USA > New York > Ulster County > History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. I > Part 69
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HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Lodge," the Kingston brethren turned out in strong force and took part in their proceedings. The assemblage gath- ered at the house of Mr. Isaac L. Hasbrouck, and at the close of the installation service formed in procession and procecded to the Reformed Dutch church of the place, where a very fine address was delivered by a Rev. Brother Prentiss, and the whole concluded with a grand dinner.
The 24th of June was celebrated in grand style this year by the members of Kingston Lodge, with visiting brethren from adjoining towns. Mr. Abm. Myer, the Master, and Rev. Jolin Gosman were the orators of the day. The publie exercises took place at the Reformed Dutch church. Immediately after this anniversary the number of the lodge was changed from 23 to 20, and by a resolution of the lodge the charter under which it was working was forwarded to the Grand Lodge for the necessary change.
Among the prominent men of Kingston and vicinity who took an exceedingly active part in Freemasonry at this time were Seth Couch, John Chipp, John Sudam, Jacob Trumpbour, Jacob Masten, William Holines, John Beek- man, Herman M. Romeyn, Henry Van Hoevenbergh, E. Van Wagenen, Nash Conch, John T. Romeyn, Abm. Elmen- dorf, Isaac Du Bois, V. V. Bonesteel, II. Il. Arnold, Jonathan Roosa, Lewis Hall, William Wise, Robert MeCoy, Edward Green, Crawford B. Sheldon, Daniel Elliot, Andries Elmendorf, John C. Van Keuren, John Van Buren, John Roggin, Levi Jansen, Henry J. Davis, Justus Burr, John HI. Baldwin, John Vignes, T. L. Plough, Abm. Myer, and inany others of high reputation and standing in the com- munity.
From 1808 to 1821 the minutes of the lo lze were kept by able and accomplished secretaries. The several terins were served by John Sudam, John Roggin, Herman MI. Romeyn, John Van Buren, and John T. Romeyn.
In 1823 the late Dr. Henry Van Iloevenbergh was elected Master. His Wardens were men of marked ability in the order, and Herman MI. Romeyn, attorney-at-law, was his secretary. His year's admistration of affairs was dignified and entertaining. His successor, in 1824, was John Chipp, Esq., father of Warren, of whom we shall have occasion hereafter to speak in connection with matters relating to Kingston Lodge, No. 10. The annual auniver- sary of St. John's Day was this year celebrated in the Reformed Dutch church, Bro. Daniel Parker being the orator of the day.
While Mr. Chipp was Master, and on the 16th of Sep- tember, 1824, the lodge was invited to visit Red Hook and take a part with the brethren of that village in welcoming the illustrious Gen. Marquis De Lafayette, who was ex- pected there on the 17th. The notice being so short, and the Master unable to summon the brethren together in order to take action upon the invitation, the lodge as a body did not attend, but a very respectable delegation from the village volunteered to go, and had the pleasure of being personally introduced to the great friend of American free- dom. On the 18th of October in this year, John Roggin, the first secretary of Kingston Ledge, No. 23, died, and was buried by his brethren with the usual Masonic honors.
In 1825, Seth Couch was re-elected to the Master's chair. The 24th of June this year was celebrated in an
unusual manner, and with great eclat. In addition to the oration by Brother Murphy at the Dutch church, and a somptnous dinner at " John II. Rutzer's Tavern," a large procession of ladies, dressed in white, emblematical of Purity, paraded the streets, and created quite a sensation among " ye ancient Esopns Dotehmen."
In 1826, Abm. Myer was again chosen Master. Nothing unusual occurred until the 26th of November, when the lodge was invited by the managers of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company to take part in their " Canal Com- pletion Celebration." The invitation was accepted, and the brethren proceeded to Eddyville in carriages, alighted upon their arrival, formed in procession (headed by Abm. Myer, Master), proceeded to the tide-water lock, and there laid the cap-stone in due Masonic forin, which completed this great artificial channel from the Delaware to the Hud- son River. Mr. Myer delivered the address upon this oe- casion, which was extremely able and listened to by the vast crowd of spectators with marked attention. At the conclu- sion of these services the members of the lodge and other guests were invited by the managers of the canal on board of a boat fitted up expressly for the occasion, and proceeded several miles up the canal. A band accompanied the party, who discoursed sweet music for the excursionists, and upon their return to tide-water the whole party partook of a bountiful repast provided at the house of Mr. H. Radeliff. This latter entertainment, we think, must have been at the expense of the lodge, as we find by their proceedings the " full moon" following that " $75.96 was appropriated from the lodge fund to pay for diuners at Eddyville," written in the bold, legible handwriting of John Van Buren, then secretary of Kingston Lodge.
