was taken from the floor and honored with a seat in the West; and the following year was elected Master. During his administration he took a prominent part in the arrangements of the Third Masonic District for participating in the dedication ceremonies of the Masonic Temple, and was Secretary of the Committee of Arrangements.

Bro. Murphy is a native of New York city, born 14 Sep 1850. He enjoyed the usual educational facilities of the public schools. Ever since the outset of his business career he has been connected with the principal shipping and maritime interests of this port, having worked his way up from the humblest position. He is a prominent and popular member of the Maritime and Produce exchanges; was for many years freight manager of the Union Line of steamers, running between New York and Hamburg, of which Phelps Bros. & Co. were the General Agents. He has recently formed a connection with the Anchor Line of Steamers, managed by Henderson Bros., he having charge of the chartering department. He has been a resident of Brooklyn for some years past.

WOR. W. H. CUMMINGS, Past Master Of Cosmopolitan Lodge.

The Mantle of his predecessors fell on one worthy to bear it when Bro. Cummings was elected to preside in the East. A man of great decision of character, fine administrative ability, he kept the Lodge well in hand, and did much to promote its social features by fraternal intercourse with sister Lodges. He extended a hearty welcome to all visiting brethren, without distinction, and was alike cordially greeted by his brethren of sister Lodges. A man of irreproachable character, an upright Mason, and a Craftsman well skilled in the working tools of Symbolic Masonry. He was received into the Lodge as a "rough ashler," July 6, 1869; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft July 13, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Aug. 17, 1869; he was Junior Deacon in 1872; Junior Warden in 1873; Senior Deacon in 1876, and Master in 1877-8. In the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite he is Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, Cerneau Consistory, No. 1, of New York city. He is also a member of Stella Council No. 400, A. L. of H., of Brooklyn.

Although a native of Manchester, England, born 13 Jun 1848, he has known no other country but this, having removed with his parents to Brooklyn in early childhood, and was educated at Public School No. 6. At the age of twelve years he commenced to learn the art of decorating and painting, to which he devoted five years' service. He then left the business and commenced as office boy in the commission house of Norton, Slaughter & Co., continuing from 1865 to 1874, when he became a member of the firm of J. H. Moore & Co., in the same business. He stands high in the business community and is a man of unimpeachable character, strict probity and honor. He has a large and interesting family of six children, having lost one. He was married, January 9,1872, to Miss Hannah Eliza Osborn, an estimable lady connected with one of the old, highly respected Brooklyn families.

WOR. JOSEPH W. LINCOLN, Past Master Of Cosmopolitan Lodge.

It is a remarkable and noteworthy fact that, during the administration of Wor. Bro. Lincoln as Master, not a single death occurred in the Lodge. If he did not possess the health giving properties that tend to longevity of years, he certainly imparted to his brethren the cheerful spirit and happy frame of mind which characterized his administration, and thus helped to "drive away dull care," and relieve the physical from the mental strains. In this respect his two years' administration was the most successful ever enjoyed by this Lodge. He was raised in this Lodge December 4, 1866, during the first year of its organization, by Wor. Bro. Hodgson, the then acting Master. He has served four terms as Senior Deacon, viz., 1868, 1870, 1881, 1888; was Junior Warden in 1869; Senior Warden in 1871, and Master in 1883-4. His desire to do good and help his fellow-men has led to his connection with other benevolent organizations. He was a charter member and first Eegent of Oxford Council, R. A., and subsequently left it to join Amaranth Council No. 461. He has been an active working member, and is now Trustee of the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association of Brooklyn.

Bro. Lincoln was born at Eastport, Me., 23 Apr 1841. After completing his education he commenced as a clerk in a country store. He came to New York in 1863 and obtained a position in the house of J. H. Watkins; he was two years with him and ten years with his successor. He carried on business for himself for five years, and for the past nine years has been with the house of J. H. Robertson, of New York. He has been twice married, his first wife, Miss Lydia M. Shea, deceased, leaving one child. He married the second time, Miss Adelaide M. Piper, of Brooklyn, by whom he has one child.

WOR, THOMAS PENNEY, Master Of Cosmopolitan Lodge.

