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

Senior Warden.—Francis L. Dallon, 1861-2; Henry Wall, 1863; Robert Goodenough, 1864; Abraham Lott, 1865; Adrian Vandeveer, 1866; Cornelius L. Wells, 1867-8-9; Henry G. Marshall, 1870-71; Jacob V. B. Martense, 1872; Everett Rowland, 1873; Adrian Vandeveer, 1874; William L. Schoonmaker, 1875; Adrian Vandeveer, 1876; Wm. F. De Forest, 1877; Wm. Linn Keese, 1878-9; Henry Johnson, 1880-81-2; James K. Hamblin, 1883; John Kerswell, 1884; Adrian Vandeveer, 1885; Chas. E. Scriven, 1886; Samuel L. Dingle, 1887; Chas. B. Jennings, 1888.

Junior Warden.—John V. N. Bergen, 1861-2; John Oakey, 1863 ; J. V. B. Martense, 1864; Theodore B. Lott, 1865 ; Hornet L. Bartlett, 1866; Wm. L. Schoonmaker, 1867; Henry Graham, 1868; Joseph M. Pray, 1869; Christopher Prince, 1870; Wm. L. Schoonmaker, 1871 ; James H. Lyles, 1872-3; William L. Schoonmaker, 1874; J. V. B. Martense, 1875; Robert G. Strong, 1876; Rev. V. Morris Terry, 1877; John G. A. Garrison, 1878-9; John Kerswell, 1880-81-2; William L. Schoonmaker, 1883; James Lefferts, 1884; Chas. E. Scriven, 1885; Richard C. Morse, 1886; Stephen E. Reynolds, 1887; John C. Rutherford, 1888.

Treasurer.—Jonathan Longmire, 1861 to 1866, inclusive ; William Brown, 1867-8; Abraham Lott, 1869-70; William Matthews, 1871; Abraham Lott, 1872 to 1879, inclusive; Homer C. Bartlett, 1880-1-2; J. Lott Vanderbilt, 1883 to 1888, inclusive.

Secretary.—Henry Brown, Jr., 1861; Abraham Lott, 1862- 3-4; Robert Goodenough, Jr., 1865; Rev. Cornelius L. Wells, 1866; Henry G. Marshall, 1867-8; William Matthews, 1869; O. G. Carter, 1870; Robert G. Strong, 1871-2; John Z. Lott, 1873 to 1876, inclusive ; Henry G. Marshall, 1877-8-9; Henry G. Egleston, 1880; William B. Green, 1881; Wm. H. Duncan, 1882; William Linn Keese, 1883-4; John McElvery, 1885-6; Chas. L. Zellinsky, 1887-8.

WOR. WILLIAM MATTHEWS, Founder And First Master Of Kings County Lodge.

As the founder of Kings County Lodge, Bro. Matthews accomplished a work that will remain as a monument to his memory long after he has passed away. Those of the present generation hold his memory dear and cherish for him a strong affection, as one who not only fitted together the "living stones," but has continued through all the years of his connection with the Lodge to spread the cement of brotherly love, and preserve the same peace and harmony that characterized its formation. The gratitude and love of the brethren for him and the appreciation of his self-sacrificing efforts are evidenced by his repeated re-election to office. Bro. Matthews has devoted nearly twenty-five years of his life to the cause of Masonry. He entered its portals through Montauk Lodge No. 286, January 10, 1854, and was raised February 7th following. He was elected Junior Warden in 1855. He removed to Flatbush soon after, and, finding no Masonic Lodge in the country town, he, together with a few resident brethren, organized Kings County Lodge, and became its first Master, U. D., in 1861, continuing until the close of the following year. He was again called to the East in 1865; again in 1870, the last year of his administration as Master being in 1874. Greatly beloved and honored by his brethren, faithful to every trust, and true to his convictions of duty, he laid aside the gavel at the close of 1874, aften fourteen years of self-sacrificing efforts in this noble work. On retiring from the work he was presented by the Lodge with a beautifully engrossed set of Resolutions, expressive of their gratitude and esteem, and their just appreciation of his efforts in the cause of charity and benevolence. These were enclosed in an elegant frame. The gift will prove a rich legacy to his children, as an evidence of the noble work to which he devoted the best years of his life.