Iu 1827, Henry Van Hoevenbergh was elected Master for the second time. Shortly after he was installed into office he received the appointment of health physician at New York, and, removing thither, left the lodge in the hands of his Wardens for the balance of the year. His successor in 1824 was Edward Green. Mr. Green made a good presiding officer, but, judging from the record, the interest formerly manifested by the brethren in the order was on the decline. John T. Romeyn served as secretary during the year that Mr. Green was Master, and the records were kept in a very neat and comprehensive style. The following preamble and resolution, recorded upon the minutes, appears under date of Feb. 15, 1828:
" WHEREAS, In the afflictive dispensations of Divine Providence, our worthy Brother, DE WITT CLINTON, has been removed from us by death, --
" Resolved, That in token of our high respect for his exalted indi- vidual and Masonic virtues, and our sincere and deep regret for his loss, this lodge be clothed in mourning for sixty days."
In 1829, John Van Buren was elected Master. Regular communications were held until the 20th of March of this year, when, for some cause, the lodge ceased to work regu- larly. Occasional meetings were held, however, at long in- tervals until the 26th of December, 1833, after which date no record of its proceedings can be found, It is supposed that at about this time the lodge closed up its affairs and ceased working altogether. John Van Buren was the last regularly-elected Master of old Kingston Lodge, No. 20, and at the time of its supension filled the chair in the
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CITY AND TOWN OF KINGSTON.
" Fast." The books and papers of the lodge were taken possession of by John Beekman, who kept them in his cus. tody for upwards of twenty years. After Mr. Beekman's death they were handed over to the Masonie fraternity of Kingston by a member of his family.
There were upon the roll of Kingston Lodge, No. 20, at the date of its suspension, about 160 members in good and regular standing.
KINGSTON LODGE, No. 10.
The preceding article upon the subject of " Freemasonry in Kingston" left the Hon. John Van Buren as Master of " Old Kingston Lodge, No. 20," which had ceased work- ing on account of the bitter animosity then prevalent in the State of New York in consequence of the " Morgan" ex- citement. He was surrounded by a noble band of brethren, --- 160 in all, -- who were firm adherents to the principles of their beloved order, and who looked forward to the day when they would be permitted to assemble again in seeret council, with " none to molest or make them afraid." The anticipations of some of them were at length realized, and the bright star of Masonry again dawned in the " East," aud he who filled the Master's chair with so much honor to himself and profit to the fraternity in 1833 had the pleasure of being installed first Master of Kingston Lodge, No. 10, in 1850.
On the 13th day of November, 1950, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York renewed the charter of Kingston Lodge and changed the number from 20 to 10. The old room in the court-house was leased by the brethren who applied for the renewed charter, and work was immediately resumed. The first officers elected for the year 1851 were John Van Buren, Master ; Thomas Rateliff, Senior Warden ; Pierce Catlin, Junior Warden; Augustus Schoonmaker, Treasurer ; Rich- ard Kentor, Secretary ; William C. Hayes, Senior Deacon ; Luman Barber, Junior Deacon ; J. L. Robison and Augus- tus Decker, Masters of Ceremonies ; and Aaron Newkirk, Tiler. The first proposition for membership that was pre- sented before the lodge was that of Warren Chipp, Esq., of Kingston, who was duly clected, and in due time initiated, passed, and raised to the "Sublime Degree of Master Mason."
During the first year of the lodge's existence under its renewed charter initiations were quite numerous, and many naties were added to the roll of members. Mr. Van Buren presi led with marked dignity over his lodge, and used every laudable effort to build it up ou a sure and lasting basis. New furniture was purchased, jewels and regalia provided, and all other appointments were secured for the comfort and convenience of its members. In consequence of expending snch large sums for the outfit, the first year closed with a depleted treasury and the lodge was $100 in debt. MIr. Van Buren kindly loaned the institution, from his own pri- vate purse, the amount of this indebtedness, and gave it ample time to refund. He was re-elected Master in 1832, and served faithfully the entire year.
