USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 18
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So shall we, though long-departed, When an hundred years are sped, Join the brave and faithful-hearted, Who around this Lodge shall tread, And our memories Shall be cherished here, though dead.
" Masonry Around the Globe " was responded to by P. M. Bro. Wm. A. Wilson, of No. 43.
"Our Centennial " by P. M. Bro. James P. Wickersham, of No. 43.
" Our Sister Lodges" by Bro. B. Frank Eshleman, of No. 476.
" Brother George Washington " was drunk in silence, all standing.
Addresses were also delivered by Bros. A. C. Reinoehl, Rev.
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James Y. Mitchell, P. M. William J. Fordney, P. M. A. J. Kaufman, P. M. Charles E. Wentz, and P. M. George R. Welchans.
The proceedings were interspersed with music by the orchestra, and with songs by the brethren, and it was midnight's hour be- fore the curtain dropped on the last act of the Centennial Cele- bration of Lodge, No. 43.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1 .
BIOGRAPHIES.
STEPHEN CHAMBERS.
[W. M., September 14, 1785, to June 24, 1787.]
STEPHEN CHAMBERS was a prominent officer in the Revolution- ary army and afterwards one of the leading lawyers at the Lan- caster Bar.
He first served in the army as a Lieutenant in the 12th Penn. Regiment ; he was promoted to Captain in 1777.
At the close of the Revolutionary War he studied law, and was admitted to practice at the Lancaster Bar in 1780. He soon attained a large and lucrative practice, owned several farms, and was interested in the iron business. He was a delegate to the convention in 1787, which ratified, on the part of Pennsylvania, the Federal Constitution.
In May, 1789, there was a banquet given at Slough's tavern (Centre Square), which was attended by a number of Revolution- ary officers, among whom were Captain Stephen Chambers and Doctor Jacob Rieger. Captain Chambers was dressed in his military suit, and in personal appearance was one of the finest- looking officers in the country, and his manner was imperious. Dr. Rieger was a diminutive person, and very untidy in his per- sonal appearance.
At the banquet table Captain Chambers made some disparag- ing remark about Dr. Rieger, which the latter overheard and deemed insulting. The result was a challenge to mortal combat, which was accepted. The parties met on Monday evening, May IIth, near Lancaster. At the first fire neither one was wounded, and the seconds made an effort to reconcile the princi- pals, but Dr. Rieger would not consent to it. At the second fire the Captain's pistol snapped without discharging ; Dr. Rieger, however, sent a ball through both legs of his antagonist. The
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wounds bled freely, and for two days it was thought they were not dangerous ; mortification, however, set in, and he died on Satur- day following (May 16th). He left a widow and several small children.
Captain Stephen Chambers was made a Mason in Lodge No. 3, Philadelphia, Pa., on March 16, 1779. He was one of the founders of Lodge No. 43, and was named in the original charter as the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge. He was installed at the first meeting of the Lodge on September 14, 1785, and served in that capacity until June, 1787.
JOHN DOYLE.
[W. M., June 24, 1787, to October, 1788.]
JOHN DOYLE was a son of Thomas Doyle, of Lancaster, who was a very prominent citizen and the proprietor of the Slaymaker tavern, which stood at the Northwest corner of East King and Christian streets. He was a prominent officer in the Revolution- ary army. He first commanded an independant company, his commission bearing date of July 16, 1776. He was transferred to the Ist Penn. Regiment, then in 1778 was annexed to the 6th Penn. Regiment, and finally, on January 1, 1783, was again transferred to the Ist Regiment.
According to a certificate of General Wayne, he particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Green Springs, Virginia.
He was probably made a Mason in one of the Army Lodges. He was one of the founders of the Lodge, being named in the charter as the first Senior Warden, in which capacity he served from September 14, 1785, until June, 1787, when he was elected Worshipful Master, which position he continued to fill until the fall of 1788, when he died while in office.
HENRY STUBER.
HENRY STUBER, M. D., was a prominent physician residing and practicing in the Borough of Lancaster. He was born in October, 1738. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of Lancaster, and his name appears on a subscription list, found amongst the Yeates papers, as subscribing £1 on October 2,
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
1762, towards the purchase of a bell for St. James' Episcopal Church.