30 Jan 1897 © The New York Times >

Bro. Matthews owes his success in life entirely to his own exertions. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, 29 Mar 1822. His father died when he was but nine months old, and at seven years of age he was taken to London, where he was educated and was subsequently apprenticed to the book binding business. In December, 1843, he came to New York, having just reached his majority. He commenced business for himself in 1846; he was gradually successful, and by industry and perseverance has acquired a competence. At the Crystal Palace Exhibition in New York in 1853, he received a silver medal, the highest award given, in competition with French and English Exhibitors. In 1854, the excellence of his work led to his connection with the eminent publishing firm of D. Appleton & Co., as their book-binder and General Superintendent of their factory. The character and excellency of his work has given him a world wide reputation, which is associated with the firm he represents.

The library of William Matthews, the bookbinder, was sold by Bangs, February 10 and 11 (1897). The books, for the most part, brought high prices, especially a few choice items of Americana and books bound by Mr. Matthews. His copy of the Grolier Club edition of Irving's Knickerbocker's New York, elaborately bound by himself, a specimen of which he was especially proud, sold for $550.00, being bought by his son.

http://www.bookbinding.net/bibliopegy/bibliopegy10.htm

The credit for having raised Bibliopegy in the United States permanently to the rank of a fine art, belongs indisputably to William Matthews, who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1822, and died at his residence, No. 19 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn, NY, 15 Apr 1896. He served an apprenticeship to a London bookbinder, and came to New York in 1843, where for three years he worked as a journeyman, at his craft of book-binding. In 1846, he began business on his own account, and in 1854 assumed charge of the bindery of the large publishing house of D. Appleton & Co., at the head of which he remained until 1890. The fine bindings he executed were mainly a relaxation, in which he indulged for the gratification of his cultured artistic taste and the accommodation of a few of his book-loving friends. So far as my knowledge extends, he never professed to make a business of special and elaborately tooled book-bindings. The lecture read by Mr. Matthews before The Grolier Club of New York March 25, 1885, and subsequently printed by the Society,* demonstrates his familiarity with the history of the art he loved and practised, as well as his acquaintance with its technique.

* "Modern Book-binding Practically Considered." A lecture read before The Grolier Club of New York, March 25, 1885, with additions and new illustrations, by William Matthews. The Grolier Club, MDCCCLXXXIX.

http://books.google.com/books?id=UfkCAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA2-PA55&dq=%22william+matthews%22+%22bookbinder%22&lr=#PRA2-PA55,M1 page 55.

William Matthews, who died April 15,1896, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in the year 1822. At the age of seven he was sent to London, where he attended school, and subsequently served an apprenticeship to a London bookbinder. In 1843 ne came to New York, where for three years he worked at his trade as journeyman, and in 1846 started bus- iness for himself in modest quarters at 74 Fulton Street, where his excellent work soon attracted attention. He made an exhibit in 1853 at the International Exhibition in Reservoir Square in New York, and received, in competition with foreign exhibitors, a silver medal, which was the highest award given. Mr. Matthews's work gained the notice of Daniel Apple- ton, founder of the firm of D. Appleton & Co., for whom he soon began to do some work.

As these transactions grew, the business relations of the two men were strengthened, and finally, in 1854, Mr. Matthews became the head of the firm's bindery, of which he remained in charge until 189o, when he retired, being succeeded by his son Alfred. While Mr. Matthews was thus actively working at his chosen trade, he was devotedly engaged in the religious, charitable, social, club, and commercial life of the metropolis. His personality was the embodiment of public spirit, activity, geniality, benevolence, and generosity.

He was early identified with the Grolier Club of New York, and was one of its active, useful, and honored members. His lecture on bookbinding, a lucid and admirable exposition of the true principles of the art, was published by the club. He was the author of the article on the same subject in Appleton's Cyclopedia, and of other articles elsewhere. "Harper's Weekly "for August i, 1895, contained a graphic letter written by Mr. Matthews in March, 1895, being souvenirs of Mr. James Lenox, a name honored by every book-lover, and whose valuable collection of rare books and manuscripts will ever be the pride of the New York Public Library.

