USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > An Historical sketch of the origin and progress of the Society of the Sons of St. George : also the charter, by-laws, and permanent resolutions, together with an alphabetical list of the members and associates, list of officers, etc., for one century, from April 23, 1772 to April 23, 1872, to April 23, 1897 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
At the same meeting (May 4th, 1885) the committee on resolu- tions to be presented to Mr. Joseph Lancaster reported having attended to that duty, and on motion, an order was issued on the Treasurer for one hundred dollars to be presented to Mr. Lan- caster.
A stated meeting of the Society was held July 23d, 1885; the Secretary being absent on account of sickness in his. family, Mr. William Underdown, Treasurer, acted as Secretary.
Mr. Thomas M. Thompson submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The Society of the Sons of St. George of Philadel- phia have learned with profound sorrow of the demise of the illustrious General U. S. Grant, and desire to attest our sympathy at the nation's loss; therefore
Resolved, That in the death of General U. S. Grant, the nation has lost an honored soldier, an eminent statesman, and a noble citizen. His high-toned integrity and his thorough manliness endeared him to all his associates.
169
Resolved, That we extend to his bereaved family our heart- felt sympathy in this their hour of affliction and sorrow.
Resolved, That our Hall be suitably draped and our flags at half-mast.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family of General Grant, and that they be published in the " Led- ger," "Times," "Press," "Inquirer," and "Record."
A letter of thanks was read from Mr. Joseph Lancaster, late Messenger, expressing his grateful appreciation of the Society in his behalf, recently presented in the testimonial and resolu- tions.
At the stated meeting held October 23d, 1885, the Stewards, after making the usual report of cases relieved, spoke very highly of the newly-appointed Messenger, Mr. Kershaw.
At the meeting the Secretary reported, as follows, for the year: Total amount of receipts. $4,241.34
Total number of members 410
Elected during the year 17
Died during the year II
Resigned during the year 4
The Treasurer reported as follows:
$1,217.56 Balance
Total amount received from Secretary 4,241.34
$5,458.90
Total payments for the year 4,797.78
$661.12
At this meeting Mr. William Underdown, Treasurer, read a letter from Mr. George W. Taylor, legatee under the will of Richard M. Wistar; also a letter from our Counsellor, William McGeorge, Jr., Esq., giving his opinion in full on the subject, which were ordered to be spread on the minutes, and the Sec- retary instructed to send Mr. Taylor a copy of Mr. McGeorge's opinion.
Mr. Thomas M. Thompson called attention that St. George's Day this year falls on Good Friday, and suggested that the an- nual dinner be held on April 26th, which was left to the discre- tion of the officers.
170
:
A stated business meeting of the Society was held on Good Friday, April 23d, 1886, at 8 o'clock p.m., when the usual reports were made. Mr. John Lucas, on behalf of Mr. Thomas Wood, presented to the Society a certificate for 10 shares of St. George's Hall stock, together with a check for $7.50, being a dividend on the same, and moved that Mr. Wood be declared a life member of the Society. Mr. Hibbert moved the thanks of the Society be tendered to Mr. Wood. Both resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Mr. John Lucas, on behalf of Mr. Ferdinand J. Dreer, pre- sented to the St. George's Library a manuscript account book of the late Rev. Dr. Pilmore, formerly a Chaplain of this Society, and a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Dreer.
A meeting of the officers of the Society was held at St. George's Hall, on Friday, July 2d, 1886, to take action relative to the de- cease of our late senior counsel, Macgregor J. Mitcheson, Esq., when eulogistic remarks were made by the President and others present. The President appointed Messrs. John Lucas, Thomas M. Thompson, and Henri C. King a committee to prepare suit- able resolutions, expressive of the Society's loss, and appreciation of Mr. Mitcheson as a member and an efficient officer, etc., which was done before the meeting adjourned; a copy of the same or- dered sent to the bereaved family, and also spread on the minutes.
A stated meeting was held July 23d, 1886, when the usual re- ports were received, and Article XIV. of the By-Laws was amended as proposed at a former meeting. The delinquent list of members was then taken up. When each case had been fully examined, 37 members and 10 associates were ordered dropped from the roll. Letters of thanks were received from Mr. Thomas Wood and also Mrs. Mitcheson, for the resolutions sent them from the Society.
The delegates to the North American St. George's Union, to be held at London, Ontario, were instructed to invite the North American St. George's Union to hold their next convention at St. George's Hall, as the guests of the St. George's and Albion Societies.
