USA > Washington DC > History of the Grand lodge and of freemasonry in the District of Columbia : with biographical appendix > Part 31
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Nineteen days thereafter, on May 24, 1857, he passed away.
His funeral took place two days later at Congressional Cemetery, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, with Grand Master George C. Whiting conducting the Masonic service, and Past Grand Master B. B. French as eulogist.
A friend and admirer has left this tribute to his memory :
"A grave bedewed with manly tears,
A name spotless and bright,
The sum of all true fame."
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IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
GEORGE C. WHITING,
GRAND MASTER, 1857-61 AND 1865-67.
To this Brother belongs the distinction of the longest service in that capacity in the history of the jurisdiction, with the exception of M. W. Bro. French, whose terms aggregated the same number of years.
Bro. Whiting was born in Fauquier County, Va., in 1816, but in his boy- hood came to this city with his family and remained throughout his life. It is related as from the lips of Bro. Whiting himself that his father, a clerk in one of the Government Departments, had, at the time of the election of Andrew Jackson, strongly espoused the candidacy of Adams and expected early removal from office therefor, but a shower chancing to catch the President on one of his daily walks near the Whiting home he took shelter there, and both the President and the elder Whiting being Masons and recognizing each other as such, a strong friendship sprang up between them which lasted throughout the life of the latter and caused the President to take a personal interest in the affairs of the family when the death of George's father left them dependent upon the young man for support, and to have him appointed to a position in the Treasury Department.
It is also said that during the life of the elder Whiting in Virginia he became seriously involved financially, and that these obligations were all finally wiped out as soon as the son was able to earn sufficient money to do so, an incident which speaks volumes for the character of the man.
During his adult life he filled many important positions in the civil department of the Government. He was Commissioner of Pensions during the administration of President Buchanan and when succeeded in that position was transferred to a specially created office concerning the African slave trade. He was Acting Secretary of the Interior a number of times and possessed a practical knowledge of the affairs of that Department which rendered his service of great value for many years.
Bro. Whiting was a man of many virtues. Noble-minded and generous to a fault, urbane and gentle in demeanor, he endeared himself to all with whom he came into contact, while the dignified and impartial manner in which he presided as Grand Master and the learning, skill, and integrity he brought to bear upon the duties of that high office, contributed in the largest measure to the elevation of Masonry in this jurisdiction to a higher plane.
He passed away September 4, 1867, in the fifty-first year of his age and while Grand Master, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, George- town, D. C., September 6, the Grand Lodge conducting the Masonic rites in the presence of a concourse of Masons and citizens that testified to the universal esteem in which he had been held. A few years later a suitable monument was erected by the Fraternity to mark the last resting place of this good man and Mason.
In Masonic circles Bro. Whiting was for many years a most active and valuable worker. He was initiated in National Lodge, No. 12, March
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17; passed March 31, and raised April 29, 1846, and after serving as Junior Deacon for one term, filled the office of Secretary during the years 1850-51; withdrew December 27, 1853, to become a charter member of B. B. French Lodge; served the latter lodge as Senior Warden while U. D., and for the year 1854, filled the office of Worshipful Master during 1855-56, and was elected an honorary member April 3, 1865.
He entered the official line of the Grand Lodge as Grand Secretary in 1856, and the following year began his long service as Grand Master, as shown above.
He received the Capitular degrees in Columbia R. A. Chapter, No. 1, April 19, April 26, and May 3, '64.
George C. Whiting Lodge, No. 22, chartered in 1868, takes its name from this eminent Mason.
CHARLES FREDERICK STANSBURY,
GRAND MASTER, 1862 AND 1871-74,
Born in New York City October 13, 1821, he spent his boyhood and early youth in Washington, at the old family mansion on Seventh Street, N. W., opposite the General Post-Office.
Bro. Stansbury was educated at Princeton College, N. J., and gradu- ated therefrom when nineteen years old. He subsequently studied medi- cine, but not having a taste for the practice abandoned it for the law, which was more congenial, making a specialty of patent law.
He was a finished scholar, a zealous student, a forcible and vigorous writer, a pleasing speaker, and as a husband, parent, brother, and friend few men were more loved and revered.