It is, however, in connection with his art that Mr. Matthews was best known to the craft and to the public. It was as a good, conscientious workman that he exerted the greatest influence on his calling. He was imbued with the spirit of thoroughness; with true instinct he placed the utilitarian character of bookbinding above the matter of adornment. His name became a synonym for good workmanship; his was a most critical, encouraging, and helpful influence in favor of everything which could raise the standard of bookmaking and give it a higher place among the useful arts. He was familiar with the history of his craft, an exponent of its essential principles, a student of its esthetic possibilities.

Amateurs throughout the country came to him for counsel and aid, which were given most cheerfully, and the fine bindings which he devised became famous among collectors and dealers in rare books.

In even a finer, higher way than any above mentioned did Mr. Matthews prove the sincerity of his love for his calling and fidelity to his own principles. He practised the precepts which he preached, his heart and pride were involved in his work; and after all, that is the secret of all good workmanship. This short sketch will hardly realize to the reader the winning personality of the man. This was only seen when among his old and attached friends at his club, in his hospitable home, or in his library, or earnestly expatiating upon the merits of his well-selected books, many of them having been bound by himself, others by the noted binders of different epochs — Bedford, of London, among the rest, whom Mr. Matthews considered the best all-round English binder of recent times.

Trie memory of William Matthews will long be cherished by his brothers of the Grolier Club and many other friends for his firm friendships, his love for his art, his manly expression of his opinion, his example to his fellows, his courtesy to all, his good citizenship, and for his useful and blameless life.

S. P. Avery, A.M., President of the Grolier Club. BARON JEROME PICHON.

WOR. ABRAHAM LOTT, Past Master Of Kings County Lodge.

Wor. Bro. Lott has been identified with Kings County Lodge almost from the date of its organization, having been raised August 17, 1861. He has received many distinguished honors at the hands of his brethren in recognition of his labor of love on behalf of the Lodge, and though prevented by his public duties for some years past from attending the Regular Communications, he has never lost his interest in the work. He was Senior Warden in 1865, Master in 1866-7 and again in 1871. [Repeated efforts were made by the writer to see Bro. Lott, both at his residence and place of business; only one interview was obtained, and then the brother declined to give any information.]

WOR. H(omer). L. BARTLETT, M. D., Past Master Of Kings County Lodge.

If the institution of Masonry was dependent on the mere ritualistic teachings of the Order it would soon die of dry rot, but fortunately, out of the thousands that annually enter its sacred precincts, there is found occasionally one who is sufficiently impressed with the beauty of its symbolic teachings to penetrate beneath the surface, explore its hidden mysteries and bring forth "things new and old " for the benefit of the Craft. Bro. Bartlett, soon after his entrance into this Lodge, in 1864, became convinced that there was something more to be learned than was taught in the Masonic ritual. He provided himself with an extensive Masonic library from which, and other sources, he stored his mind with the rich treasures of Masonic lore, which he not only used to great advantage in his own Lodge in imparting a more thorough knowledge of symbolic Masonry to the Brethren, but he prepared a series of lectures on this subject which he delivered at different periods before the Lodges of Brooklyn, New York and other places, with great profit to the Craft and honor to himself.

Bro. Bartlett was called to the South a few months after his entrance into the Lodge; he was first elected Master in 1869; while he served but a single term, he continued his labors with the brethren, assisting in the work, instructing the candidates, devoting his time and energies to the advancement of the Lodge. Some few years after his first administration the Lodge became financially embarrassed, and in 1876 he was again called to the East. He provided a series of entertainments and adopted other means to liquidate the indebtedness of the Lodge, while he contributed liberally from his own means. He was re-elected in 1877, and at the close of this, his third administration, the Lodge had been relieved from its indebtedness, new and vigorous material was added to its membership, the work greatly improved and the Lodge started on a new and more prosperous career. Since his retirement from office, Bro. Bartlett has continued his interest in the Lodge, and is frequently called upon to work the degrees, more especially that of the Middle Chamber and the lecture in the Third Degree. At the annual communication in December, 1888, he was again elected Master, to serve for 1889.