At the stated meeting, held October 23d, 1886, the delegates to the North American St. George's Union reported that they had a very enjoyable meeting at London, Ontario, and also that
17I
it was the intention of the Union to hold its next convention at Philadelphia in August, 1887.
The committee appointed to examine and revise our Charter reported that the committee were of the opinion that it was un- wise to make any alterations in the Charter at this time, and asked to be discharged, which was agreed to.
One of our oldest members, Mr. John Sartain, made the fol- lowing request :
Philadelphia, October 23d, 1886.
To the President and Members, etc .:
Gentlemen: In the name of the art department of the Ameri- can exhibition to be sent to London next year, I respectfully solicit the contribution to the Philadelphia portion of the collec- tion, the picture of the Queen by Sully, belonging to the Society.
The utmost solicitude will be observed for its safety, and no expense will be incurred by the Society for packing, freight, or insurance. The exhibition is to be opened to the public on the 2d of May next, and will close on the last day of October.
Hoping for a favorable response to this application, I am
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) JOHN SARTAIN,'
Chief of the Department of Art.
The application was fully considered in its several aspects, after which it was on motion of William McGeorge, Jr., Esq.,
Resolved, That the Vice-President of the Society, together with Messrs. William H. Lucas and Thomas M. Thompson, be ap- pointed a committee to attend to all matters pertaining to the shipment of the Queen's picture.
At the meeting held January 23d, 1887, the Secretary reported the gift of $1,000 from John F. Smith, Esq., for which the thanks of the Society were tendered.
Also at the same meeting Mr. William Massey, on behalf of Mr. John Baird, presented the Society with a certificate of IO shares of St. George's Hall stock, which was received with a ris- ing vote of thanks.
Mr. William Hopper, an associate member, for many years a resident. in England, being present, was introduced to the meet- ing by the President, and after his acknowledgment of the
172
courtesy, expressed his feeling of interest in the welfare of the Society, giving a tangible proof of that interest by donating a cer- tificate of 20 shares of St. George's Hall stock, which was re- ceived by a rising vote of thanks, and hearty acclamation by all present; and Mr. Hopper, on motion, was declared a life associate member of the Society.
A stated business meeting of the Society was held on April 22d, 1887, when the usual reports were presented and acted upon.
At this meeting it was decided to forward the following cable- gram to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, after midnight:
St. George's Hall, Philadelphia, April 23d, 1887. Her Majesty Queen Victoria, England:
The Society of the Sons of St. George, established at Phila- delphia for the advice and assistance of Englishmen in distress, 115 years ago to-day, unite with our countrymen around the world in sending heartfelt greetings on this your Jubilee year. Your Majesty honored this Society by sitting for your portrait, painted by Sully, immediately after your accession to the Throne.
The following reply was received:
Aixlesbains, April 23d, 1887.
President of the Sons of St. George, St. George's Hall, Phila- delphia :
The Queen returns her best thanks for your kind congratula- tions.
(Signed) PONSONBY.
At a stated meeting held July 23d, 1887, a donation of 20 shares of St. George's Hall stock, on behalf of Mr. Charles Day, was made, and on motion of Mr. William Waterall, a resolution of thanks was tendered for the generous gift.
At a stated meeting of the Society held January 23d, 1888, it was on motion resolved, That a general committee of 15 be ap- pointed for the reception of delegates to the forthcoming conven- tion of the North American St. George's Union to be held at St. George's Hall, in this city, in August next, having been post- poned last year on account of the Queen's Jubilee.
The President appointed the committee, viz .: George Dixon, Edward Matthews, William King, William Massey, William Waterall, Thomas M. Thompson, William H. Lucas, William
173
Underdown, John W. Gadsden, William T. Wilkins, Edward Darby, Henri C. King.
On motion of Mr. Thomas M. Thompson, it was resolved, That the Committee on Reception be requested to report a pro- gramme at the next meeting of the Society.
Mr. John Sartain reported briefly, in an interesting manner, the events attending the shipment, reception, and exhibition abroad, and the return of the picture of Queen Victoria, now safely deposited in the Hall.
At a stated meeting of the Society held April 21st, 1888, Mr. Samuel Lees, President, stated that he had received the resigna- tion of Mr. Henri C. King as Secretary, and that he had ap- pointed Mr. George Dixon as acting Secretary. On motion of Mr. William Underdown, the resignation of Mr. King was ac- cepted, and the appointment of Mr. Dixon was confirmed for the balance of the year.