He was one of the Charter Members of the Lodge, and was named in the original warrant as Junior Warden, in which posi- tion he was installed at the first meeting of the Lodge.
He served as Junior Warden until June, 1787, when he was elected Senior Warden, which office he filled, (being twice re- ëlected) up to the date of his death, which occurred, suddenly, on January 27, 1789.
He took a very active part in the meetings of the Lodge, and was regularly in his station.
The record of burials of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, contains the following entry :
January 27th, 1789. Auf Unser Kirchenhof Heinrich Stuber Der plötzlich verstorben. Alt 50 jahr, 3 mon.
He left two daughters and one son, and a number of his de- scendants, two grandsons and several great grandchildren, still reside in the northern portion of the county.
SOLOMON ETTING. [WV. M., June 24, 1790, to June 24, 1791.]
SOLOMON ETTING was born in York, Penn .; he married a daugh- ter of the celebrated Indian trader Joseph Simon, of Lancaster. He then removed to Lancaster and entered into partnership with his father-in-law, under the firm name of Simon & Etting. They conducted a general merchandise business in a store room on the south-east corner of East King and Centre Square. He afterwards removed to Philadelphia, and finally to Baltimore, where he died at a great age, leaving a large family, none of whom are living at the present time.
He was a man of sterling integrity, of great wit and drollery, and was beloved and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was distinguished for his considerable and indiscriminate charities, and was, in his old age, affectionately hailed by all as " Father Etting."
14
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
He was one of the founders of Lodge No. 43, and, being a Past Master, was deputized by R. W. Grand Master Wm. Adcock, to constitute the Lodge and install the officers. He was the first Treasurer of the Lodge, serving as such until De- cember, 1786.
He was a very useful and active member of the Lodge, filling numerous stations temporarily. He was elected Junior Warden in June, 1788, serving as such until June, 1790, when he was elected Worshipful Master, filling the office for one year, when he withdrew from the Lodge and removed to Philadelphia.
HENRY DERING.
HENRY DERING was Burgess of the Borough of Lancaster in 1786, Chief Burgess in 1787 and 1788, and a member of the Legislature in 1789.
He was one of the founders of the Lodge, and on the night of its constitution was appointed the first Senior Deacon. He filled that office, as well as several other appointed offices, until June, 1788, when he was elected Treasurer of the Lodge, serving as such until June, 1790.
He continued an active and useful member of the Lodge, serv- ing in various appointed positions up to the date of his death, which occurred April 6, 1800. By a resolution of the Lodge, the members wore crape on their left arms for thirty days, out of re- spect to his memory.
ADAM HUBLEY, JR.
ADAM HUBLEY, JR., was a very prominent officer of the Revo- lutionary army. He was a son of Michael Hubley. He first served as a Lieutenant in Colonel John Philip De Haas' First Pennsylvania Battalion, which was raised in pursuance of a reso. lution of Congress passed October 12, 1775. In 1776 he was pro- moted to Major of one of the additional regiments, and subse- quently to Lieutenant Colonel of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regi- ment. On June 5, 1779, he was made " Lieutenant Colonel Commandant " of the new IIth Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental line. He enjoyed confidential relations with Wash-
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
ington, Lafayette, Wayne, and other high officers, and his record makes a bright page in the history of the war for independence.
The following letters, which were published by Colonel Frank Burr, show in what esteem he was held by his superior officers.
General Washington writes :
"Adam Hubley, Junr., Esq., late Lieutenant Colonel Com- mandant of the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment, entered the ser- vice as a Lieutenant in the year 1775, from which rank he rose to that of the command of a regiment, and continued until the late reform of the army, when he was under the necessity of re- tiring upon half pay.
"For the last three years Colonel Hubley acted principally under my immediate command, during which time he distin- guished himself as an attentive, brave and intelligent officer, and from the testimony of the gentlemen under whom he served at other periods, his conduct has been uniformly deserving of ap- plause.