He was appointed by President Pierce as Commissioner of the great English Exposition and World's Fair in 1854, and remained there several years, frequently visiting Continental Europe during the period.
In his earlier days he was associated with his brother, Col. Howard M. Stansbury, of the U. S. Topographical Engineers, in making surveys in the Western Territories.
In Masonry Grand Master Stansbury was a star of the first magnitude, not only locally but nationally, and his active participation in all its affairs of the highest and most lasting value.
On the occasion of the great calamity which befell Chicago in 1871; he proceeded personally with several brethren to carry to the distressed brethren of that city the offering of the District, and so tactfully was this mission performed that later he was again called to Chicago as one of a commission to examine the record of the Relief Committee.
Prominent among his good works were his untiring efforts on behalf of the long-neglected Washington Monument, and to his active and efficient labors as a member of the Monument Society is the country especially indebted for the renewed interest and work on that structure.
Sas. G. Werlemon
GRAND MASTER, 1904.
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IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Bro. Stansbury was initiated in St. John's Lodge, No. 11, February 7, 1857; passed March 13, 1857, and raised May 13, 1857; withdrew July 14, 1865, and affiliated January 31, 1882; was Secretary in 1859, Senior Warden, 1860, and Master, 1861 and 1863. He also held honorary mem- bership in Hiram Lodge, No. 10, being elected thereto in 1873.
He received the Capitular degrees in Washington R. A. Chapter, No. 2, in the spring of 1857.
His death occurred January 31, 1882, and the following extract from the tribute of the special committee of the Grand Lodge reflects perhaps the estimation in which this good man was held by his contemporaries :
A great leader has passed away, his voice is hushed in death; 'but tho dead, he yet speaketh.' He has left us an example of intelligence and refinement worthy of any age. The home circle has lost a kind husband and father. The community an exemplary and honored citizen. The Masonic Fraternity a tried and trusted leader, an eminent expounder of its principles, a zealous worker, an enthusiastic supporter, a true member. His many valuable contributions to Masonic literature and jurisprudence, his exalted rank and cultivated intellect, his devo- tion to duty and noble efforts for the good of a beloved Order, make his loss most sensibly felt and lamented, not only as a loyal and popular brother Mason, but as one of its most cultivated, gifted, and refined exemplars, besides a most conscientious and unselfish friend and advisor."
YELVERTON PEYTON PAGE,
GRAND MASTER, 1863.
Bro. Page possessed one of the most interesting personalities in the his- tory of the Grand Lodge, and through a eulogy pronounced upon him by his intimate friend, Past Grand Master B. B. French, in 1863, we are per- mitted an insight into his life and character as fortunate as it is unusual.
He was born in Washington, D. C., July 17, 1823, of parents noted for their integrity and worth, and among the prominent citizens of the city. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also their son, and his early youth under the care of such parents promised to develop a character for goodness, truth, and morality-which promise was amply fulfilled. In early boyhood he was a page in the U. S. Senate, and became a favorite with many of the Senators. During the recess periods he devoted himself to study, and later became one of the most important clerks in the office of the Secretary of the Senate. He was initiated in Naval Lodge, No. 4, June 5, 1847; passed July 31, 1847, and raised August 2, 1847, and served as Master during the years 1852, 1856-58; exalted in Washington R. A. Chapter; made a Knight Templar May 11, 1853. Besides his service as Master he held various offices in Naval Lodge. In manner he was dignified, yet kind and courteous. As a Mason his charity was known throughout the jurisdiction; to him Free-
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masonry was not a mere shadow, it was a solemn and abiding obligation. In the Grand Lodge he stood high, and was bold and decided in the expression of opinions he considered right. He was elected Grand Master for the year 1863, while ill, and was installed in his home. In his address on that occasion he closed with the pathetic words: "You have sum- moned me in my weakness; you must sustain me by your strength." At this time he was apparently convalescing from an attack of pneumonia, and while he became better, he never regained his health, and died Sep- tember 26, 1863, while Grand Master of the District, and but forty years of age.
JAMES EDWARD FRISBY HOLMEAD,
GRAND MASTER, 1864.
To this Brother belongs the distinction of having been the youngest man to fill the Grand East in the century of the existence of this Grand Lodge, attaining that high office when only twenty-nine years of age.