Cosmopolitan Lodge has had none more worthy, capable or earnest presiding officers than the present incumbent. Quick and prompt in his orders, a thorough master of the ritual, able to command as well as to win respect, yet never giving offense by his rulings or by his manner. That he has obtained a strong hold of the hearts of his brethren is shown by the fact that they have elected him four successive times to his present position. The Fraternity owe him a debt of gratitude for his prompt and energetic efforts in behalf of the Hall and Ayslum Fund in urging the brethren to pay its per capita tax, thus obtaining relief from further assessments. He has in many ways endeared himself to the brethren by his acts of kindness and his efforts to promote their individual happiness. He will long be held in remembrance for his fidelity and devotion to the cause. He was proposed September 14, 1880; initiated Entered Apprentice Sept. 28th; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft Oct. 12th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason October 26th; was Junior Warden in 1882; Senior Warden in 1883-4, and Master in 1885-6-7-8. In Gate of the Temple Chapter he was proposed June 22, 1881; advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master September 14th; regularly passed the Chair October 12th; received and acknowledged Most Excellent Master November 9th; exalted to the most sublime degree of Royal Arch December 5th; he passed through the several chairs, and is at present High Priest; he is equally popular with his companions in the Chapter.

Bro. Penney was born at No. 9 Yandewater street, New York, 13 Feb 1851; educated in the rudimentary branches at public school, and received a thorough course at Paine's Business College, Brooklyn. He entered the house of Harrison, Bostwick & Karples, Petroleum Inspectors, as a boy, and worked his way up to his present position as superintendent. In every position in life he has shown the same fidelity and integrity of purpose.

WALTER B. BURNHAM, Senior Warden.

Bro. Burnham was made a Mason in this Lodge February 10, 1880, and was elected Senior Warden for 1887. He was exalted in Gate of the Temple Chapter, R. A. M. Bro. Burnham was born in London, England, 22 Nov 1845. He came to this country and settled in Brooklyn in 1865, continuing to work at his trade of harness making until 1877, when he started in business for himself.

JOHN PARKINSON, Junior Warden.

Bro. Parkinson is a veteran Craftsman of many years standing, and has never yet grown weary of well doing. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Keystone Lodge No. 235, in 1864. He affiliated with Cosmopolitan Lodge December 4, 1877; served as Senior Master of Ceremonies in 1881,1886-7, and at the last Annual Communication was elected Junior Warden. He has found a pleasant home in this Lodge with brethren that could appreciate his many estimable qualities, while he in turn has labored earnestly to promote the objects of masonry, and help all worthy distressed brethren of the Fraternity. He is a member of the North Western Masonic Insurance Association, of Chicago.

Bro. Parkinson was born in Hull, England, 25 Nov1836, but has been a resident of Brooklyn from early childhood. He first learned the ship carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years; he then tried the lighterage business and was fairly successful. He finally tried the retail coal business in Brooklyn, E. D., and by honesty and fair dealing with his customers he has received a liberal patronage. While making no display, he has never failed to practice the principles taught in masonry. His domestic life has been fraught with peace and harmony. He has had a large family, but only four children are now living. His wife was a Miss Anna Garnett, to whom he was married in 1858.

JOS. S. MYERS, Treasurer.

The record of Bro. Myers is fully comprehended in one word, viz., FIDELITY. Since the first Regular Communication of Cosmopolitan Lodge, nearly a quarter of a century ago, he has guarded its Treasury and received and disbursed every dollar. Bro. Myers was brought to Masonic light in Zeredatha Lodge No. 483, in 1863, by Wor. Bro. Hodgson, the first Master of this Lodge. He assisted in organizing Cosmopolitan Lodge, and was elected Treasurer, U. D., and annually re-elected down to the present time. The sentiments of his brethren toward him have been expressed on two different occasions; the first was about fifteen years, ago, when he was presented with gold cross keys and ring, emblematic of his office; and about six years ago was presented with a more substantial token of their love and esteem, viz., a solid silver pitcher, with cup and salver of the same.

EDWARD SLOGGATT, Secretary.

"Behold how pleasant it is to see brethren dwell together in unity." Bro. Sloggatt is one of three brothers, who, together with the father, are all members of Cosmopolitan Lodge. It is evident that they are all "of one accord and one mind," and none can measure the influence that such a family exerts for good. Bro. Edward Sloggatt, the subject of this sketch, received his instructions in the use of the tools of Speculative Masonry from Wor. Bro. W. H. Cummings, and was brought to light Nov. 27, 1877. He was appointed on the Donating Committee in 1878-9; was elected Secretary in 1881, and re-elected annually each succeeding year. Careful, painstaking, and methodical, he has filled the position to the entire satisfaction of his brethren. His uniform courtesy and urbanity of manner have won for him the esteem of his brethren, as well as all who are brought into relations with him. To do good and to obey as far as possible the golden rule is the aim of his life.