"Given at headquarters at New Windsor, the 24th day of March, 1781. G. WASHINGTON."
" Mad" Anthony Wayne wrote as follows :
" If more than five years faithful service in the field-if the truest patriotism, bravery and assiduity entitles the gentleman and the soldier to the esteem and confidence of his country, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Adam Hubley has highest claim to it.
"Given at Trenton this 19th day of January, 1781.
ANTHONY WAYNE, B. G., Commanding the Pennsylvania Line."
He was a member of the Legislature for the years 1783, 1785, 1786 and 1787. He was also chosen a member of the State Senate in 1790.
He was one of the founders of the Lodge, and was at the first meeting of the Lodge appointed Junior Deacon. He officiated in several appointed positions, and withdrew from the Lodge on July 10, 1793.
WILLIAM FELTMAN.
WILLIAM FELTMAN was a son of John Feltman, who kept tavern on West King street, where the Red Lion (Cooper's) now stands.
He entered the service as ensign in the roth Pennsylvania Reg- iment, and was commissioned Lieutenant on November 2, 1777.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
He also acted as paymaster of this regiment. On January 17, 1791, he was transferred to the Ist Pennsylvania Regiment. His Regiment marched from Lancaster to Yorktown, and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis.
He was one of the founders of the Lodge, and at its first meet- ing was selected as Secretary, performing the duties of this re- sponsible position until October, 1792. In December, 1795, he was again elected Secretary, and served until June, 1796, after which he withdrew from the Lodge.
JAMES MOORE.
[W. M., December 27, 1788, to June 24, 1790.]
JAMES MOORE was a farmer in Drumore township, Lancaster county.
He was admitted a member of Lodge No. 43 on June 13, 1787. Upon the death of Worshipful Master Bro. John Doyle, he offi- ciated in his place, and in December, 1788, was elected Worship- ful Master.
He withdrew from the Lodge and removed to Baltimore in April, 1790, before his term of office had expired.
CHARLES SMITH.
[W. M., June 24, 1791, to June 24, 1792.]
HON. CHARLES SMITH, LL. D., was a leading member of the Lancaster Bar, to which he was admitted in 1787. He was elected a member of the Legislature in the years 1806, 1807 and 1808, and to the State Senate in 1816. He ranked amongst the ablest men in the Senate and House of Representatives, and bore a conspicuous part in the proceedings of the Legislature. On March 27, 1819, he was appointed to and served as President Judge of the ninth judicial district, consisting of the counties of Cumberland, Franklin and Adams. He resigned this position March 27, 1820, having been appointed and commissioned on that day president judge of the "District Court for the City and County of Lancaster." This latter office he filled until March 27, 1824. He married a daughter of Judge Jasper Yeates, of the Supreme Court. He built the residence near Lancaster known as
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Hardwicke. He removed to Baltimore in 1824, shortly after his retirement from the bench.
He was elected to membership in Lodge No. 43, April 11, 1787. The following June he was elected Junior Warden, but in the latter part of the year he removed to Sunbury, and therefore did not complete his term of office. In the year 1791, having re- turned to Lancaster, he again took an active part in the affairs of the Lodge, and at the stated meeting held June 8, 1791, he was chosen Worshipful Master, which office he filled for one year.
MATHIAS BARTON.
[W. M., June 24, 1792, to December 27, 1792.]
MATHIAS BARTON was a son of Rev. Thomas Barton, and was admitted to the Bar in 1778. He was elected from Lancaster county to the Legislature in the years 1793, 1794 and 1795. In I 796 he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania, and reelected in 1800.
He was a man of superior culture, and possessed a great fond- ness for natural history. In his travels through Pennsylvania and other States, he made considerable collections of natural his- tory, and he noted, in an especial manner, the habits of animals, in particular the viviparous quadrupeds, and also of birds and fishes. He was for many years engaged in collecting materials for a work on "The Instincts and Manners of Animals." He also made at large collection of the mineral productions of Penn- sylvania. He excelled as a painter and drawer of sketches from nature. A considerable portion of his leisure time was employed in painting scenes from nature, and the animals of our country. He was a gentleman very amiable in manners, of unspotted vir- tue, and whose charms in society endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was a useful citizen, and ranked among the ablest men of Pennsylvania.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on August 13, 1788, became an active and useful member, serving in various positions, including Worshipful Master, to which office he was elected June, 1792, serving six months. He died January 11, 1809, aged 47 years.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
JAMES GAMBLE.
