USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 32
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He had decided opinions about ritual and charity. When the great dispute arose over the attempt of the Conservators' Association to force the adoption of their ritual Brother Robbins supported their ac- tion and came close to getting into serious trouble over it. He did not call any schools of instruction during his term as Grand Master, believing that it was not fair to active lodges to use part of their annual dues to teach uninterested lodges by spending a lot of money to hold
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state schools. He originated a system whereby any lodge could have the benefit of instruction at its own expense.
His attitude on Masonic charity was that it was an indivdual obli- gation and that organized charity in the shape of homes was not the original intention of Masonry.
Not only in Masonic circles was he prominent. In 1858 he came to Quincy to study medicine with an uncle. The next year he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia and graduated in 1861. He began practice in Quincy and continued until his death. He was prominent in city, county and state medical circles and in the Amer- ican Medical Society, a national organization. For years he was a member of the city board of education and a director in the Quincy Free Public Library. He was also active in county, congressional and state politics.
He was elected Deputy Grand Master in 1875. The Grand Master being unable to serve his full term on account of ill health, Brother Robbins stepped into his office. He was elected Grand Master in 1876-77 and thus had the opportunity to preside over three sessions of the Grand Lodge. That his reputation was not local is shown by the following eulogy by Robert F. Gould, England's great historian:
I am not writing today to extol the abilities of a great Freemason who stands in no need of my own or any other man's panegyric. His writings will live and will form an abiding claim to recognition of his merits as a member of the craft. The object I have most at heart in these hasty lines, is to mourn the loss of a dear and valued friend.
He was carried to his final resting place in Woodland Cemetery on July 21, 1909. The funeral oration was delivered by the Grand Master, Alexander H. Bell.
From the Grand Lodge Bulletin issued by the Grand Lodge of Iowa we cull:
The Oration delivered by Joseph Robbins before the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1869. The last named was possibly the clearest and most adequate statement of the philosophy of Freemasonry ever made in a speech.
His great work was connected with lodge matters only but he was exalted in Quincy Chapter No. 5 on March 31, 1863, greeted in Quincy Council No. 15 on January 28, 1864, and knighted in Beauseant Com- mandery No. 11 on December 7, 1863. He served as Commander in 1870-71.
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Grand Masters
Early in 1914 the Grand Master read a letter from Wisconsin which suggested that
steps should be taken towards the publication of a volume which should not only be in the nature of a testimony to the life and Masonic services of Brother Robbins, but should also furnish a means by which his writings on masonic subjects might be permanently preserved.
The committee on correspondence recommended that such a vol- ume be prepared and published and that it should contain a suitable biography of Brother Robbins together with a compilation of his writ- ings as found in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. The memorial was not completed until the session of 1916. It contains 161 pages and covers every subject that Brother Robbins analyzed in his complete and comprehensive manner. This book is a valuable addition to every Masonic library and affords a basis for any student interested in Ma- sonic fundamentals.
THEODORE TUTHILL GURNEY
Grand Master 1878-79
Born September 4, 1820 Died November 9, 1886
This noted craftsman was born at Ogdensburgh, New York on September 4, 1820. In 1838 he left New York for Union City, Michi- gan; later he went to Constantine, Michigan where he remained until 1856. He then came to Chicago and engaged in the grain commission business. He was an active member of the Board of Trade and held several important positions. In 1879 he was appointed Comptroller of Chicago, which office he held until shortly before his death. In the community he was a model citizen, bearing his full share in the church and other agencies by which enlightened society seeks to elevate mankind.
He was made a Mason in Union Lodge at Union City, Michigan on December 28, 1848. In April, 1849 he was appointed Master of Siloam Lodge U.D. at Constantine, Michigan. Upon removing to Sackett's Harbor, New York, he joined Sackett's Harbor Lodge and was elected Master in 1854. Coming to Chicago he joined Cleveland Lodge No. 211, was subsequently Master and remained a member during the re-
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mainder of his life. In 1875 he was appointed to the Committee on Correspondence, a position he held during his lifetime with the ex- ception of the two years he was Grand Master, 1879-80. He was a member of all the co-ordinate bodies. For some years he wrote the reviews for the Grand Chapter and in 1875 was Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar. He was a member of Oriental Consistory and was Commander-in-Chief 1873-74-75. He was also crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd de- gree. He held membership in Washington Chapter No. 43; Chicago Council No. 4; Apollo Commandery 1868-69. He was buried on No- vember 11, 1886.
