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

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Personal sketches of many of the past officers and most prominent members of this Lodge were prepared and sent to the parties for their approval, but never returned; hence their omission.

WOR. PIERRE L. PEARCE, First Master Of Greenwood Lodge.

Bro. Pearce may be justly called the Father of Greenwood Lodge. He was the leading spirit among his brethren, and it is due mainly to his energies that the Lodge was called into existence. He labored earnestly to carry out the great project he had conceived, and has lived to see the result of his labors. Bro. Pearce commenced his Masonic career about 1854, in Star of Bethlehem Lodge No. 322. He passed through the several chairs; was Junior Warden in 1858, and Master in 1859. He dimitted in 1865, assisted in organizing Greenwood Lodge, and became its first Master. Bro. W. A. Fritz was the first candidate he entered, passed and raised. He labored earnestly and gave liberally of his means to place the Lodge on a firm financial basis, and in this was eminently successful. At the close of his administration as Master, several of the brethren desiring to show their appreciation of his self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of the Lodge, and of the high esteem in which he was held by them, presented him with an elegant Past Master's jewel. In laying aside the gavel, Bro. Pearce did not cease his labors, but has since been a regular attendant at its weekly Communications, encouraging the brethren by his presence, and assisting in the work whenever called upon. He served one term as Secretary in 1866, and has since served on the Board of Trustees. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Zetland Chapter No. 141, of New York.

Bro. Pearce is a native of New Orleans, La., born 27 May 1829. He received a thorough education at St. Charles' College, of Missouri, and Kemper's College, of the same State. Bro. Pearce came to New York in 1847 and engaged as clerk in the ship chandlery and grocery business, subsequently the shipping and commission business. He started in business for himself in 1854, in New York, where he still continues. His wife deceased in 1869, leaving a family of six children. With all his force and energy of character, he is modest and retiring, and accepts office only when forced upon him.

WOR. BENJAMIN W. BLOTT, Past Master Of Greenwood Lodge.

Bro. Blott has grown gray in the cause which he espoused more than a quarter of a century ago, and though he has passed the meridian of life his eye is not dim, nor has his hand lost its cunning. A constant use of the tools of Speculative Masonry has made him skillful as a Craftsman, and none have learned more effectually to spread the cement of brotherly love and square their actions by the square of virtue. He was inducted into the mysteries of the Order nearly twenty-eight years ago in Architect Lodge No. 519, of New York, where he served for a term as Senior Deacon. He affiliated with Greenwood Lodge in 1865, soon after its organization. He served as Junior Warden the following year; as Senior Warden in 1868; as Master in 1870; as Trustee in 1872-3, and is now serving another term as Senior Warden. He excels in the work of the Middle Chamber, of which he has made a careful study; his manner of imparting the lecture is impressive and interesting. His life has been spent in deeds of mercy and charity, and brethren of this Lodge as well as others owe to him a debt of gratitude for his many acts of kindness and love. As a slight token of their appreciation of his noble qualities, and of his faithful discharge of his Masonic duties, he was presented by the brethren on his retirement from the office of Master, with a beautiful Past Master's Jewel, set with a diamond unique in finish and workmanship, but valued especially from the motive which prompted it.

Bro. Blott was born in London, 18 Oct 1831 he was but four years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents and settled on Staten Island. Here he attended public school; later on he learned the trade of carpenter and stair builder. He has followed the latter branch of the business for several years past, and since 1866 has been in business for himself. He is well known and honored among his associates as an honest and skillful workman. He was married in 1856 to Miss Levinia E. Davis, of Brooklyn, formerly of West Farms. Only two children are now living out of seven that have been born to them.

Bro. Blott recently made a trip to his native country, and while there visited the ancient Lodges of the Mother Country, where he received a warm greeting, but found the work in many respects greatly inferior to that of the Lodges in this country.

WOR. FRANCIS RAYMOND, Past Master Of Greenwood Lodge.