[W. M., December 27, 1792, to June 24, 1793.]
CAPTAIN JAMES GAMBLE was a wealthy yeoman of Drumore township, Lancaster county. His wealth was almost exclusively invested in bonds and stocks. He died in January, 1795.
He was admitted a member of Lodge No. 43 on August 12, 1789. He filled several appointed positions in the Lodge, and was elected Worshipful Master in December, 1792. He was not installed until March 21, 1793, and he never officiated as Master of the Lodge.
WILLIAM KIRKPATRICK.
[W. M., June 24, 1793, to June 24, 1794; December 27, 1794, to De- cember 27, 1795 ; December 27, 1798, to June 24, 1799 ; December 27, 1799, to December 27, 1800; June 24, 1803, to December 27, 1806; December 27, 1808, to December 27, 1809.]
WILLIAM KIRKPATRICK was a wealthy merchant of Lancaster ; kept store on North Queen street, about the present site of the Grape hotel. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian church, President of the Columbia Bank for two or three years, and a Director of the same for many years. He was one of the incor- porators of nearly all the turnpikes running into Lancaster. He was a man of the strictest integrity.
Brother Kirkpatrick was admitted a member of Lodge No. 43 on April 10, 1790, and at once assumed an active position in the affairs and proceedings of the Lodge. In June, 1791, he was elected Junior Warden, in which position he served until Decem- ber, 1792, and from which position he was first elected Worship- ful Master in June, 1793. He was twice elected Senior Warden, and six times chosen Worshipful Master of the Lodge. He was one of the most useful and active members of the Lodge, and devoted much of his time and means to its welfare.
Bros. Wm. Kirkpatrick, Jere .. Mosher and Wm. Hamilton were the first three members exalted at the formation of Chap- ter No. 43, Royal Arch Masons, in March, 1809, and Bro. Kirkpatrick was elected and served as the first High Priest of the new Chapter.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
PETER GETZ.
[W. M., June 24, 1794, to December 27, 1794 ]
PETER GETZ was a goldsmith and jeweler. His place of busi- ness was on South Queen street, opposite Slough's tavern (at or near the present site of the "Intelligencer" office). He was probably the first goldsmith in Lancaster. He was a self-taught mechanic of singular ingenuity, and was remarkable for the ex- traordinary elegance and beauty of his workmanship. In 1792 he was a candidate for the position of Chief Coiner or Engraver in the United States Mint.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on December 13, 1786. He was an active and useful member of the Lodge, filling various offices until December, 1792, when he was elected Senior Warden, in which position he served until June, 1793, when he was chosen Worshipful Master. He afterwards (June, 1797,) was elected Junior Warden. He was one of the earliest members of Chapter No. 43, Royal Arch Masons.
JEREMIAH MOSHER.
[W. M., December 27, 1795, to June 24, 1796 ; December 27, 1809, to June 24, 1811.]
GEN. JEREMIAH MOSHER was a native of Roxbury. Born 1753, he served under Arnold in the attempt to storm Quebec, and was one of the forlorn hope which penetrated to the works in what was called the Lower Town. All his companions were killed or wounded but himself, and, being taken prisoner, he was after- wards released, and served in the American army till the close of the Revolution, and then retired covered with honorable scars. He was wounded at Valley Forge in 1778, and was dis- charged in 1780. He carried on blacksmithing extensively in Lancaster, and did most of the work for the different stage lines running from Philadelphia through Lancaster to Pittsburg. He was a man of excellent character and good judgment. He was a member of the Legislature in 1815 and in 1818. He was elected Colonel in 1812, and afterwards Brigadier General. He died March 8, 1830. He was buried with the honors of war, and a horse, upon which his regimentals were placed, was led in the funeral procession.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Brother Mosher was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on Janu- ary 12, 1791, served as Junior Warden from December, 1792, to June, 1794, and from June to December, 1811. He served as Senior Warden from June, 1794, to December, 1795, from Decem- ber, 1808, to December, 1809, and from December, 1811, to June, 1812. He was first elected Worshipful Master in December, 1795, serving six months. He was the second time elected Wor- shipful Master in December, 1809, and served as such until June, 18II.