WILLIAM HAYES SCOTT
Grand Master 1880-81
Born September 5, 1830
Died December 30, 1915
Brother Scott was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on September 5, 1830. His father died in 1849. In 1853, in company with his mother, brothers and sisters, he moved to Metropolis, Illinois, where he en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. When Metropolis was incorporated he was elected mayor and served several terms. He was city clerk for several years and contributed largely in framing the ordinances of the city. In 1861 he was appointed superintendent of schools in Massac County and served for 12 years. He was for four years a member of the County Board. He was made superintendent of schools in Me- tropolis.
In 1874 he was admitted to the Southern Illinois Conference of the Methodist Church. After serving several pastorates he was appointed Chaplain in the United States Army and assigned to duty at the Presidio, San Francisco, California. He was next sent to Benicia bar- racks, California where he remained until May, 1890. He also served at stations in Utah and on September 9, 1897 was retired. He then made his home in Alameda, California.
He was made a Mason in Harrison Lodge No. 122, in Brandenburg, Kentucky in 1851. In 1853 he dimitted to Metropolis Lodge No. 91, Metropolis, Illinois and retained membership in that lodge for the remainder of his life.
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He was Master in 1873. He was exalted in Vienna Chapter No. 67 on May 22, 1866, became a charter member of Metropolitan Chapter No. 101 at Metropolis and was elected High Priest in 1871. He was a charter member of Gethsemane Commandery No. 41 and served as Prelate for four years. He was knighted in Kane Commandery No. 13 at Cairo on January 28, 1871.
He was Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge 1872-73-74 and was elected Grand Master in 1880-81. He was an honorary member of Fortitude Lodge No. 47 and Harrison Lodge No. 122, both in Ken- tucky.
He served the Grand Chapter as Grand Chaplain from 1872 to 1883.
as a citizen, as a minister of the gospel, as a soldier, and as a Mason, he was ever loyal, efficient and honorable. During a singularly long and useful career he won and retained the confidence, the admiration, and the love of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was what the world calls a self-made man.
He died on December 30, 1915 and was laid to rest at the Presidio Cemetery, San Francisco, California. The Masonic service was held at the grave by Oakwood Grove Lodge No. 215 of Alameda, California.
DANIEL M. BROWNING
Grand Master 1882-83
Born October 11, 1846 Died January 13, 1903
MEMORIAL BY MONROE C. CRAWFORD
I knew him in his boyhood. He and I were born and grew to man- hood in the same community and took the three degrees in Masonry in the same lodge, Benton Lodge No. 64.
In his youth from the time he was fifteen years old, he chose the better part and became an exemplary Christian and maintained his in- tegrity as a Christian during his entire life.
At the age of twenty-one years, after having studied the profession of law and been admitted to the bar as a practitioner, he was elected Judge of the county court of Franklin County, Illinois, which position he held for a number of years and discharged the duties of the office with honor to himself and great satisfaction to those he served. Later he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court and established and maintained a character for honesty, uprightness and ability. In 1893 he was com-
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missioned by Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, as Com- missioner of Indian Affairs and in the discharge of the duties of that office introduced many reforms and improvements greatly to the ad- vantage of the wards placed under him; especially in the protection of their rights and the improvement of facilities for education.
Judge Browning's home life as husband and father was in keeping with his daily life as a Christian gentleman.
His life among us as a Mason and his conduct of the affairs of this Grand Lodge while Grand Master is but another page in the life and conduct of a thorough, able and conscientious gentleman and man of business.
I presume no one had occasion to be so thoroughly acquainted with Judge Browning as myself, having been warm personal friends from his boyhood and intimately associated with him as a Circuit Judge. Our relations were always friendly and confidential and I am free to say that his life was made a grand success by reason of the great influence and early discipline of his mother who was and is a noble Christian woman and strongly impressed upon him the good influence of her Christian life.
His life was one that the world would be better by emulating. His loss is felt in the various walks of life. As a member of society, as a member of a Christian church, as a member of his profession, as a husband and father, and lastly coming down to each and all of us as a member of this great fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.
