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

WOR. EDWIN T. MACKAY, Past Master Of Anglo-saxon Lodge.

Wor. Brother Mackay was the presiding officer of Anglo-Saxon Lodge during a period when peace and harmony existed, not only in his own Lodge, but throughout all the Lodges of the Third Masonic District, and he had the pleasure of welcoming a number of distinguished brethren who were frequent visitors at the Lodge. His administration was highly commendable, and he was well supported by the brethren. His work was characterized by that thoroughness for which Anglo-Saxon Lodge has always been distinguished. He was raised in this Lodge January 12,1871; served as J. M. C., Senior Deacon, and was elected Junior Warden in 1874; Senior Warden in 1875, and Master in 1876. He was subsequently exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209.

Bro. Mackay is a native of New York city, born 21 Jan 1839. He was an ambitious boy, and made the most of his educational opportunities. He had a thorough mercantile training in the house of Lathrop, Ludington & Co., New York. He commenced with this firm in 1859, and remained with them until 1865. In January of that year, he accepted a position as cashier of the United States Telegraph Company. After the consolidation of this with the Western Union Company in 1868, he was appointed Auditor of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company. This Company also merged into the Western Union, and on November 1, 1878, he was appointed Assistant Auditor of the Western Union Telegraph Company, with which he still continues his connection. He became a resident of Brooklyn in 1860, and October 2, 1882, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Williamson of Baltimore; two children have been born to them.

JAMES A. BABCOCK, Past Master Of Anglo-saxon Lodge.

The personal record of Bro. Babcock is associated with some of the most pleasing and interesting events connected with the early history of Masonry in this country, dating back to an era previous to the American revolution. He can boast of a very noble ancestry, indeed, such a one as is enjoyed by few masons here or elsewhere, and in which he justly takes a laudable pride. The principles that govern our Order have been transmitted to him through three succeeding generations, from both paternal and maternal sources. His great-grandfather, Christopher A. Babcock, was a surgeon in the Connecticut line in the war of the revolution, and was a warm personal friend of, and attached to, the staff of General David Wooster (the founder of Hiram Lodge No. 1, of New Haven, Conn.), who was killed at Ridgefield, Conn., while leading an attack against General Tryon, April 27, 1777. Dr. Babcock was initiated into St. John's Lodge of Fairfield, Conn., by General Wooster. Samuel Cooke, the maternal great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, being Master of the Lodge at the time. Dr. Babcock subsequently became a member of Union Lodge, Danbury, Conn., and was held in high esteem by the brethren, and at his death the Lodge voted a silver medal, which was presented to his only son, William A. Babcock (Bro. Babcock's grandfather), then but twelve years of age, in recognition of the distinguished services of Dr. Babcock "as a patriot, as a surgeon, and as a Brother Mason." This son afterwards became a member of Hiram Lodge No. 1, of New Haven, Conn., and attained some prominence in that body. His son (the father of Brother Babcock) entered Hiram Lodge No. 1 early in life, filled most of the minor offices, and became its Master, and was finally made Grand Master of Masons of the State of Connecticut. He was present at the initiation of his son in Anglo-Saxon Lodge in the winter of 1855, and gave at the time a history of the medal referred to. Samuel Cooke (the maternal great-grandfather of Bro. Babcock of Anglo-Saxon Lodge) was a distinguished Brother Mason, and, as said Master of St. John's Lodge of Fairfield, Conn., was also presented with a silver medal on which is inscribed the characters of a Mark Master Mason. Both of these medals are now in possession of Bro. Babcock of Anglo-Saxon Lodge, and are highly treasured by him. The history of these medals, together with an interesting historical sketch of their former owners, was read by Brother Babcock before a large assemblage of Bro. Masons in the rooms of Anglo-Saxon Lodge.

Bro. Babcock was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Anglo-Saxon Lodge, February 1st, 1855. He was an active worker, and filled the several subordinate positions in the Lodge for some years. In 1877 he was elected Senior Warden, and in 1881, became Master of the Lodge. His administration was characterized by the same peace and harmony which had characterized that of his many distinguished predecessors, and he fully maintained the reputation of Anglo- Saxon Lodge for the excellency of its work and good government.