Bro. Holmead was born in Baltimore, Md., August 13, 1835, and re- ceived his education from his father in schools taught by him in Baltimore, Ellicotts Mills, and other places. Upon reaching his majority he took up his residence in Washington, where he remained the balance of his life.
For a number of years he held responsible positions in the Patent Office, but in 1865 resigned and engaged in business as a patent attorney and agent, in which he became very successful. While taking an active interest in all public matters he was particularly interested in the public schools, serving for several years as a school trustee in the Fourth District (South Washington), and by his energy and devotion to duty contributed greatly toward establishing a perfect school system here.
He was a man possessed of very rare qualities. As an orator he had few equals, and in all deliberations he was listened to with the closest attention. He was an earnest and zealous Mason and a valued citizen, and his rise in the Fraternity and success in business and official life has rarely been equaled for rapidity. His uniform courtesy endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and his untimely demise, which occurred October 19, 1876, was mourned in every walk of life. His funeral, which took place in Rock Creek Cemetery under the auspices of the Grand Lodge with Grand Master I. L. Johnson officiating, was attended not only by large representations from the Masonic bodies but by an unusual con- course of citizens, testifying to the universal esteem in which he was held.
Bro. Holmead was entered as a member of our Fraternity in St. John's Lodge, No. 11, of this city, September 29, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft October 29, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason November 28, 1856. He remained a member of this lodge until May 5, 1857, when he dimitted and became a charter member of Dawson Lodge, No. 16, in which lodge he was elected Junior Warden December 14, 1857,
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and was re-elected to the same office the following year. After a service of two years, 1860-61, he was elected Master, and in 1865 was re-elected and held the office for two years. November 3, 1863, he was elected Grand Master, having previously served as Senior Grand Warden. In 1867 he was also elected to honorary membership in Hope Lodge, No. 20.
He was exalted to the Royal Arch degree in Washington Chapter, No 16 (then under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Maryland and the District of Columbia), March 23, 1857. After filling the positions of Principal Sojourner, Captain of the Host, and King, he was elected High Priest of that Chapter October 27, 1860. Dimitted November 18, 1873, to become a charter member of Mt. Horeb Chapter, No. 7. In 1862 he was elected to the office of Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Maryland and the District of Columbia, and in 1867 had the dis- tinguished honor of being chosen as the first Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia, which position he filled for two years, and to the present time he is looked upon as the one to whom the success of our local Grand Chapter is due.
ROBERT BRUCE DONALDSON,
GRAND MASTER, 1869-70.
Born at Waterford, Loudoun County, Virginia, October 11, 1826, at the age of seven he removed to Alexandria, where his early education was obtained in a private school. In 1842 he came to Washington, where he was first engaged in mathematical instrument making and manufactured many of the instruments used in the telegraphic service of that day. Later he studied dentistry, and for a few years was associated with his teacher, Dr. R. Finley Hunt, in that profession, after which, for a period of forty-five years, he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, during the course of which he served some time as Professor of Operative Dentistry in the Maryland Dental College in Baltimore and was the recipient of honorary degrees from two dental colleges. In the course of his long practice he invented several new and useful dental instruments, and after his retirement from active work in his profession, by reason of failing eyesight, engaged in the manufacture of these instruments, from which he acquired a comfortable fortune.
He was summoned to the presence of our Supreme Grand Master at 9 o'clock P. M. on November 22, 1907.
Bro. Donaldson was made a Master Mason in Federal Lodge, No. 1, of this jurisdiction December 4, 1855. He was also an honorary member of Pentalpha Lodge, No. 23, and Hiram Lodge, No. 10.
He became a Royal Arch Mason in Columbia Chapter, No. 1, January 17, 1862, and a Knight Templar in Washington Commandery, No. 1, October 14, 1868. In the Scottish Rite he received the fourteenth degree in Mithras Lodge of Perfection, May 18, 1888; the eighteenth degree
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in Evangelist Chapter Rose Croix, June 22, 1888; the thirtieth degree in Robert de Bruce Council of Kadosh, April 1, 1889; the thirty-second degree in Albert Pike Consistory, April 15, 1889; and the thirty-third degree (honorary) in the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction, October 23, 1903.