He was born in Benton on October 11, 1846 and married Miss Tirza Nayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1868. They were the parents of three children.
He graduated from the University of Indiana in February, 1866 and was admitted to the bar the following June before he was 20 years of age. He was elected county judge in 1869, being then 23 years old. In June, 1879 he was elected circuit judge.
He joined Benton Lodge No. 64 in 1868. He was district deputy in 1874 and chairman of the appeals and grievance committee in 1875-76-77. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1878 and ad- vanced regularly through the chairs of the Grand Lodge.
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JOHN ROBERT THOMAS
Grand Master 1884
Born October 11, 1846
Died January 20, 1914
Brother Thomas was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on October 11, 1846. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Army and at 19 was Captain of his company. He participated in many battles and received a wound at Franklin from which he never fully recovered. During the latter part of his service he was Adjutant to General Hardin commanding the District of Raleigh. He was honorably dis- charged on January 20, 1866. His father was an officer in the Mexican War, his grandfather in the War of 1812 and his great grandfather in the Revolutionary War. In 1879 he was elected to Congress from Metropolis, where he resided, and served five terms. He was a member of the naval affairs committee and has been frequently referred to as the "Father of the Modern Navy." He was one of the pallbearers for President Garfield and for General Burnside. In 1897 he was appointed a Judge of the United States Court in Indian Territory and removed to Muscogee where he resided at the time of his death. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Loyal Legion and one of the charter members of the Army and Navy Club at Wash- ington.
He was raised in Metropolis Lodge No. 91 in 1870-71, exalted in Metropolitan Chapter No. 101 and knighted in Gethsemane Com- mandery No. 41.
He was active in Grand Lodge affairs, being elected Grand Master in 1884. He only served one year, being a member of congress and absent from the state much of the time.
He was killed by a convict at the state penitentiary at McAlester, Oklahoma on January 20, 1914. He was at the time in consultation with a client and was one of the victims of an assault made by three prisoners in their attempt to escape.
His funeral was held on January 21, from his residence in Musko- gee, being conducted by the local Masonic lodge after which a squad of Spanish War Veterans fired three volleys over his grave and the trumpeter sounded taps, the impressive call which closes the funeral ceremonies of the soldier.
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ALEXANDER T. DARRAH
Grand Master 1885-86
Born March 17, 1836
Died September 4, 1889
Brother Darrah was born in Delaware County, Ohio, on March 17, 1836. His parents were John and Elizabeth ( Orr) Darrah. His parents moved to Illinois in 1838 and purchased 640 acres in Pike County where the family lived until 1865. At that time the Pike County land was sold and a farm in Champaign County purchased.
Brother Darrah was appointed principal of a school in 1858 while still pursuing his studies. At the age of 24 he left home and was employed as a surveyor for a map making firm in Buffalo, New York. He remained with that firm for two years and then began to study medicine in the office of Dr. A. J. Miller at Stone's Prairie, Adams County. Two years later he entered the Rush Medical College in Chi- cago and graduated on January 25, 1865, and commenced practice in Tolono where has father resided. He remained in that city for 18 years and then moved to Bloomington where he immediately had a large practice. He held many offices in Medical Societies, being President of the Judicial Council, Illinois State Medical Society, during 1882-83.
Brother Darrah was raised in New Salem Lodge No. 218 in 1863; exalted in Champaign Chapter No. 50 in 1875; Greeted in Urbana Council No. 10 in 1876; Knighted in 1877. He immediately became very active in lodge work, being appointed an Assistant Grand Lec- turer in 1871-72-73; Grand Examiner in 1874-75 and again in 1878-79- 80-81. No Grand Examiners were appointed in 1876-77. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1882, Senior Grand Warden in 1883, Deputy Grand Master in 1884 and Grand Master in 1885-86. Upon retiring from office he was appointed a member of the jurisprudence committee and remained a member until his death which occurred early in September, 1889.
His funeral was held on September 6. The Grand Master, John C. Smith, opened the Grand Lodge in Ample Form and a procession was formed by members of the Grand Lodge, Bloomington Lodge No. 43, Wade Barney Lodge No. 512, Mozart Lodge No. 656 and Bloomington Chapter No. 26. DeMolay Commandery No. 24 acted as an escort.