Bro. Raymond has grown up with Greenwood Lodge, having entered soon after its erection; he has already passed his twenty-first birthday, yet lacks none of the vigor and energy of youth, and his zeal for the cause has not in the least abated. He is still looked upon as one of the most substantial and reliable "living stones in Greenwood Lodge. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Sept. 19, 1867; he served one term as. S. M. C. in 1871, was elected Junior Warden in 1872, and Master in 1873-4. Affable and agreeable in his intercourse with the brethren, he lacked none of the grace and dignity due to the exalted position. The Lodge was prosperous under his administration, and on his retirement at the close of his second term he was presented by the brethren with a Past Master's Jewel of beautiful design and of great value. During his two terms he initiated, passed and raised thirtythree members; was Treasurer in 1886. He was exalted in Greenwood Chapter No. 265, R. A. M., passed through the several chairs, and served three times as High Priest. He was dubbed and Knighted in Greenwood Commandery No. 58, K. T., of which he is Past Eminent Commander and now Treasurer. He is a member, and at present the presiding officer, of Amaryllis Council No. 20, Order of Chosen Friends.

Bro. Raymond was born in England on 25 Dec 1836. He came with his parents to Brooklyn when only five years of age; received a good public school education, and afterwards learned the carpenter's trade. He commenced business as a master builder in 1861, and has carried it on successfully for upwards of twenty-seven years. He is regarded by his business associates as a man of good judgment, of fine executive and administrative ability. He was twice elected President of the Master Carpenters' Association. His social and domestic' relations have always been of the pleasantest character. He was married in 1863 to Miss Alice B. Jones, of Brooklyn. They have four children living, having lost two. On the celebration of the 25th anniversary of his wedding day a number of friends met at his house to congratulate him on the event and shared an enjoyable time.

WOR. C. E. B. KROGSGAARD, Past Master Of Greenwood Lodge.

Bro. Krogsgaard was made a Master Mason in Greenwood Lodge, May 10, 1872; was Senior Warden in 1877, and Master in 1882. For fifteen years past he has been the leader and prime mover of the social and literary entertainments which have proved of such great financial advantage to this Lodge. In recognition of his self-sacrificing efforts, he was presented by the members of the Lodge with a beautiful picture; at another time with a snuff box of elaborate design and skillful workmanship.

Bro. Krogsgaard was born in Norway, 24 Apr 1841. He received a thorough classical education, and was graduated with the highest honors at the head of his class. He came to this country in 1854, and soon after obtained a situation in the banking house of A. E. Mount, New York, and at the same time became a night teacher in the public school. He eventually succeeded his employer in the banking business. In 1869 he bought out the Brooklyn News, of which he was editor and proprietor until 1882; he sold the paper in that year, and bought it back in 1884, and has since continued his connection with it.

WOR. EDWIN C. SQUANCE, Master Of Greenwood Lodge.

One of the first acts of Bro. Squance in becoming a resident of Brooklyn, even before he had established his claims to citizenship, was to identify himself with the Universal Brotherhood. Possessing the requisite qualifications, he gained admittance to Greenwood Lodge, where ne found warm hearts and open hands ready to greet him, and confer on him a higher honor than could be granted by any "prince or potentate on earth." He entered the Lodge in the early spring of 1872, and on March 18th following was instructed in the use of the working tools of a Master Mason. As he advanced in knowledge and skill as a Craftsman, he was further honored by his brethren. He was made Master of Ceremonies in 1874; Junior Deacon in 1881; Junior Warden in 1885; Senior Warden in 1886, and Worshipful Master in 1887. His administration was so successful and satisfactory that he was re-elected, and is now serving his second term. He has been equally honored in Capitular Masonry. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Greenwood Chapter No. 265; passed through the several chairs to that of High Priest, for two terms; he was dubbed and Knighted in Greenwood Commandery No. 58, K. T., in which he served four years as Recorder, besides filling subordinate positions.

Bro. Squance was born in Swansea, Wales, 20 Jun 1849. He was educated in the rudimentary branches at private school, and was afterwards article clerk in a law office, but owing to his failing health he learned the trade of carpenter and builder with his father. He came here in 1870, and soon after commenced business as a master builder. His pluck and perseverance, with other requisite qualifications, won him success from the start, and he was able to compete with others who had been long established in the business. He has since erected a large number of fine residences in South Brooklyn, He had been only about a year in the country before he took to himself a wife in the person of Miss Hattie J. Jones, of Brooklyn. Five children, only two of whom are now living, have blessed the union. He has become thoroughly Americanized in principle, joined the Republican ranks, and in 1887 was sent as a delegate to the State Convention. Upright, honest, conscientious in all his dealings, he has won the confidence of his fellow-citizens, as well as that of his business associates.