Obituary 4 Feb 1904; NY Times >

The professional career of Dr. Bartlett covers a period of over thirty years, all of which is identified with Kings County. He was born in Chittenden County, Vermont, 17 Oct 1830. His education was obtained at Bakerfield Academic Institute, at Bakerfield, Vt. He afterwards came to New York and studied for some years with the eminent physician, Dr. Willard Parker. He afterwards entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York, from which he was graduated in 1855. He then entered Kings County Hospital, where he spent nearly two years as assistant physician. During the great yellow fever epidemic in the summer and fall of 1856, the little town of New Utrecht was nearly depopulated; two physicians had already fallen victims to the disease. Bro. Bartlett, with commendable zeal and courage and at the imminent risk of his own life, took up his quarters in the infected town and was ceaseless in his efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the afflicted and stay the hand of death. He escaped the dread disease himself, and had the satisfaction of seeing many of his patients restored to health. His courage and zeal were subsequently rewarded by the large practice he acquired in that town, as well as in the town of Flatbush, to which place he removed soon after. For many years he has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, and no man in the town has a stronger hold on the hearts of the people. He has grown up with the town and has been identified with all the public improvements that have been made. He served for a time as School Commissioner. He started the Gas Works, the Health Board, the Police Department, and has been prominent in almost every public movement for the advancement of the town. In his professional life he enjoys more than a local reputation. He is identified with the several medical societies and associations in Kings County. He has been for more than thirty years connected with Kings County Hospital, first as Assistant and later as Consulting Physician. He is also physician to the Kings County Penitentiary, the Kings County Medical Society (of which he was Vice-President), Mutual Aid Association, American Medical Association, The Association for the Advancement of Knowledge, and the State Charity Aid Association. He is well known in the literary world, having been for many years a contributor to the dailies and periodicals. He has written a number of historical sketches of Flatbush, which are exceedingly interesting and attractive. His descriptions of places are admirable, his style is forcible, yet graceful and elegant.

In person Bro. Bartlett is large, well formed and of fine physique; he is well preserved, and there are few indications in his personal appearance of advancing years. Generous, warm-hearted and sympathetic in his nature, but modest and retiring in his disposition. His latter days have been clouded by the loss of his children, but he has surrounded himself with everything to make home life pleasant and attractive.

Dr. Bartlett had a good practice as a physician, and was a gentleman of cultivated taste. Mrs. Margaret (Scott) Bartlett, his wife, was a niece of Dr. Strong. Cooperstown, New York, was her native place, and when the street next to their house was opened, it was she who gave it the name of Fenimore Street, after the great novelist Fenimore Cooper, who was an intimate friend of her father. His brother, Edwin Wilcox Bartlett, was born 1839 in Jericho, VT, and practiced medicine in Milwaukee.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Vy7VIpug6Q8C&pg=PA933&lpg=PA933&dq=%22kate+scott%22+%22emily+dickinson%22+%22bartlett%22&source=bl&ots=Ieue7dQV2l&sig=wJVzpZa7_2GgbV2bVbB_qkzWgtI&hl=en&ei=9cQOSoXQOI2jtgfpgamMCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1 page 993. “The Letters of Emily Dickinson.”

Kate Scott was the sister of Margaret, and frequent visitor in the Bartlett house. “Kate” was born Catherine Scott (1831-1917) and was the daughter of Henry Scott (and Caterine M. Strong) of Cooperstown, NY. Her acquaintance with Susan Dickinson began in 1848, when they both attended Utica Female Seminary. In 1855 Kate Scott married Campbell Ladd Turner, who died two years later. She visited Sue in 1859, at which time the poet Emily Dickinson met her, and the acquaintance was continued when Kate Turner made subsequent visits to Amherst during the sixties. Kate married John Anthon in 1866. There is no record that her friendship with Emily Dickinson was pursured after that date. Emily Dickinson is known to have written five letters to Kate between 1859 and 1866, and to have sent her a few poems.

Among many other works, Homer was the author of “The history of initiation, as practiced by the ancient rites, and prepetuated by freemasonry,” read before the Long Island Historical Society, 23 Jan 1877, and may be read in the Appendix of this present work.

WOR. WILLIAM LINN KEESE, Past Master Of Kings County Lodge.