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The six pallbearers were Masons and members of the McLean County Medical Society. On the casket was a silver plate emblematic of Masonry. On the sides were the pillars with the inscription "We meet on the level and we part on the square." In the center was the all- seeing eye, the altar, the Bible, square and compasses and the inscrip- tion "Our Brother." At the bottom was the Mosaic pavement. In the casket was placed a silver trowel, appropriately inscribed and pre- sented to Brother Darrah at the time he laid the cornerstone of the Knox County Courthouse. Across the trowel was a ribbon on which were the words "Having laid the corner stone in his earthly tabernacle, he has entered into His house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
Thus ended the earthly career of a great Mason.
JOHN CORSON SMITH
Grand Master 1887-88
Born February 13, 1832
Died December 31, 1910
Brother Smith had a distinguished career in public, civil, military and Masonic life. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Feb- ruary 13, 1832. As a young man he served an apprenticeship as a car- penter and builder. He came west in 1854, sojourning a short time in Chicago and then moving on to Galena. He constructed many private and public buildings in Galena and in 1859 he was employed by the United States Government as Assistant Superintendent of the Custom House then in process of erection in Dubuque, Iowa. When the call came for soldiers he abandoned several building contracts and en- listed in Company I, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a private and was elected its Captain. He advanced in rank and par- ticipated in the battles of Fort Donnelson, Nashville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and many others.
After the close of the war he returned to Galena and was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for Jo Daviess County. He moved to Chicago in 1874 and was appointed Chief Grain Inspector. He was elected State Treasurer in 1879 and again in 1SS3. In 1885 he was elected Lieutenant Governor, being the only Republican elected that year.
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He was raised in Miners Lodge No. 273 on May 21, 1859; exalted in Jo Daviess Chapter No. 51, on March 15, 1860; received the Council degrees in Freeport Council No. 39 on February 19, 1873; was knighted in Freeport Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar; received the Scottish Rite degrees in Freeport Consistory February 26 to May 28, 1873. For five years, 1870-74, inclusive, he was Master of Miners Lodge, High Priest of Jo Daviess Chapter for seven years and Com- mander of Galena Commandery No. 40 for four years, 1871-74, being the first Commander. He was Grand Master of Masons, 1887-88 and Grand Commander Knights Templar in 1880. He received the 33rd degree in 1875 and was crowned an active member on September 27, 1883. In addition to the active offices has was an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Egypt and held honorary mem- bership in 40 or more Masonic bodies. He was Venerable Chief of the Masonic Veteran's Association in 1887-1910. He died in Chicago on December 31, 1910.
JOHN MILLS PEARSON
Grand Master 1889-90
Born October 7, 1832
Died June 4, 1910
Brother Pearson was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on Oc- tober 7, 1832. He "fitted for Harvard" in the public school and studied as a civil engineer. For a few years he worked for various railroads in Massachusetts. He came to Illinois in 1848 and located at Alton. He was raised in Piasa Lodge No. 27 in 1853, was elected Master in 1863 and attended Grand Lodge in 1864 as proxy for the Master. He was exalted in Alton Chapter No. 8 in 1853, served as Secretary in 1855, Royal Arch Captain in 1857, King in 1858, High Priest 1859-63. In 1865 he served on the committee on accounts, was elected Grand Scribe in 1866 and Grand High Priest in 1869. He joined Alton Council in 1855 and was Thrice Illustrious Grand Master in 1868; joined Belvidere Commandery No. 2 and was Grand Commander in 1866. He joined the Scottish Rite bodies in Chicago on November 24, 1883. He re- ceived the 33rd degree in 1885.
He was elected Grand Master on October 1, 1889 and re-elected the next year. During his later years he was chairman of the jurispru- dence committee of all four Grand Bodies.
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In civil life he served as a Trustce of the University of Illinois for several years; served at different times in the State Legislature, and accepted an appointment as one of the Railroad and Warehouse Com- missioners in 1873. For more than 50 years he was a member of the Grand Lodge.
He died at his home near Godfrey on June 4, 1910.