Wor. FREDERICK MEYER, Junior Warden And Master Elect, 1889.

Bro. Meyer has been for many years past actively engaged in works of charity and benevolence in his connection with other benevolent orders; since he has become connected with the Masonic Fraternity, however, he has found a wider field for the exercise of these virtues and one more congenial to his tastes. He was initiated, passed and raised in Greenwood Lodge in 1885. During the next two years he made rapid proficiency in the work, and at the fall election of 1887 he was taken from the floor and made Junior Warden, a compliment alike to his intelligence and fidelity. He has been equally honored in his connections with other orders. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Greenwood Chapter; served as Scribe one year, and is now Captain of the Host. He is a member of Gowanus Lodge No. 239, I. O. O. F.; of Progressive Council No. 423, A. L. of H.; of Henry Clay Lodge No. 18. Knights of Pythias; lolantha Council No. 318, Royal Arcanum, and of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association, of Brooklyn.

Bro. Meyer was born in Germany, 7 Sep 1842; came to this country in 1865. He removed to Brooklyn in 1873, where he has since made his residence. Bro. Meyer is a genial, warmhearted, generous man, who makes many friends and few enemies. He is greatly beloved by the brethren of Greenwood Lodge, as well as the other organizations with which he is connected.

THOMAS B. LEWIS, Secretary.

There are few, if any, brethren in the Third Masonic District who have done more to advance the cause of Masonry than our worthy Brother Thomas B. Lewis. Quiet and unostentatious in his deeds of charity and love, yet persevering and persistent in his efforts, he has brought joy and gladness to many hearts bowed down with the weight of sorrow and affliction. Many changes have taken place since he was brought to light in this Lodge, Nov. 2, 1865; he was then number 53 on the list and is now 15. He was S. M. C. in 1867; J. D. in 1868; Chairman of Finance Committee in 1829; Junior Warden, 1870; Senior Deacon, 1871-2; Senior Warden, 1873; Secretary, 1874 to 1888, inclusive ; was exalted in Gate of the Temple Chapter, R. A. M., 1868, from which he dimitted to assist in organizing Greenwood Chapter No. 265, in 1872; passed through all the chairs except C. of H. and M. E. High Priest, and is now serving the third term as King; was Knighted in Greenwood Commandery, K. T., in 1877; served as 3d Guard, Warden, Junior and Senior Warden; three years as Generallissimo, and is now serving his third year as Recorder. He "crossed the burning sands in Mecca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in 1886. He has frequently been urged to accept the honorable position of Presiding Officer in all these bodies; for reasons better known to himself, has persistently declined accepting. His greatest work, and that to which he has given his time, his means and his talents, with a self-sacrificing devotion, is in connection with the Masonic Mutual Belief Association, which dates from the year 1871. He represented Greenwood Chapter in the Association as director for two years, and was then transferred as the representative of Greenwood Lodge in the directorship. He has served on the most important committees; has been Chairman of the Auditing Committee for four years. He has been instrumental in adding largely to its membership, thus bringing relief to many poor widows and orphans who otherwise would have been entirely destitute. He is a member of Gowanus Lodge, I. O. O. F., since 1874; Nat. Prov. Union, 1877; Order of United Friends, 1887; Honorary Member of Evangeline Chapter No. 51, Order of Eastern Star, and of the society known as the Sons of St. George.

Bro. Lewis was born in England, 26 Apr 1833; removed to Canada at the age of thirteen; afterwards to Cleveland, Ohio. He was steward of the depot of Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati R. R. He came to Brooklyn in 1853 and followed the sea as steward for two years. During the war he served as steward on board the flagship Lancaster, of the Pacific Squadron. On his return to Brooklyn, at the close of the war, he engaged in the express business. He served for four years as a member of the Old Volunteer Fire Department, attached to Engine Company No. 15. For the past nine years he has been janitor ol Public School No. 39. He was married in 1864 to Miss Annie Saunders, of Brooklyn, by whom he has had six children. An affectionate husband, a loving father, a kind friend and an honest citizen, he is entitled to all the honor and praise that have been awarded him.

CHARLES E. EGOLF, Junior Warden Elect, 1889.