Symbolic Masonry, however, was our Brother's first and best love, and official honors in other branches of the Fraternity had no attraction for him. He served as Worshipful Master of Federal Lodge in 1863 and 1865; as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1864, 1865, 1866, and 1867; and as Grand Master in 1869 and 1870.
He was the first President of the Masonic Temple Association, and it was his earnest wish that he might live to see the new Temple com- pleted. His last appearance in the Grand Lodge was at the special com- munication of June 8, 1907, when the cornerstone of the new Temple was laid.
M. W. Bro. Donaldson was a sound Masonic jurist, the advantages he derived in his earlier years from his association with such master minds as French, Whiting, and Stansbury being supplemented by a close study of the ethical and philosophical teachings of the Craft. As Chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence he rendered many years of valuable service to the Grand Lodge. Genial and kindly in his intercourse with his fellow-men, sincere in his friendships, charitable to the unfortunate, a true Mason, an upright citizen, and a devoted husband and father, his memory will be cherished in the hearts of his brethren, and in the love and esteem of his fellow-citizens of the community in which his long and busy life was spent.
ISAAC LA RUE JOHNSON,
GRAND MASTER, 1875-76,
Bro. Johnson was born in Warren County, N. J., October 16, 1837. He came to Washington when a youth, was graduated from Columbia College, studied law, and was admitted to the bar of the courts of the District. In 1862 he was commissioned a captain in the 153d Pennsylvania Infantry, and served in the Army of the Potomac. Resigning his commission in 1863 he returned to Washington and engaged in the practice of law in which he soon won a reputation highly honorable.
An able lawyer, his love of Masonry led him to devote a large portion of his time to the service of the Craft, bringing to that service one of the strongest minds ever devoted to it in this jurisdiction. He was a logical and forceful speaker and writer, and his reputation as an able and learned Mason extended far beyond the confines of this jurisdiction. Genial, witty, thoroughly informed on a great variety of subjects, he will long be remembered for his qualities of mind and heart.
Bro. Johnson was made a Master Mason in National Lodge, No. 12, of this jurisdiction, December 12, 1865, and served as Master of his Lodge
GRAND MASTER, 1905.
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in 1870 and 1871. His zeal and ability soon won him recognition in the Grand Lodge where he was elected Grand Master for the years 1875 and 1876.
November 25, 1875, he was elected to honorary membership in George C. Whiting Lodge, No. 22.
He received the Capitular degrees in Eureka Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., in 1867, and was High Priest of that Chapter in 1870. He entered the official line of the Grand Chapter as Grand King in 1873, and became Grand High Priest in 1877.
He was knighted in Columbia Commandery, No. 2, of Washington, D. C., March 22, 1868; dimitted in 1872 to become a charter member of DeMolay Mounted Commandery, No. 4, which body he served as Emi- nent Commander in 1880.
He also received the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite degrees from fourth to thirty-second in the lodge, chapter, council, and consistory of this jurisdiction.
He closed his Masonic and earthly career of usefulness in this city on Thursday, December 28, 1899, and his remains were interred at Oak Hill Cemetery December 31, 1899, with Masonic honors performed by the Grand Lodge.
In the words of one of his contemporaries, "This well-known brother, honored and distinguished in the Masonic bodies of our jurisdiction, went down into the shadow of death full of experience, full of kind words, and full of good companionship. He was endowed with a brilliant and comprehensive intellect, kindness of heart, and a warm, genial disposition. As a soldier he won honorable distinction ; as a citizen, respect and esteem ; as a Mason he merited and received honors and preferment."
ELDRED GRIFFITH DAVIS,
GRAND MASTER, 1877-78.
This Brother was born in Frederick County, Md., near the town of New Market, December 25, 1837. While an infant his father moved to Carroll County, and a few years later to Howard County, in the same State. He received his education in the public schools of Maryland, attending during the winter and such portions of the summer as he could be spared from the work of farming. At the age of seventeen he received a position in a store in Washington, first as a boy of all work, next as salesman, and later as bookkeeper, and remained there until the death of his father, which occurred in January, 1860, when he returned to Maryland and took charge of the home farm, remaining four years, at the expiration of which time, being offered another position in Washington, he accepted, disposed of his country property, and removed to this city with his mother and two sisters, and became a clerk in the wholesale store of
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S. S. Corbin & Co. Soon afterward he went to Richmond, Va., and opened a branch store for the firm, and so successful was he that within twelve months he was offered a place in the firm and a half interest in the Richmond branch.