MONROE CARROLL CRAWFORD
Grand Master 1891-92
Born May 26, 1835
Died March 9, 1919
Brother Crawford was born on May 26, 1835 at Crawford's Prairie in Franklin County, Illinois. His mother died when he was five years old. He said:
Before I was seven I was indentured to a farmer to learn the art of farming. At the age of fifteen the gentleman to whom I was inden- tured changed his occupation to a general merchant and proposed to put me into a retail store as a clerk. I refused to serve as a clerk and the gentleman to whom I was indentured and I settled the question by my purchasing my time. I taught school one term and followed that by one term at McKendree College.
He then read law and after fifteen months was admitted to the bar, receiving a license to practice law in Illinois. He afterwards attended the law department of the University of Kentucky where he received the degree of Bachelor of Law in March, 1854. In 1856 he was elected State's Attorney for the then Third Judicial District, composed of 10 counties. In 1860 he was re-elected but resigned to enter the United States Army. He was Lieutenant-Colonel of the One Hundred Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and saw active service in many battles. At Stone River his regiment received this mention from the Brigade Commander:
It displayed that fearless courage one admires in veterans. Such heroic service rendered their country this day, such heroic and daring valor justly entitles those men to the profound respect of the people and the country.
During this battle Brother Crawford was several times wounded and permanently disabled. On account of his injuries he was com-
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pelled to resign from the army and was discharged on May 16, 1863. In 1867 he was elected judge of the Circuit Court, a position he held for twelve years. He was elected judge of the County Court of Union County in 1886 and retained that office until 1918, when he was forced to resign on account of advanced age and failing health.
He served two terms as mayor of Jonesboro and paid off a bonded indebtedness of $27,000, leaving the city with a full treasury.
He was also President of the Board of Education and was instru- mental in erecting a fine school building with all modern improve- ments and conveniences.
He was raised in Benton Lodge No. 64 in 1855 and dimitted in 1859 to join Jonesboro Lodge No. 111. He was elected Junior Warden in 1860 and Master in 1862 but did not represent his lodge in Grand Lodge. His first appearance in Grand Lodge was in 1871. In 1885 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and regularly advanced until he was elected Grand Master in 1891 and 1892. During his second year he presided over the Masonic Congress held during the Chicago World's Fair in August, 1893. At the close of his administration he was appointed chairman of the appeals and grievances committee, a posi- tion he held for 21 years; at which time he was made chairman of the jurisprudence committee which position he retained until his death.
He was exalted in DuQuoin Chapter No. 44 on September 13, 1858 and dimitted in 1860 to join Egyptian Chapter No. 45 at Anna. He served for six years as Sojourner and was elected High Priest in 1880.
He entered the official line of the Grand Chapter in 1898 as Grand Master of the First Veil and regularly advanced until he reached the office of Grand High Priest in 1907. After serving for one year he was appointed a member of the jurisprudence committee and continued as a member of the committee until his death which occurred on March 9, 1919 at his home in Jonesboro. He was laid to rest two days later by the Grand Master, who delivered the Masonic ceremony.
Here ends the career of one in his 84th year, of whom it has been said:
As a jurist, as a citizen, as a Mason, as a Christian gentleman - no man exceeded him.
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Grand Masters
LEROY ALBERT GODDARD
Grand Master 1893-94
Born June 22, 1854
Died January 22, 1936
Brother Goddard was born on June 22, 1854 in Marion. He was educated in the public schools in the wintertime, working at odd jobs during the summers until he was 16 years old, when he quit school to devote his entire time to clerking in stores until he was 21. He was a merchant and banker in Marion 1875-1890. He organized and was first president of the First National Bank at Mt. Carmel, Illinois, from 1890 to 1892. On August 2, 1892 he became cashier of the Fort Dear- born National Bank of Chicago and later was elected vice-president, filling both positions until January, 1903, when he was elected Presi- dent. He resigned on June 1, 1908 to accept the vice-presidency of the State Bank of Chicago and was elected president in May, 1909. In June, 1911 he resigned to become chairman of the board.
He was elected city treasurer of Marion at the age of 21 and mayor at 23, serving two terms. In 1918 he presented the city a cut stone chapel of gothic architecture with a seating capacity of two hundred, locating it in the cemetery which he established while mayor.
He was for two years President of the Chicago Clearing House Association, two years treasurer of the Chicago Stock Exchange, one year president of the Bankers' Club of Chicago, and is an ex-president of the Union League Club.
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