Bro. Egolf is one of the most energetic, persevering and useful members of Greenwood Lodge. Whether it be to get up a picnic, visit a distressed worthy brother, or serve on a committee, he is always ready to serve his brethren. He has no ambition for office or distinctive honors, but simply to serve in any capacity where he can do the most good. He was initiated in this Lodge Nov. 17, 1870, passed January 5, 1871, and raised January 19th following. He was S. M. C. in 1878; was Trustee in 1887, and in the fall of that year was re-elected for three years; he is now serving his second term as a member of the Committee on claims. He was exalted in Greenwood Chapter, R. A. M., and served one term each as Master of 1st and 2d Veils. He is also a member of the Order of Mutual Protection.

Bro. Egolf was born in Philadelphia on 25 Dec 1849; came with his parents to Brooklyn when but three years of age. After leaving school he learned the printing business, but at the age of seventeen he enlisted in the U. S. Army for three years. He was attached to Company C, 7th US Infantry. On his way from Governors Island, the cholera broke out among the troops, and the vessel was quarantined at Tybee Island, near the mouth of the Savannah river; 300 out of 600 of the troops died of the disease, and out of eight others who occupied the tent with Bro. Egolf, he alone recovered. His regiment was subsequently ordered to Florida, where he distinguished himself for his bravery on several occasions. He was complimented in presence of his Company and promoted to a non-commissioned officer. Although one of the youngest in his regiment, he was invariably selected for hazardous enterprises; a man of unflinching courage, but cool and collected in the hour of danger. The State of Florida was during most of this time under martial law, and the U. S. troops did the police and detective work there, often being called upon to arrest murderers, illicit whiskey distillers, smugglers, and other desperate criminals. In 1869 his regiment was transferred to Utah, and on July 6th of that year he was honorably discharged. He returned to Brooklyn and was for several years engaged in the printing business. In 1884 he received an appointment in the Department of Charities and Corrections, which he still holds. He has been twice married; his first wife deceased in 1879, and in 1885 he was married to Miss Mary Vanderbeek, of Brooklyn. He has one child by his former and one by his last wife, both boys. Bro. Egolf was unanimously elected Junior Warden at the annual election in December, 1888.

CAPTAIN ROBERT B. KELLY.

Although Bro. Kelly's opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the work are exceedingly limited, yet he is one of the brightest Masons and most accomplished Craftsmen in this jurisdiction. As a seafaring man he has visited Lodges in foreign lands, and received a warm greeting among^ Spanish, French, Germans, and brethren of almost every nationality. Being an accomplished linguist, he had no difficulty in working his way into Lodges wherever he went. Bro. Kelly was entered and passed in Greenwood Lodge in the spring of 1875, receiving the sublime degree of Master Mason on March 18, of that year. He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Greenwood Chapter No. 265, in December, 1876. He never fails to visit his Lodge when in port, and receives always a hearty welcome by his masonic brethren.

Bro. Kelly was born in Merpeth, County Northumberland, England, 7 Feb 1849. He attended school until twelve years of age, when he entered upon a seafaring life in the British merchant service, since which his life has been an eventful one. On his first voyage in the ship Caractucus to the Mediterranean and West Indies, he was shipwrecked off the Island of Alta Vela; he was rescued by a Spanish man-of-war and taken to the West Indies. He then enlisted under the Spanish flag as one of the crew of the steamer Oriole, engaged in blockade service during the war between the Spaniards and Dominicans. He was stricken with the yellow fever, and soon after his recovery came to New York and joined the Williams and Guion line of packet ships. He sailed in the Australia, Universe, and John Bright. In 1863, during the War of the Rebellion, he entered the U. S. naval service and was assigned to the Gunboat Osceola, of the North Atlantic squadron. He took part in the bombardment and capture of Fort Fisher, and during the engagement had both legs broken by being struck with a piece of rail. He was confined in the hospital at Beaufort, and after his recovery joined the U. S. Coast Survey service. As one of the crew of the steamer Corwin, he assisted in laying the cable from Key West to Havana. He was afterwards engaged for two years in steamboating on Lakes Huron, Erie, and Superior. He returned to New York in October, 1869, and became connected with the Clyde Line as second officer of the steamer Virginia, and was transferred thence to the steamer Clyde on her first voyage, continuing on that ship for eight years. He then joined the Pacific Mail Line as chief officer of the steamer Colon, in 1877. He returned to the Clyde Line again in 1879 as chief officer of the steamer Santo Domingo. After three-aud-a-half years service, he was promoted to the position of commanding officer. He continued for two- and-a-half years longer and was then transferred to the command of the Delaware. At the end of the second voyage, he was transferred to the S. S. Santo Domingo again; he was transferred to the steamer Ozania, and from her to the S. S. Ozania, April 2, 1886, on which he remained two years and nine months. On October 29th, 1888, he was placed in command of the steamer Saginaw, which sank alongside the docks in New York the very day he assumed charge. The vessel was subsequently raised and he still continues in command. Bro. Kelly has a family of a wife and two sons, having lost two daughters. He was married in 1870 to Miss Sarah Jane Dalton, of North Shields, Eng. Bro. Kelly is a man of unflinching courage, cool and self-possessed in the hour of danger, but withal of a genial nature, warm-hearted and generous, ever ready to serve a friend or brother Mason ; a devoted husband and kind father.