In 1853, Warren Chipp, who had served the previous year as Senior Warden under Mr. Van Buren, was elected Master of the lodge, and entered earnestly upon the dis- charge of his duties. His first progressive movement after
assuming control of affairs was to procure a new and more inviting room for the members to assemble in. A cour- mittee was appointed, charged to confer with Mr. Nicholas Elmendorf, who then owned the building on Wall Street afterwards occupied by J. O. Merritt, Brodhead & Co., and ascertain whether suitable rooms could be procured there. Mr. Elmendorf complied with the wishes of the committee, and proceeded at onee to fit up the third floor of his buikl- ing for Masonie purposes. The lodge soon afterwards pur- chased the furniture of " Huguenot Division, Sons of Tem- perance," which institution was just on the eve of a final collapse, and removed from the court-house to their new quarters in February, 1853.
After getting permanently located in its new room the lodge commenced work in earnest. Propositions for muem- bership were received so rapidly that the Master was obliged to call frequent special communications in order to dispatch his work. Among those who were taken in during the first year of Mr. Chipp's acuinistration was the Rev. Cornelius D. Westbrook, D.D., a non-affiliated brother, who was made an honorary member, and at once elected Chaplain of the lodge. At the close of Mr. Chipp's first year as Master the finances were in a healthy con lition, there .being $147.14 in the treasury and all liabilities paid.
In 1854, Mr. Chipp was re-elected Master without oppo- sition. He zealously labored during the entire year for the welfare of the lodge, and seldom absented himself from its stated or special communications. He gathered members suficient from the neighboring village of Rondout to war- rant the venture of instituting a lodge at that place, and on the 9th of May, 1854, consent was asked of and granted by Kingston Lodge to establish " Rondout Lodge, No. 313." The following are the names of those who signed said pe- tition and withdrew from Kingston Lodge for the purpose of becoming the charter-members of Rondout Lodge : John P. Davis, Edmund Suydam, William H. McElroy, George B. Smith, J D. Hasbrouck, Charles S. McEntee, Jervis MeEutce, L. F. Pelton, JJ. B. Hoag, Luman Barber, John S. Barber, Frederick Stephan, John M. Goetchius, George C. Woolsey, and Martin G. Hayes.
The brethren of Kingston Lodge, considering that their interests had been intrusted to wise and safe hands during the preceding two years, re-elected Mr. Chipp in 1855. The second communication after he and his subordinates had been installed into office was a sad one to the brother- hood of Kingston and vicinity. Upon this occasion it was announced that Past Master John Van Buren was dead, and that the lodge had convened to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory. One hundred and sixty-one Master Masons had gathered together to attend the funeral obse- quies, the majority of them members of Kingston and Rondout ledges, with respectable delegations from New York, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and other neighboring places. At the request of Mr. Chipp, Past Master L. A. Sykes, of Rondout Lodge, officiated at this funeral, and the deceased was buried with full Masonie honors on the 1Sth of January, 1855.
Immediately after this sad event propositions for metu- bership began to pour in rapidly, not only from Kingston and its immediate vicinity, but also from the western see-
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HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
tions of Ulster and eastern portion of Delaware County. By the 19th of June, 1855, so many had joined from the last-named county that the brethren there resolved to with- draw from Kingston Lodge and start business upon their own account. Accordingly, application was made in due form, consent obtained from the Kingston brethren, and " Margaretville Lodge, No. 389," was instituted in that county, -the second branch from Kingston Lodge, No. 10. Upon summiug up the business of the year on the 20th of December, 1855, there stood a cash balance in the treasury of $353.27 over and above all liabilities.
In 1856-57, Mr. Chipp was re-elected to the Master's chair. Three deaths occurred during these two years : the first was that of Dr. J. HI. Bogardus, the second Past Mas- ter, John Beckman, of Old Kingston Lodge, No. 20, and the third John Balf, all residents of Kingston village.
Mr. Beekman, at the time of his death, was the oldest Mason in Uister County. He was initiated in old : Livin _- ston Lodge, No. 21," in the year 1795. He was a quiet, uupretending, and respected citizen, and was faithful to the order of Freemasonry in its season of darkness and doubt. And when at length morning dawned upon that fearful night, he was one of the many faithful to cheer and encour- age its awakening vigor.
Near the close of Mr. Chipp's term of office in 1857. a resolution was offered and carried unanimously to present him with a beautiful and expensive set of Past Master's regalia ; but he, believing that the funds of the lodge couldl and should be applied to different objects, declined to accept the gift at the following communication. He closed his remarks on that occasion as follows: " Believing a. I do that the fauds of the lodge should be used only for charitable and similar purposes, I cannot consent that any part should be devoted to my personal gratification, thereby establishing a precedent on which it would be unwise for us to act."