On motion of Mr. S. C. Collis, it was unanimously resolved, that the thanks of the Society be given to Mr. H. C. King for the uniform carefulness, attention, and prompt fulfillment of the duties pertaining to office of Secretary.
The 116th anniversary dinner was held at St. George's Hall on April 23d, 1888, Samuel Lees, Esq., President, presiding. During the evening a handsomely framed portrait of William Massey, Esq., President emeritus of the Society, was presented in behalf of Mr. Massey by Thomas M. Thompson, Esq., with much pleasure to all present.
In accordance with the invitation extended by the Society of the Sons of St. George and the Albion Society, the 13th con- vention of the North American St. George's Union was held in St. George's Hall on August 29th, 30th, and 31st, Samuel Lees, Esq., presiding. The convention was in every way a grand suc- cess. The full proceedings will be found in the printed report of said convention.
Thomas Perrins, Esq., of the Banquet Committee, read a poem, written by Henry H. Hay, of this city, for the occasion, entitled, "Welcome." It elicited frequent bursts of applause, especially when the speaker quoted " Remember half the ships of man float 'neath the British flag."
I74
WELCOME.
Read in St. George's Hall, Philadelphia, at the Thirteenth Convention of the North America St. George's Union.
The prophet looked across the plain, With dry bones piled along ; He spake the word, the dry bones stirred, Stood up an army strong.
So over North America The British watch words speed ; The British spirit stirs, and lo ! An army comes indeed.
From Thames, Potomac, Hudson's shore, St. Lawrence broad and clear, And, in the name of good St. George, We bid you welcome here.
How vast has been Great Britain's sway In realms of trade and brain, Is written in names of earth- But greater things remain.
Aye, greater contests, unsurpassed, In majesty and worth- Shall British or Teutonic ways Become the rule of earth ?
My brothers, is the thought too great ? Do any of you lag ? Remember, half the ships of man Float 'neath the British flag ;
Remember yours is Shakespeare's tongue, Chief tongue in marts and schools ; Remember in this People's Land The English language rules.
Shoulder to shoulder we must march To meet that coming day, Must cherish British qualities, Pluck, Steadfastness, Fair-play.
"St. George for merrie England, Brave knights and yeoman tall," And to that ancient cry we add " Thrice welcome one and all."
175
At the meeting held October 23d, 1888, a communication was read from Mr. J. E. Pell, from Toronto, Canada, donating the large Dominion flag to the Society, which had been loaned by him to assist in decorating the Hall at the meeting of the con- vention, for which a vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Pell.
The following resolutions were read, and ordered spread on the records of the Society:
Resolved, By the North American St. George's Union, in con- vention assembled, that the thanks of the members of the thir- teenth convention are heartily tendered unto the Society of the Sons of St. George and the Albion Society, both of Philadelphia, for their fraternal invitation to the Union to hold its convention under the joint auspices of these Societies, and for the generous performance by those Societies and their members of the sacred rites of hospitality during the continuance of the convention, an hospitality alike creditable to the said societies and their mem- bers, and to the great city of their residence.
Resolved further, That the names of Brothers Samuel Lees. John L. Lawson, William King, William Underdown, George Dixon, William Massey, John Lucas, William Waterall, W. H. Lucas, J. W. Gadsden, Thomas Hibbert, Edward Darby, William T. Wilkins, Joseph Lees, Thomas Saville, and Thomas Perrins be especially associated with the acknowledgments con- veyed by the foregoing resolution, their zeal and industry in exe- cuting the hospitable purpose of the joint societies towards the members of the convention and their accompanying ladies hav- ing fallen under the particular observation of the delegates.
Resolved further, That copies of the foregoing resolutions be certified by the general Secretary to the said Society of the Sons of St. George and the Albion Society.
Attest: THOMAS Y. YEATES, General Secretary.
SEAL
The President, Samuel Lees, Esq., stated that he had called a meeting of the officers of the Society for the purpose of tender- ing to William Massey, Esq., President emeritus of the Society, a complimentary dinner on his 80th birthday. A committee had been appointed to wait upon him, asking his acceptance. In re- ply, the following letter was read from Mr. Massey:
176
1
WILLIAM H. LUCAS
Steward, 1871 to 1879 Vice-President, 1880 to 1883 President, 1896 and 1897 Vice-President St. George's Hall Association, 1890 to 1897
Philadelphia, October 23d, 1888.