Although a native of London, England, born 15 Apr1856, Bro. Sloggatt has known no other country but this, having resided in Brooklyn since he was three years of age. He acquired a good education, and in 1870 entered as a boy, the house of Spelman Bros., fancy goods importers, New York, where, by strict attention to business, and a conscientious discharge of every duty, he won the esteem of his employers, and was in due course of time promoted to his present high and responsible position. He took to himself a life partner in 1887, in the person of Miss Elizabeth Howard Coutant, of Brooklyn, whose father was a prominent mason and worthy brother.

JOHN SLOGGATT, Tiler.

Bro. John Sloggatt has certainly obeyed the command to "bring up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." He entered Cosmopolitan Lodge in 1875, and has since brought in his three sons, all of whom have been an honor to the Lodge, as well as to the Fraternity. He was appointed Tiler in the fall of 1887 and still holds that position. He was exalted in Gate of Temple Chapter, R. A. M., and was Principal Sojourner for four years. He is a member of Oxford Chapter, R. A., Steuben Council No. 952, A. L. of H., and Eagle Council, Order of United Friends. Bro. Sloggatt was born in England, 29 Jul 1824, he married in the Isle of Jersey, and his three sons, members of this Lodge, were born in London. He has been a resident of Brooklyn for the past thirty years. He has a large circle of friends, both in and out of the Lodge.

WOR. GEOEGE W. BENNETT, Master Elect For 1889.

Wor. Bro. Bennett celebrates the twenty-first year of his Masonic birth by a seat in the East, to which his brethren have elected him. He has rendered long and faithful service in subordinate positions, and endeared himself to the brethren by his unselfish devotion to the cause, and his willingness to serve them in any capacity where he could be most useful. The honor recently conferred upon him is a fit ending to his long and useful career, and he enters upon the duties of his new position, not a novice, but with a ripe experience, mature judgment and a thorough knowledge of the work. He was received as an Entered Apprentice, in this Lodge, April 14, 1868, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 19th following, by Wor. Bro. Hodgson, who is still a member of this Lodge. He was S. M. C. in 1871; Junior Warden in 1872; Senior Warden in 1777, and at the annual election in December, 1888, was elected Master by an almost unanimous majority.

Bro. Bennett is a native of Brooklyn, born 12 Sep 1844. After completing his education he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1860 was associated with his father in the employ of the Brooklyn Fire Brick Works, and has continued his connection with this company for twenty-nine years, ten of which he has been foreman. His long continuance in this position is the best evidence of the high esteem in which he is held by his employers.

CHRISTOPHER P. FLOOD, Senior Deacon For 1889.

Bro. Flood has made great proficiency in the work during his brief masonic career, and has been honored accordingly by the newly elected Master. He was received as an Entered Apprentice into Cosmopolitan Lodge in the spring of 1888; soon after received his Fellowcraft degree, and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in July of this year. At the annual election in December following he was appointed Senior Deacon, and entered at once upon his duties, duly and truly prepared, worthy and well qualified for the position. Possessed of a retentive memory, he soon acquired a knowledge of the ritual that enabled him to perform the work without assistance.

Bro. Flood, now Manager of the Postal office, 187 Broadway, New York, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., 6 Sep1857. He entered the telegraph service in 1868 as messenger for Mr. M. H. Redding, then Manager of the Bankers and Brokers' Telegraph Company. He was finally made head messenger at the oil office of that company. He followed the oil trade to the Produce Exchange, where he was appointed delivery clerk, and shortly afterwards operator, in 1873. In 1874 he went to Long Branch for the Western Union, the Bankers & Brokers' having been sold out. In May, 1876, he went to Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Local Telegraph Company, where he was made night manager of the principal city office. In 1877 he was appointed manager of the Western Union office at West Philadelphia depot. In March, 1878, he was appointed operator in the Western Union main office, New York City, and soon afterwards transferred to the cable department, where he remained until the opening of the Mutual Union Telegraph Company, where he was employed by them as assistant chief. He remained in that capacity until the opening of the Postal Telegraph Company, when he was appointed circuit manager and chief operator of its wire system in the Eastern Division. At the time of the consolidation of the Baltimore & Ohio, Postal and the Bankers' & Merchants', he was made traffic chief of the United Lines office. When the split occurred he returned to the Postal as chief operator, where he has remained ever since.

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