Kings County Lodge has been fortunate in its selection of presiding officers, and among those who have served with great honor and distinction is Bro. Keese, the subject of this sketch. Courtly in his bearing, dignified, yet pleasing in his manner, he won the esteem of his brethren, which was expressed in the following resolution adopted at a Regular Communication held 27 Dec 1881:

"Resolved, That the sincere thanks of Kings County Lodge be, and hereby are, given to Wor. Bro. Wm. Linn Keese for the graceful and efficient manner with which he has filled the responsible position of Worshipful Master of this Lodge for the past two years, and that he carries with him into his retirement our most fraternal love and esteem, with the wish that he may long continue an honored brother among us."

Gifted as an elocutionist, he was forcible and earnest in his delivery, and never failed to impress the candidate with the beauty and grandeur of the principles taught in Symbolic Masonry. He was initiated in this Lodge, February 9, 1876, passed March 8th and raised March 29th. He was soon after appointed Senior Deacon; elected Senior Warden in 1878-9, and Worshipful Master in 1880-81; Secretary in 1883-4; Master again in 1885-6. In which last year he was honored with the gift of a Past Master's Jewel by his brethren of this Lodge; and has since served as Trustee.

Bro. Keese is descendant on his paternal side from a distinguished officer of the American Revolution, and a member of General Washington's staff. His maternal great-grandfather was the Rev. William Linn, an eminent divine of the last century, who had the honor of being chosen to deliver the oration on the death of Washington before the Society of the Cincinnati. Bro. Keese is a member of the Society of Cincinnati in right of hereditary descent. His grandfather, William Keese, was a lawyer of reputation, and his father, John Keese, was the famous book auctioneer, wit and literateur.

“John Keese, Wit and Littérateur: A Biographical Memoir,” 1884, written by William Linn Keese in can be read at: http://openlibrary.org/details/johnkeesewitand01keesgoog

Bro. Keese was born in New York City, 25 Feb 1835; was educated at private schools, and entered upon a mercantile career as clerk in the hardware store of Willets & Co., New York. His connection with this house lasted for over thirty years. His literary tastes have found expression in sundry compositions, and he has also appeared before the public as a lecturer. Among his published works are a biograpny of his father, and a life of Burton, the comedian.* He is a member of the Authors' Club, of New York; also a member of the Dunlap Society. He married, in 1864, Miss Helen K., daughter of Henry M. Thorne, Esq., of Long Island. His home is in Flatbush, where he has resided for the last seventeen years.

* The biography of William E. Burton, 1885, can be read at: http://books.google.com/books?id=E1hAAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22WILLIAM+LINN+KEESE%22

His 90 page book, “A Group of Comedians,” 1901, may be read at: http://books.google.com/books?id=DJEXAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22WILLIAM+LINN+KEESE%22&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=eRNwEohEc4&sig=JGjkK7AAT8Ik37h0YnsurcRAFW8&hl=en&ei=e9MOSrnEJtjJtgeK7q31Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5#PPA89,M1

His 115 page book, “The Siamese Twins and Other Poems,” 1903, may be read at: http://books.google.com/books?id=ZHjPdpIxuh0C&dq=%22WILLIAM+LINN+KEESE%22&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=3lwuZdyeTf&sig=0ZktFwJUMb_NTIOAmlw1UO7rQU0&hl=en&ei=e9MOSrnEJtjJtgeK7q31Bw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7#PPP9,M1

WOR. JOHN McELYERY, Past Master Of Cambridge Lodge No. 662, Worshipful Master Of Kings County Lodge.

Bro. McElvery has devoted the best years of his life to the Craft. Self-sacrificing, earnest and faithful in the discharge of every duty, he counts all things as loss that he may serve his brethren and minister to the wants of the needy and suffering. He received his first instructions in the mysteries of the Craft, and was taught the use of the working tools of Speculative Masonry in Cambridge Lodge 662; initiated April 21, passed Sept. 7, raised Oct. 5, 1871. He was a constant attendant at all Regular Communications of the Lodge until he became a skillful Craftsman, and was elected Junior Warden; served one term as Senior Deacon, and in 1874-5 was elected Master. His brethren were so well pleased with his administration of affairs that they re-elected him the following year. His second term was equally satisfactory, and he continued his labors in the Lodge until , when circumstances compelled him to sever his connection with Cambridge Lodge, and in January, 1876, he affiliated with Kings County Lodge. He brought with him to this Lodge a ripe experience and evinced a readiness to assist the brethren in their labors. They showed their appreciation by electing him Secretary in 1885-6, and Worshipful Master in 1887. He was re-elected the following year, and is now serving his second term. Although a member of Atlantic Lodge No. 50, I. O. O. F., he finds but little time to attend to other duties than those connected with Masonry.