During this year large amounts were disbursed by the lodge for funerals and other charitable purposes. Gas-fix- tures and other improvements were introduced in the room, which involved considerable expense ; still, the year closed with a cash balance in the treasury of $277.24.
On the 31st of December, 1857, 162 namuss appeared upon the lodge registry, comprising all those who had been and were at that time members of the lodge. Of this num- ber Mr. Chipp had the honor of initiating 101 since his first election as Master.
In 1858, Jacob H. Du Bois was elected Master of the lodge, Mr. Chipp being offered the position again, but de- elined to serve. William M. Hayes was chosen Senior and Henry B. Luther Junior Warden. The Master-elect being engaged that year as attorney in a very important suit at law pending between the Delaware and Hudson Canal and Pennsylvania Coal Companies, which required the greater portion of his time in New York City, he was unable to supervise his lodge affairs regularly. His place was ably tilled, however, by Mr. Hayes, his Senior Warden, a majority of the evenings during the year, and at the close of his term the assets of the institution had increased to $308.31. although quite large sums had been paid out for charitable and other objects.
On the 25th of March this year, Rev. Brother Cornchos D. Westbrook, D.D., Chaplain of the lodge, died at the age of seventy-five years and ten months. He received a par- tial Masonie burial from his brethren at his own request.
From the renewal of the charter, in 1850, up to Decem- ber, 1858, the minutes of the lodge were kept by Richard Keator, P. Il. Van Buren, Jacob B. Hardenbergh, and the late Hon. John B. Steele, ex-member of Congress, Mr. Van Buren serving, however, in the capacity of secretary the major portion of the time.
By the unanimous voice of the lodge Past Master War- ren Chipp was again elected Master in 1850-60.
Twice during the year 1859 death invaded the ranks of the order. The first was Brother Gideon F. Conrad, of Marbletown, who died June 9th, and the second was Ira W. Baldwin, on the 17th of October following. One death occurred in 1860, it being that of Brother William C. Hayes, of Kingston, who departed this life on the 25th of May. Due honors were paid by the lodge to their memo- ries.
Past Master Chipp, becoming weary by serving so long as presiding officer, desired to be released from the position, and in 1861 the brethren elected Mr. Henry B. Luther to the chair in the " East," which Mr. Chipp had occupied so long.
Three deaths occurred during the year-the first being that of John Chipp, Jr., Feb. 9th ; the second. C. C. Brower, May 18th; and the third, Joseph F. Davis, July 1st. All were buried according to the ancient rites and usages of the order.
Past Maste: Warren Chipp was again elected to the principal chair in 1862-63. Many of the brethen who had been active workers with him in former years, were absent at the seat of war battling for the flag of the nation. and occasionally it was his painful duty to announce to the lodge the death of some brother who had fallen upon the field of battle. The first announcement was the death of Col. George W. Pratt, of the 20th N. Y. S. M., who died at Albany, on the 11th of September, 1862, from the effects of a wound received in Virginia ou the 30th of August previous while nobly leading his regiment to battle. The mer bers of the lodge attended this funeral in a body at the city of Albany, and Mr. Chipp officiated upon the occasion. It was one of the largest. Masonic funerals ever held in the State.
In 1863 the brethren resolved to celebrate the 224 day of June, the anniversary of St. John the Baptist. All arrangements being complete, and the day having arrived, a large body of Masons, numbering about 450 in all, who had come from Saugerties, Rhinebeck, Poughkeepsie, and other river towns, assembled at Rondout, formed in proces- sion, and, headed by the Rondout Brass Band, marched to Kingston. They moved through the principal streets. and finally halted at Academy Green. The ceremonies here were impressive. Rev. J. C. Edmonds, of Rondout, acting as chaplain, addressed the throne of grace, which was followed by singing. The orator of the day, Hon. D. A. Ogden, of Penn Yan, N. Y., was then introduced, and for nearly an hour and a half addressed the multitude. At the close of the exercises here the procession reformed
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CITY AND TOWN OF KINGSTON.
and marched to the armory (now St. Joseph's Catholic church ), where a bountiful repast had been spread. Six tables were set, running the entire length of the building, at which about 425 persons were seated. Toasts were drank and speeches were made in response, and everything passed off in a pleasing and satisfactory manner.
In 1863 two brethren died,-Orderly-Sergt. John L. Snyder, of the 120th Regiment New York Volunteers, who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg in July, and Past Master John Chipp, of Old Kingston Lodge, No. 20 (father of the Worshipful Master of Kingston Lodge, No. 10), who died on the 14th of September. Brother Snyder was buried in due Masonic forni. At the elose of the year there was a balance in the treasury of $460.26.