Messrs. Samuel Lees, John L. Lawson, and others of the Com- mittee :
Gentlemen: Your call upon me this morning, tendering to me the compliment of a banquet on the 80th anniversary of my birth. I have duly considered and I shall ever hold it in esteem. It certainly came unexpected, and at the same time, however, gratify- ing it might be to my numerous friends, I must respectfully de- cline on account of my age and other engagements of the day.
With every remembrance of the kindness intended and ex- pressed, again thanking you, gentlemen,
I remain, most respectfully yours,
(Signed) WILLIAM MASSEY.
The regular stated meeting was held January 23d, 1889, when the annual reports were read, from which we find the following items of interest, viz .: Total amount of receipts, $3,767.25; total amount of payments, $3,606.03.
The Society now holds 787 shares of the Hall Association stocks. The St. George's Union Committee on Enterainment of delegates, having a balance on hand of $57.50, presented it to the Society; said fund was all contributed by members of the Society of the Sons of St. George and the Albion Society. The total membership now is 347. The large number who joined at the time of the Centennial (1872), and also at the dedication of St. George's Hall, having since that time dropped out, evidently their coming among us was not from a benevolent impulse, but from a personal motive. At this meeting Mr. John Lucas, in behalf of the committee, presented to the Society an album with photographs of the members of the Society, which was accepted by the President on behalf of the Society.
The business meeting of the Society was held April 22d, 1889, when the usual quarterly business was transacted, and the which included all reports.
The Secretary stated that since our last meeting he had been informed of the death of our much-esteemed fellow-member, Benjamin Gartside, on February 6th, 1889, at Chester, Pa.
The Secretary also stated that two.special meetings had been held, one on February 23d, the other on March 23d. At each
I77
meeting interesting subjects pertaining to the interest of the So- ciety were arranged for discussion, after which refreshments were served in the parlors.
The 117th anniversary dinner was held at St. George's Hall on April 23d, 1889, William King, Esq., President, presiding. Among our many invited guests was Captain Hamilton Murrell, of the Steamship "Missouri," who saved over seven hundred lives on the Steamship " Denmark " in mid-ocean. A portrait of the gallant and kind-hearted Captain can be seen on the wall of our relief-room. The dinner was largely attended; all glad to take the Captain by the hand. All present expressed themselves as having enjoyed the anniversary very much.
At the meeting held July 23d, 1889, the President, William King, Esq., called the attention of the Society to the action of the officers since the meeting in April in declaring Captain Mur- rell, of the Steamship " Missouri," an honorary member. He further stated that prompt action had to be taken, as the Captain was about to leave the city.
On motion of Mr. Thomas Hibbert, and duly seconded, the action of the officers was unanimously confirmed.
The President then presented to the Society, on behalf of the Danish Consul at Baltimore, a photograph of the celebrated painting of the Steamship "Missouri " rescuing the passengers, officers, and crew of the Steamship " Denmark " in mid-ocean. The painting was the gift of citizens of Baltimore, Washington, and New York, and was painted by Mr. Muller.
On motion, the photograph was received with thanks.
A special meeting was held September 16th, 1889, to take ac- tion on the death of Dr. Addinell Hewson, late one of the Phy- sicians of the Society, when a committee was appointed to pre- pare suitable resolutions of condolence to send to the family of the deceased.
The annual reports, as presented at the regular stated meeting, held January 23d, 1890, showed the following results: Total amount of receipts, $3,834.59; total amount of payments, $3,793.64; total membership, 344.
At this meeting the Messenger reported that he had visited, under instructions from the Stewards, as an experiment, twelve steamships. He had been of great assistance to the newly-ar- rived by the information that he was enabled to give them rela-
178
1
tive to the railway offices and tickets for their destination, es- pecially in the cases of women and children. Mr. Kershaw was instructed to continue his visits for another quarter.
A stated meeting of the Society was held on April 22d, 1890, for the transaction of the usual business before St. George's Day, when the several reports were received and approved. The Committee on Resolutions on the death of Marmaduke B. Tay- lor reported having attended to that duty, and a copy of the same as presented to the family was ordered placed on the min- utes of the Society.
The 118th anniversary dinner of the Society was held at St. George's Hall on St. George's Day, April 23d, 1890, William King, Esq., President, in the chair. The Hall on this occasion was beautifully decorated with flags, plants, and flowers. Many invited guests were present. Letters of regrets were read from Sir Julian Pauncefote, British Minister at Washington, Governor Beaver, Mayor Fitler, and others.