Bro. McElvery is a native of the North of Ireland, born 21 Feb 1838, but, while he possesses some of the hereditary characteristics of his race, he is as much of an American as though to the manor born. He was but eleven years of age when he landed with his parents in Brooklyn. He was educated at Public Schools Nos. 6 and 13, and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade. He was for nineteen years in the service of one building firm. He became a resident of Flatbush in 1870, and in this town he hung out his shingle as a Master Builder, in 1879. He had become so well known in this locality that his patrons increased rapidly, and for some years past he has done a prosperous business. He took to himself a helpmeet, in 1865, in the person of Miss Caroline Rowlee, of Brooklyn. They have pursued life's journey together for nearly a quarter of a century, being blessed with a family of five children. He is a devoted husband, a kind father and is highly respected and honored in the community. He was for ten years a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, the last three years as foreman, and rendered efficient service with the "fire laddies."

JOHN C. RUTHERFORD, Junior Warden.

The earliest patrons of our Order on Long Island belonged to the farming population, and were by no means behind their brethren of otner professions in point of intelligence and culture. They laid the foundation and erected the first Masonic Lodge on the Island. Bro. Rutherford is a descendant and a worthy representative of this class of citizens. His elevation to his present position is due to merit alone. He knocked at the door of Kings County Lodge in the fall of 1885, and on Dec. 9th was raised to the degree of Master Mason. By diligent application he soon acquired a knowledge of the ritual and of the teachings of Symbolic Masonry. He served as Senior Master of Ceremonies in 1886; as Junior Deacon in 1887, and at the annual election of that year was elected Junior Warden. In each and every position he has discharged the duties to the satisfaction of the Master and to the profit of the Lodge.

Bro. Rutherford was born in the town of Flatbush, 7 Mar 1860. He was sent to Public School No. 10, of Brooklyn, where he acquired a good education. He was raised on a farm and has continued to follow that occupation from his childhood up. He is interested, however, in all matters that pertain to the growth and development of the town, and has faithfully performed his duties as a citizen. He is a member of Woodbine Hose Company No. 4, composed of the able-bodied, intelligent young men of the town. He enjoys an unblemished reputation as a citizen and is honored as a worthy Craftsman.

J. LOTT VANDERBILT, Treasurer Of Kings County Lodge.

Bro. Yanderbilt was born in Flatbush, 25 Dec 1822. His early life was spent on the farm. He has filled the position of Assessor, Police Commissioner and School Trustee of Flatbush. He was made a Mason in this Lodge April 22, 1874, and elected Treasurer in 1882, and has continued to hold the office ever since.

CHARLES L. ZELLINSKY, Secretary.

He was brought to light in Commonwealth Lodge No. 409, in July, 1869. He withdrew with several others in 1875, to assist in organizing Covenant Lodge No. 758. He became its Junior Warden in 1883. He affiliated with Kings County Lodge, and in 1887 was elected Secretary, and re-elected for the present year.

Bro. Zellinsky was born 16 Jan 1842. He enlisted in the service of his country in August, 1862, as a member of Company A, 20th NY Vols. He participated in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, both battles of Fredericksburg, and the storming of Salem Heights. He was severely wounded at the latter engagement.

At the close of the war he took up animal painting, and devoted his energies to that specialty. He has painted a number of the well known race horses of this country, among which are "The Bard," Hanover, Tremont, Proctor Knott and others. His patronage comes from the best breeders and raisers of blooded horses in this country. He died in 1905.

Mr. August Belmont's "Potomac" and "Masher" – 1890 – sold at auction for about $4000.

ZELLINSKY, CHARLES.—Age, 20 years. Enlisted 20th NY Infantry Volunteers, August 15, 1862, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. A, August 18, 1862; wounded in battle, May 4, 1863, at Salem Heights, Va.; transferred. May 7, 1863. to Artillery, Second Division, Sixth Corps, and Fourth Company, Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps.

CHARLES W. HUNT, Organist.