9 Jan 1892 © The New York Times



Steamer Virginia

EDWARD F. DAVENPORT.

Greenwood Lodge welcomes to its ranks such members as Bro. Davenport, who give to it strength, stability and character. He has but recently entered upon his Masonic career, but from the interest already manifested by him in Symbolic Masonry, he will doubtless soon become a skillful workman, who "needeth not be ashamed." He was initiated and passed in the spring of 1887, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason June 2, of that year.

Bro. Davenport is a native of New York, born in Hempstead, L. I., 4 Nov 1843. He was educated in Brooklyn, where he has resided since early childhood. He read law with Judge Abraham Lott, a Past Master and old member of Kings County Lodge, with whom he has been associated for the past twenty-five years. He was admitted to practice in 1876; his special line has been mainly real estate operations, connected with large estates. The military record of Bro. Davenport has been a brilliant one. He enlisted in G Company, 23d Regiment, NGSNY, August 20th, 1862, and served with distinction in the Gettysburg campaign, the New York draft riots and other important affairs, with which the 23d Regiment was connected. He entered as private and was promoted through the different grades to that of First Lieutenant, continuing in active service for nearly eight years. He has been a member of the 23d Regiment Veteran Association since its organization and is now Commander of the "Uniformed Veteran Battalion." He is also a member of the Association of the Council of Officers, an Honorary Member of the Board of Officers, and a member of the "National Veteran Militia Association."

GEORGE ROSENSTEIN.

Bro. Rosenstein, although one of the youngest members of Greenwood Lodge, is already a bright and shining light in Masonry; he is all earnestness and enthusiasm; he obeys the Scripture injunction to the letter, viz.: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might." Bro. Rosenstein could not do otherwise. He is the son of a bright Mason, and was introduced to the Lodge by Bro. James Thoubboron, of Anglo-Saxon Lodge. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in this Lodge on September 22, 1887, and made greater proficiency in the work during the first six months than many brethren do in as many years. Within three months after being brought to light he worked the Third Degree, and the first year filled temporarily nearly every position in the Lodge. Prompt in his attendance, ready and willing to do any work assigned him, he was appointed Secretary of the Entertainment Committee for the celebration of the 1000th Communication of the Lodge, and Senior Deacon for the year 1889. He is an honor to the Fraternity, and has a bright future before him. With his face turned to the East, he penetrated the mysteries of Capitular Masonry and was made a Royal Arch Mason in Greenwood Chapter, in 1889. Nothing will satisfy him until he has reached the highest point attainable in Masonry.

Bro. Rosenstein was born 16 Oct 1855. He mastered the rudimentary branches of education when a mere boy, and completed it at an early age. He read law in the office of Jenks & Ward, of which the late Grenville T. Jenks was senior member of the firm, and finally decided to adopt journalism as a profession. His quick perception, remarkable powers of observation and concentration, and ready adaptation, were qualifications that gave him success in this line from the start. He is at present editor and joint proprietor of one of the leading Trade journals of New York; he is a frequent contributor to several dailies and periodicals. He is an ardent Republican in politics; has been a member of the Republican General Committee of Kings County, and has attended all the State, City and County Conventions as a delegate. With his push, energy and perseverance, he is sure to succeed in any undertaking.