This offer he declined, as he preferred to accept a tender on the part of an old Maryland friend of the family, D. H. Gaither, to enter as an equal partner in a similar business. Mr. Gaither furnished the capital and Mr. Davis the experience, and the firm of Davis & Gaither was formed in 1866.
The relations of the partners always were pleasant, and within three years Mr. Davis was enabled to buy out Mr. Gaither's interest and con- tinue on his own account until 1890, when he sold his interest in the business.
In May, 1888, he was appointed Collector of Taxes for the District of Columbia, which position he held for over twenty years. At the time of his death he was a member of the Board of Assessors. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Railway Co. for over twenty years, and was its Vice-President when it was absorbed by the Wash- ington Railway and Electric Co. He was a Director of the Firemen's Insurance Co., of Washington and Georgetown, for a quarter of a century, and in the last years of his life its President.
His long service in these important positions testifies to his business worth and sterling integrity, while his ability as an executive officer and his thorough knowledge of Masonic law won for him an enviable reputation as Grand Master and has been at the service of the Fraternity for the thirty years which elapsed after his incumbency of the office of Grand Master, his active interest and participation in Masonic affairs having never wavered. He was Chairman of the Jurisprudence Com- mittee of the Grand Lodge at the time of his death and had served a number of years as a member thereof.
Quiet and unassuming in disposition, Bro. Davis was yet of strong, virile character and made a permanent impress on the institution of Masonry in this jurisdiction.
He was initiated in Lebanon Lodge, No. 7, October 19, 1866; passed November 16, 1866, and raised January 18, 1867; was Senior Warden of his lodge, 1871 and 1872, and Worshipful Master in 1873; was J. G. W. in 1874; S. G. W., 1875-76, and Grand Master, 1877-78. He was elected to honorary membership in Acacia Lodge, No. 18, April 11, 1882.
He was exalted in Washington Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M., October 31, 1868, and served the Chapter as High Priest in 1874.
He was knighted in Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T., March 24, 1869, and was Eminent Commander for the years 1876 and 1877.
At the organization of the Grand Commandery, January 14, 1896, he was elected Grand Captain-General, and after serving in the succeeding stations of Grand Generalissimo and Deputy Grand Commander, was Grand Commander in 1898.
He received the thirty-second degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in Albert Pike Consistory September 20, 1888.
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He was a member of the Masonic Veteran Association and of Almas Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
He died suddenly at Atlantic City, N. J., March 22, 1910, and was interred in Oak Hill Cemetery March 24, the Knight Templar burial service being performed by the Grand Commandery and the Blue Lodge service by the Grand Lodge.
HORACE A. WHITNEY,
GRAND MASTER, 1879.
Born in the State of New York in 1841, he served during the Civil War in the 1st N. Y. L. A., enlisting October 1, 1861, at Phoenix, N. Y., to serve three years; was appointed Sergeant October 10, 1861; discharged November 25, 1863, to enter the general service, and was subsequently detailed for duty in the Bureau of Colored Troops under Col. C. W. Foster. In 1867 he was transferred to the Treasury Department and after passing through the various grades became Cashier, which position he occupied at the time of his death.
WV. Bro. Whitney is described as having been " amiable in disposition, courteous and gentlemanly in conduct, and of estimable character ; he was most beloved by those who knew him best, and was sincerely mourned by all his friends and brethren." His zeal for the institution of Masonry led to his rapid preferment while a comparatively young man, and his ad- ministration of every office to which he was called testified to the wisdom of the confidence reposed in his ability.
He died very suddenly in this city July 3, 1886, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, the Grand Lodge conducting the Masonic services.
W. Bro. Whitney was initiated, passed, and raised in Washington Cen- tennial Lodge, No. 14, in June and August, 1867 ; served as Junior Warden in 1869; Senior Warden, 1870, and Master, 1872-74. He was elected to the position of Grand Master December. 1878, after filling several of the subordinate chairs in the Grand Lodge.
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