Bro. Babcock was born in New Haven, Conn., 16 May 1831, his ancestors being among the most distinguished officers of the American Revolution. He was educated in the rudimentary branches at Lancasterian School, New Haven, Conn., and was prepared for college at Roger's Academy, Fair Haven, Conn. He was prevented by circumstances of an unfortunate nature, from entering Yale College. He turned his attention to telegraphy, which was then in its infancy, and became the first operator in the State of Connecticut under the Morse system. This led to his connection with the silver-plating business which was contemporaneous with telegraphy. He was one of the pioneers in the business. He came to New York in 1850, and started in a small way, and eventually built up a large and successful business. Though overtaken by misfortune later, he is still full of life and energy, and continues to pursue the same calling with apparent ultimate success. He was married, January 30th, 1866, to Miss Ida A. Gates, daughter of Edwin Gates, Esq., a prominent Brother Mason of Brooklyn, and Past Master of Stella Lodge, as well as an honorary member of the Supreme Council of the 33d and last degree of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry of the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. Bro. Babcock has one daughter and two sons, and is surrounded with the comforts of a peaceful and happy home.

R.’. W.’. SYDNEY F. WALKER, Past Master Op Anglo-saxon Lodge.—Past Dist. Deputy Grand Master Third Masonic District, and Representative of the M.: W.’. G.’. L.’. of Canada near the M.’. W.’. G.’. L.’. of New York.

Bro. Walker was born in Caledonia, Canada, 22 Aug 1850; he received a good public school education, and commenced his business career as a drug clerk; he served four (4) years at this, and two years in the wholesale dry goods business. He came to New York in 1870, and since that period has held a position of great responsibility and trust in the Jessup and Moore Paper Company of New York. He was married in 1874 to Miss Clara M. Christopher of New York, by whom he has four children.

WOR. FITZ RANDOLPH VERMEULE, Past Master Of Anglo-saxon Lodge.

It is said of Rome in the days of her splendor, "In that day to be a Roman was greater than a King." To have one's name enrolled on the books of Anglo-Saxon Lodge among the many distinguished and eminent Master Masons, who have been, and of whom some are still members, is a great honor, but to have filled the Master's chair and presided over that body is a greater honor than could be conferred by any prince or potentate on earth. Bro. Vermeule was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in this Lodge, May 17, 1880; elected Senior Warden in 1882; re-elected in 1883, and in 1884 was elected Worshipful Master, receiving on the first ballot the entire vote of all the brethren present. Of his fitness and eminent qualifications for the position no stronger testimony could be given, and this evidence of their confidence and esteem was an honor for which Bro. Vermeule had just reason to feel proud. With such confidence and the unwavering support of the brethren, his administration could not be otherwise than successful. That he proved worthy of their confidence is best shown by the records. He occupies at this time the very honorable position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Chaplain of the Lodge; living in the full enjoyment of his highest Masonic aspirations, with the confidence, love and esteem of his fellow craftsmen, not only in his own Lodge, but among his fellow-men and brethren wherever known.

Bro. Vermeule is descended from the pioneer settlers of the State of New York, as will be seen from the following extract taken from the genealogical record: " In 1699 Adrian (or Adriaan) Vermeule came to Rev. Henry Selyns in New Amsterdam, with a letter from the clergy in Holland, recommending him highly for the position of ' Voorleser ' (at that time schoolmaster and town clerk) at Haarlem. He came from Flushing (Vlissingen). He was accepted and filled this position to the entire satisfaction of the consistory until 1707, when he was discharged with recommendation for the like position at Bergen, NJ." It will be seen from this that Bro. Vermeule comes of the sturdy old Holland stock, and from them inherited the virtues which adorn his life, and the natural ability to which he owes his success in business. He was born in Plainfield, NJ, 8 Jan 1825. In 1847 he entered upon a mercantile career, which has been one of almost invariable success. His first venture was with his brother in the dry goods business at New Brunswick, NJ. In 1849 he went to St. Louis, Mo., with the clothing house of Webster Marsh & Co. (a Plainfield house). After remaining with them for six years he opened a merchant tailoring business in St. Louis under the firm name of Vermeule & Crapo; this continued until 1869. He then came East and joined his brother in the manufacture of India-rubber goods. This is now known as "The Goodyear India-rubber Glove Manufacturing Company," No. 503 to 505 Broadway, New York, of which his brother is President, and in which he occupies an important position. The same will-power, force and energy of character have been displayed throughout his mercantile career. He was married in 1852, to Miss Amanda, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Brassell of Nashville, Tenn.