The toast 'of the " Queen " and the " President " were drank . in silence, the band playing "God Save the Queen " and the " Star Spangled Banner."
" England, Our Dear Native Land," was responded to by Rev. James S. Stone, D.D. He said in part: England was great in her sailors, her warriors, and her divines. It was once said that the English were a race of shop-keepers. England is proud of her shop-keepers. She is proud that Threadneedle Street is the centre of the financial world. There is not a land that the sun shines on that there is not a mark of England's power. She has given her language, her literature, her customs. I point to the United States itself as one of the greatest illustrations possible of the Anglo-Saxon race's progress.
The Englishman does a great deal of grumbling. If he has nothing to grumble about outside, he will grumble with his wife till he comes to the United States; then he will find that the woman will have none of it. It is this grumbling that has made the man he is. It is said that he loves England better than the United States. The love for England is the love for the mother, while the love for the United States is the love for the bride.
Professor Goldwin Smith, of Canada, replied to " The United States-the Land of Our Adoption."
I 79
Mr. William Waterall replied to " The City of Philadelphia," Captain Clipperton to "Her Majesty's Representative," and Judge Arnold and Judge Hanna to " Civil and Religious Liber- ty." Joel Cook, John L. Lawson, and William Brice also re- plied to the remaining toasts.
At the stated meeting held July 23d, 1890, the Treasurer re- ported having received $5,000 from the estate of the late Thomas Drake, and paid the same to the Trustees for investment, and on motion of Mr. William Waterall, the Secretary was in- structed to convey to the executors of the late Thomas Drake the grateful thanks of this Society for the legacy of $5,000.
November 22d, 1890, a special meeting of the members of the Society was held at St. George's Hall, which was largely at- tended, and much enjoyed by all present; refreshments served at 9.30 p.m.
A stated meeting was held January 23d, 1891, when the quar- terly and also annual reports were received from the Secretary, Treasurer, Trustees, and Stewards, from which we note the fol- lowing: The Treasurer, Mr. William Underdown, reported hav- ing received on November 22d, 1890, $5,000 from Mrs. T. P. Code, of Cornwall, England, through Mr. Thomas C. Hopper, of this city. Mrs. Code made this generous donation in memory of her late beloved husband, who was for so many years a life member of this Society, and took great interest in its welfare, fre- quently sending liberal donations for its use in its benevolent work. A special meeting of the officers was called on said date (November 22d), and a committee, consisting of Messrs. William Waterall, William H. Lucas, and William Underdown appointed to take suitable action and acknowledgment to Mrs. Code and Mr. Hopper. The committee made the following report at the stated meeting held January 23d, 1891 :
At a meeting of the Society of the Sons of St. George, held at St. George's Hall on Saturday evening, November 22d, 1890, the undersigned were appointed a committee to convey to Mrs. T. P. Code, of Mansion Cornwall, England, the sincere and grate- ful thanks of the Society for her generous and noble gift of $5,000, through Thomas C. Hopper, of this city, in memoriam of her late beloved husband, who was for so many years a life member and generous contributor to the charity fund of our Society.
180
The committee desires to assure Mrs. Code that the money she has so generously given will be carefully invested by the Trustees of the Society, and the income thereof added to the charity fund, and thus increase our ability to relieve the newly- arrived immigrant and suffering poor from our own native land, a beneficent work in which our Society has been engaged nearly 119 years.
Signed by WILLIAM WATERALL, WILLIAM H. LUCAS, WILLIAM UNDERDOWN, Committee.
The committee also addressed the following to Mr. Thomas C. Hopper :
The undersigned were appointed a committee at the meeting of the Society of the Sons of St. George, held at St. George's Hall November 22d, 1890, to express the grateful thanks of the Society to Mrs. Code, through you, for the generous gift of $5,000. In doing this the committee feel that the Society is great- ly indebted to you for your kind interest and influence in the matter.
Signed by WILLIAM WATERALL, WILLIAM H. LUCAS, WILLIAM UNDERDOWN, Committee.
The Treasurer reports: Total receipts, $14,140.91; total pay- ments, $3,591.17; investments, $10,000; total membership, 332.
Mr. William Underdown called attention to the sudden death on the 22d instant of Mrs. John W. Gadsden, when Messrs. William Waterall and William H. Lucas were appointed to con- vey to Dr. Gadsden the heartfelt sympathy of the Society under his bereavement.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.