James M. Couper, attorney-at-law, was elected Master in 1864. Many persons connected with the army were made Masons under his administration. The meetings were al- ways well attended, and harmony prevailed. The lodge was honored with the presence of many distinguished visitors, particularly during the time that the United States troops were stationed in the place to prevent rioting while the draft was being enforced.
The lodge was removed this year-in May -- from its obl location to the new banking-house erected by Jonathan H. Hasbrouck, corner of Wall and John Streets. The new hall was much more pleasant and inviting than the old one.
On the 21st of Jane, 1864, the members who resided in Ellenville and vicinity applied to Kingstou Lodge for its consent, and in dne time " Wawarsing Lodge, No. 582," was instituted. The following brethren signed said petition, and thereby became the charter members of Wawrarsing Lodge : Jolin Lyon, Felix Kelly, Jacob Hermance, James J. Decker, Mathusalem Hoornbeek, and John C. Hoornbeck.
Brothers Dubois Hoffman and George Gibbs died while Mr. Cooper was Master,-the former on the 23d of May, aud the latter on the 7th of August following. Upon closing up the year's business the cash bulauce in favor of the lodge was cheering, there being $1281.40 in the treasury.
In 1865 the brethren elected Lucas V. K. Miner Mas- ter. Mr. Miner was comparatively young in Freemasonry. having received his first degree in the order on the 20th of February, 1861. Upwards of 30 Masons were made by Mr. Miner while he was Master, and five brethren died during his term of office. The following are the deceased persons and dates of their deaths : Benjamin P. Vreden- bergh, May 11th; Josiah Joy, June Sth ; Past Master Edward Green, of Old Kingston Lodge, No. 20, September 28th ; William C. Thompson, November 6th ; and Adam Braun, October 25th. Large sums of money were ex- pended this year for charity, and the assets of the institu- tion at the close of the term footed up $1404.49.
In 1866, Past Master Warren Chipp was elected Master again, andl served the brethren another year. The usual amount of work was performed, and the finances were in a healthy state at the close of his term, there being $1801.92 in the treasury. Four brethren died this year, viz. : Mor- timer Seeley, March 13th; Charles Floyd, June 11th ; Hon. John B. Steele, September 24th; and John II. Du Bois, October 25th. All were buried with Masonic honors.
Wm. M. Hayes succeeded Mr. Chipp as Master, in 1567. A large amount of business was dispatched by him, and the lodge fund had increased, when the report of the finance committee was made on the 14th of December, to $2373.17. During the year three deaths occurred, viz. : Brothers Aaron Newkirk, June 27th ; Justus Shaw, July 9th ; and H. B. Schoommaker, December Cth. All received Masouie burials.
In 1868, John P. Curtis was chosen Master of the lodge.
Three deaths occurred while Mr. Curtis was Master, viz. : William Masten, February 13th ; Past Master Henry Van IToevenbergh, of Old Kingston Lodge, No. 20, July 25th ; and John N. Gennini, September 3d.
The calls for charity were numerous during Mr. Curtis' term, and unusually large sums were disbursed from time to time. Notwithstanding this, the assets had increased, aud showed a balance of $2451.445 in the treasury.
Frederick W. Ingalls, M.D., was Mr. Curtis' successor, in 1869. He had served the previous year as Senior War- den under Mr. Curtis, and had frequently filled temporarily all of the other minor positions. He left in the treasury, at the close of the year, 82872.74 over all liabilities.
During his term of office steps were inaugurated with a view of securing a larger and more inviting room for the use of the lodge, and a committee was appointed, consist- ing of Past Master John P. Curtis, Thomas. L. Johnston, Augustus Schoonmaker, Jr., James E. Ostrauder, and Horace S. Reynolds, to confer with the trustees of the Uister County Savings Institution, and endeavor to secure the third floor of their new banking-house for a lodge room.
Death entered the ranks of the order five times while Dr. Ingalls was Master. The record is as follows: Henry A. Samson, February 10th ; Stephen Hadsell. March 11th ; Isaae Van Buren, March 230; George Van Gaasbeck, May Ist ; and Augustus Decker, December 17th.
From the renewal of the charter, in 1850, to the Ist of January, 1870, 459 Masons had been made in Kingston Lodge. No. 10; and of that number there stood npou the books 313 members in good and regular standing.
The records of the lodge for the past twelve years have been kept hy Hinun R. Romeyn, Howard Cockburn, Thomas H. Tremper, and Henry D. Baldwin, the present secretary.
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