WOR S. E. WEAVER, Past Master Of Anglo-saxon Lodge, 1885.

Bro. Weaver was made a Master Mason in this Lodge on June 3,1875. In 1881-2, he was Junior Warden; Senior Warden in 1884, and Master in 1885. He is Past Grand Master of Lodge No. 50, I. O. O. F.; Past Chancellor of Alpha Lodge, Knights of Pythias.

Bro. Weaver was born in Syracuse, NY, 6 Feb 1838. He learned the hat business with his father. He came to New York in 1859, and has been for several years past in the employ of Balch, Price & Co. of Brooklyn.

WOR. PHILIP H. BOWNE, Past Master Of Anglo-saxon Lodge.

Bro. Bowne did not commence his journey towards the East until he had reached the meridian of life, but from the time he crossed the threshold representing the ground floor of King Soloman's Temple, he made rapid progress. He became thoroughly imbued with the teachings of symbolic Masonry, familiarized himself with the ritual, penetrated the rich mines of masonic lore, drank from its fountains of knowledge, and soon qualified himself, not only as a skilled Craftsman, but as a Master Workman, fully competent to take charge of the Craft and direct them in their labors. He entered Anglo-Saxon Lodge in the spring of 1882, was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 14, 1882, served one year as Senior Deacon, and in 1884, took charge of the Craft in the South; served as Senior Warden in 1885, and as Worshipful Master in 1886. His Middle Chamber work and his lecture in the Third Degree were excellent, and his manner earnest and impressive. As a brother he was warm-hearted and sympathetic, and looked well to the care of worthy distressed brethren and their families. His progress in Capitular Masonry was no less marked than in the Blue Lodge. He was exalted in Constellation Chapter No. 209, R. A. M., served as Principal Sojourner, Scribe, King, and, in 1887, was elected High Priest, a position he still holds. He has recently entered the Ancient Accepted Scottish Body, and advanced to the 18th degree; is a member of Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurora Grata Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Aurora Grata Chapter, Rose Croix, and of the New York Consistory. He is at present Orator of Rose Croix Chapter. Is also a member of the Brooklyn Association of Past Masters.

Bro. Bowne was born at Flushing, L. I., 7 May 1832; educated in the rudimentary branches at public school, completing his education in New York at a school kept by the Society of Friends; and at the age of twelve years removed to New York city. He commenced his business life as clerk in a hardware store, and subsequently entered the American Exchange Bank. He received an appointment as clerk in the Coupon Division of the U. S. Sub-Treasury in 1864, and for twenty-two years past has been Chief of this Department. He married Miss Sara H. Moulton, a native of Maine, and the same year removed to Brooklyn, where he has since resided.

Bro. Bowne has a fondness for literary pursuits, and is a frequent contributor to the periodicals of the day. He is quite talented as an elocutionist and as a public speaker, having frequently appeared before large audiences in different parts of the country. He has written a number of poems, possessing great literary merit, some of which have been delivered in public. He is quiet and domestic in his habits, a fond husband, a kind neighbor and a true Brother Mason.

WOR, JEROME E. MORSE, Present Master Of Anglo-saxon Lodge.

Bro. Morse, the subject of this sketch, is in every way worthy and well qualified to fill the exalted position of Master of Anglo- Saxon Lodge, and to maintain the reputation that the Lodge has enjoyed among the fraternity for more than forty years. No event of importance has occurred during his administration to call forth the latent powers of mind and heart that have distinguished him in civil life; but that he has governed well, as a skillful Craftsman, and preserved peace and harmony in the Lodge, is evidenced by the fact that he has the unqualified support and confidence of the brethren. He completed his pilgrimage as a Master Mason of Anglo-Saxon Lodge May 21,1883. He served one year as Senior Deacon; was elected Junior Warden in 1885; Senior Warden in 1886, and Worshipful Master in 1887-8, by a unanimous vote in each case. He was exalted in Constellation Chapter No. 209, R. A. M.; was Knighted in Clinton Commandery No. 14, K. T., in which he served one term as Captain General.