For seven years past Bro. Hunt has contributed to the pleasure and entertainment of this Lodge, as its organist. His position is one of the most important and essential in the Lodge, and, unless prevented by circumstances beyond his control, he is always found at his post, ready and willing on every occasion to serve the brethren and contribute to their enjoyment. He was made a Mason in this Lodge in December, 1881, and was soon after appointed organist. As he is a native of Flatbush, and well known to all the brethren, his services are the more appreciated. He was born 11 Jul1859. He was educated in Brooklyn at the public school and at Erasmus Hall. He evinced early in life a taste for music, which he was enabled to gratify by a course of instruction in vocal and instrumental music. He excelled in the latter, and his services were soon called into requisition. He is at present organist in the Reform Church Mission, and in the Sabbath School of the First Reformed Dutch Church. He served as organist in the Methodist Church, of Flatbush, for thirteen years. He fills the same position in Medwood Council, National Provident Union. His musical attainments have been utilized more for pleasure than profit, as he has followed for many years the occupation of bookbinder, and for thirteen years past has been connected with the manufacturing department of Appleton & Co.'s publishing house.

JOHN KERSWILL, Chaplain.

But for his unfortunate infirmity, deafness, Bro. Kerswill would long ere this have been Master of Kings County Lodge. The ability with which he has discharged the duties of other important positions which he has filled, are evidences of his qualifications and fitness for the office. He was raised in the Lodge May 24, 1876, by Wor. Bro. Bartlett. He served one year as M. of C. He filled the office of Junior Deacon with great credit; was elected Junior Warden in 1880-81-82, and Senior Warden in 1884; served as Chaplain in 1887-8. He has been almost continuously in office since his entrance into the Lodge, and is always ready and willing to do any work assigned him. He is a member of Fulton Council No. 499, Royal Arcanum, and was for three years its Chaplain. He is also a member of Amaranth Council, Knights of Honor.

Bro. Kerswill was born in England, 28 Sep 1838. He was but 20 months of age when he came to this country with his parents. He received a good public school education and afterwards learned the trade of tinsmith. For the past twenty-five years he has been connected with the house of Collins & Co., axe manufacturers, of New York. No better evidence of his integrity and ability is wanting than the fact of his long connection with this house.

SAMUEL K. DINGLE.

When Bro. Dingle withdrew from active service in Kings County Lodge in consequence of business engagements, it was a loss to the brethren. His willingness to serve, his ability as an officer, and his skill as a Craftsman, were appreciated by his brethren, who would gladly have conferred on him further honors. He was received into this Lodge in due and ancient form, in the spring of 1883. He served as Senior Deacon in 1884-5-6. He excelled in the Middle Chamber work, and never failed to impress the candidate with the beautiful lessons taught in this degree. He was elected Senior Warden in 1887, and was compelled to decline further honors for the reasons mentioned.

Bro. Dingle is a native of New York City, born 15 Dec 1850. He enjoyed no other educational advantages than those afforded by the public school. His first business experience was with the publishing house of Sheldon & Co.; he had a special leaning, however, towards telegraphy, and entered the employ of the Western Union Company, where he remained for nine years. He next became connected with the American Rapid Telegraph Company as assistant chief operator, and was promoted to the position of Circuit Manager. He left the employ of this Company to accept a position with the Electro-Graphic Company as Assistant Electrician. He subsequently accepted a position with the Postal Telegraph Company as Assistant Electrician and Acting Manager. He afterwards spent some time on experimental work, and in 1884 he returned to the Western Union as expert in the Wheatstone Automatic Dept. From there, in 1885, he went with Edison and assisted in the latter's experiments with the induction train telegraph. His experiments were uniformly successful, and he acquired a fund of information that proved of great value to him. In 1886 he was offered a position with the Hallway Telegraph and Telephone Company, and is now Assistant Superintendent of the Consolidated Railway Company. A young man of great energy and force of character, ambitious, persevering, thorough and careful in his work, he has a bright future before him.

CHARLES B. JENNINGS, Senior Warden.

Bro. Jennings was made a Master Mason in this Lodge in 1886, and in the fall of 1887 was elected Senior Warden for the ensuing year. He was born in New York City, 25 Aug 1854; was educated in public school and afterwards entered the Junior Class of the College of the City of New York. He read law with Charles Crary, Esq., of New York City, and was admitted to practice in 1877.

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