On his maternal side, Bro. Morse is of Scotch ancestry, and is descended from the famous Macduff, immortalized by Shakespeare. On his paternal side he came of a family distinguished for their courage, their patriotism and their unswerving devotion to the principles of civil and religious liberty. His father was Major-General of militia in Massachusetts before the war, and was one of the chief promoters of the excellent militia system of that State; was actively engaged in fitting out troops in the early part of the war, after which he took command of the 21st Mass. Regiment, and later was made Military Governor of Annapolis, Md.

Bro. Jerome E. Morse was born at Leominster, Mass., 23 Feb 1846; was educated at the Leominster High School, and in 1862 entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.; was graduated in 1866, as Midshipman ; was promoted to Ensign, Master and Lieutenant. He was for several years in active service on the U. S. Sloop-of-war Pawnee, U. S. frigate Guerriere, gunboat Wasp, monitor Dictator ; commanded the monitor Manhattan for a time and afterwards served on the U. S. Receiving Ship Vermont, N. Y. Navy Yard, and on the U. S. Corvette Omaha, in the Pacific Ocean.

The Monitor Dictator – watercolor by Oscar Parkes

The Monitor Manhatton - lithograph

In 1874, in consequence of defective eye-sight, he was placed on the retired list as a Lieutenant, corresponding with Captain in the Army. During his years of active service in the Navy he visited nearly every part of the world, and acquired all the principal foreign languages. Since his retirement he has been engaged in the manufacture of dynamite, and is now Vice-President and Treasurer of the Hecla Powder Company, 239 Broadway, New York, and is also Treasurer of several other important corporations.

WALTER C. HUMSTONE, Senior Warden, And W. M. Elect, Of Anglo-saxon Lodge No. 137.

It would seem strange to the uninitiated that a man with such large and extensive business connections, and great responsibilities, could find time to meet the claims and obligations imposed by masonry, but when these were assumed by Bro. Humstone he fully realized the important step he was taking, and determined to devote a certain portion of his time, as well as his means, to strengthen the brotherhood and maintain the principles of our Order. He was entered, passed and raised in Anglo-Saxon Lodge, in 1874; served as S. M. C. in 1875. For ten years following he was absent from home most of the time on business, and unable to take an active part in the work of the Lodge. In 1886 he again entered upon the work with the same zeal and enthusiasm that characterized his entrance into the Order. At the annual election in December, 1886, he was elected Senior Warden and the following year was re-elected. At the annual election in December, 1888, he was unanimously elected Worshipful Master, the ability and devotion displayed by him as Senior Warden justly entitling him to a seat in the East. He was exalted in Constellation Chapter No. 209, R. A. M., but has given little attention to capitulary masonry.

Bro. Humstone was born in the old town of Esopus, Ulster County, NY, 1 Jun 1849. With no other educational advantages than those afforded by the public school, he started on his upward career as messenger boy in a telegraph office, his first connection being with the New York-Albany-Buffalo Telegraph Co. [since absorbed by the Western Union], at their office in Poughkeepsie. He soon became a skillful operator, and in 1866 came to New York as night operator at the old 30th Street Station of the Hudson River Railroad, and subsequently became Manager of the Brooklyn office of the Western Union Telegraph Company, in 1868-9; he then entered the service of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, as Manager of the New York office. In 1875 he went West as Superintendent in the same Company, at Cleveland and Chicago, remaining until winter of 1879, when he returned to New York and was for six months connected with the Bell Telephone Company as General Superintendent. The same year he renewed his connection with the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, as General Superintendent, continuing during 1879-80. Soon after the consolidation of this Company with the Western Union, in 1880, he received practical testimony to his ability and discretion by the appointment to special service in connection with the American Cable Company in Europe, and to other important service in America, all of which he rendered with gratifying priidence, industry and success. In February, 1883, he was appointed to his present responsible position as Superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph Company, with headquarters at New York.

In addition to his duties as Supt. of the Western Union, he has several other connections of a similar character. He is General Manager of the Adirondack, Lake George and Saratoga Telegraph Company, Vice-President of the Commercial Telegraph Company and American District Telegraph Company, both of Troy; President of the Eastern District Messenger Company, President of the Brooklyn District Telegraph Company, Limited; and of the District Telegraph and Messenger Co. of Connecticut. He is also a Director in a number of other companies. He first became a resident of Brooklyn in 1867, and, after several years' absence, took up his permanent abode here in 1880. In 1872 he married Miss Mary Millard, daughter of Luther G. Millard, Esq., of Pittsfield, Mass. One child, a daughter, was born to them; since deceased.

HON. JOSEPH ASPINALL, Senior Warden Of Anglo-saxon Lodge 137.

If, in his masonic connections, Bro. Aspinall exhibits the same ambition, pluck and energy that have characterized his public career, it will not be long before his influence will be felt throughout the State, and he will be called to fill a higher position than an officer of the Blue Lodge. The energy and zeal exhibited during his brief masonic experience, coupled with his rapid promotion, betoken a brilliant career for the future. He took upon himself the obligation of a Master Mason in this Lodge, in February, 1837. He was soon after called to fill the chair of Senior Deacon, as pro tem, and became so proficient in the work that, at the annual election in December following, he was elected Junior Warden, an event of rare occurrence. He was exalted the following year in Constellation Chapter No. 209, R. A. M., and took all the degrees in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite up to the 32d. He is connected with the Aurora Grata Consistory, Brooklyn.

Bro. Aspinall was born in Brooklyn, 9 Jun 1854. He was educated in the rudimentary branches at Public School No. 25, and was prepared for college at a private school on High street. He entered Columbia College, and was graduated in the class of 1875. During his collegiate course he read law with his uncle, W. H. Hollis, Esq., of Brooklyn. He was admitted to practice at the General Term of Court held at Poughkeepsie in 1875, and soon after became associated with his uncle in Brooklyn. He has been connected with several important cases, and has an extensive practice. He is attorney for the National City Bank of Brooklyn, and acted as attorney for the executors of the will of the late J. D. Studwell, President of the Bank. In 1880 he represented Long Island heirs of the Hyde estate, in the Court of Chancery, London, England. He has taken a prominent part in politics, and is one of the most active and earnest workers of the Republican party in the 11th Assembly District. In 1887 he was nominated for the Legislature, and elected by 1344 majority over his Democratic opponent, James P. Graham. He served on the Committee on General Laws, Committee on Charitable Institutions, Petition of Aliens, and Joint Library Committee. He is faithful to his constituents; rendered effective service to his party during the legislative session of 1887-8. Was a delegate to the Republican State Convention held at Richfield Springs in 1882, and also a delegate to Republican State Convention held at Buffalo, from 11th Assembly District, in May, 1888. He was President of the Garfield Club for two years; he is a member of the Kings County General Committee; he is at present a member of the Young Men's Republican Club, and of the Brooklyn Republican League, and for three years Secretary of the Irving Literary Society of Brooklyn. Bro. Aspinall is of medium stature, of fine personal appearance, wiry, active, possesses social qualifications that attract others to him. He is very popular, both in political and social circles.

H. A. MORSE, Treasurer Of Anglo-saxon Lodge.

Bro. H. A. Morse, a brother of the present Master, is equally zealous and earnest in efforts to maintain the reputation that Anglo-Saxon Lodge has hitherto borne. He came into the Lodge as an Entered Apprentice in the early part of 1882, and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on February 20th following. Served one year as Master of Ceremonies, and was elected Treasurer in 1886, and re-elected the two succeeding years, still holding the same position. He was recently exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Constellation Chapter No. 209, of Brooklyn. He has a just appreciation of the principles of symbolic masonry, and is an honor to the Fraternity as well as to Anglo-Saxon Lodge, whose members entertain for him the warmest affection and regard.

Bro. Morse was born in Leominster, Mass., 1 Feb 1842. He had hardly completed his education when, led by a sense of duty and patriotism, he offered his services to his country to assist in suppressing the rebellion. He enlisted in 1861, in the