He was one of the earliest members of Chapter No. 43, Royal Arch Masons, and was the first King of the Chapter.
JACOB CARPENTER.
[W. M., June 24, 1796, to December 27, 1796; December 27, 1797, to December 27, 1798; December 27, 1800, to June 24, 1802.]
JACOB CARPENTER was a son of Henry Carpenter (Heinrich Zimmerman), of Swiss extraction, who settled in this county near what is now called Lampeter Square.
Jacob, along with his two brothers, Christian and Daniel, were placed by their father on land owned by him near his residence in Lampeter. He was a member of the Legislature for the years 1765, 1765, 1767, 1769, 1772 and 1781. He was County Com- missioner in 1785.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on August 14, 1793; was elected Junior Warden June, 1794, and served until De- cember, 1795, when he was elected Senior Warden, which office he filled until June, 1796, when he was elected Worshipful Master, and served one term of six months. He was again elected Worshipful Master in December, 1797, and served until December, 1798. He was a third time elected Worshipful Master in December, 1800, and served until June 24, 1802.
JOHN MORRIS.
[W. M., December 27, 1796, to June 24, 1797.]
JOHN MORRIS was a merchant, and kept store on East King Street next door to Diffenderffer's tavern (now the Leopard hotel). He was Coroner in 1743.
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on November 12, 1793. He was elected Junior Warden in December, 1795, and served as such until June, 1796, when he was elected Senior Warden ; and in December of the same year he was elected Worshipful Master, which office he filled until June, 1797. In December, 1797, he was elected Secretary, which office he filled until Sep- tember, 1801, when he removed to Philadelphia and withdrew from the Lodge.
JOHN MILLER.
[W. M., June 24, 1797, to December 27, 1797.]
JOHN MILLER kept the "Gen. Wayne " tavern on the west side of North Queen Street, between King and Orange Streets.
He was Sheriff of Lancaster county in the years 1785, 1786 and 1787. He was Chief Burgess of the borough in 1799, and Burgess in 1805.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on September 29, 1794. He was elected Junior Warden in December, 1796, and in June, 1797, was elected Worshipful Master, which office he filled for six months. He withdrew from the Lodge March 24, 1798.
ABRAHAM HENRY. [W. M., June 24, 1799, to December 27, 1799.]
ABRAHAM HENRY was a gun-maker, and was one of the first to engage in that business in Lancaster.
He was admitted a member of Lodge No. 43 on June 9, 1790, He was elected Senior Warden in December, 1797, and served as such until June, 1799, when he was elected Worshipful Master, which office he filled one term of six months.
BENJAMIN WEST HENRY. [W. M., June 24, 1802, to June 24, 1803.]
BENJAMIN WEST HENRY was an artist of considerable ability and reputation.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on November 8, 1797, elected Junior Warden December, 1798, elected Senior Warden June, 1799, and served as such until June, 1802, when he was elected Worshipful Master, which position he held one year.
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ROBERT MCELWEE.
[W. M., December 27, 1806, to December 27, 1808.]
ROBERT MCELWEE was a clerk in the State Treasurer's office. When the State Department was removed to Harrisburg he re- moved to that city.
He was admitted a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on January 12, 1803, was elected Junior Warden in June, 1803, served until June, 1804, when he was elected Senior Warden, which office he filled until December, 1806, when he was elected Worshipful Master and served one year. He withdrew from the Lodge and joined Perseverance Lodge No. 21, in 1814. He died in Har- risburg August 3, 1821.
WILLIAM HAMILTON.
[W, M., June 24, 1811, to December 27, 1812.]
WILLIAM HAMILTON was born in the city of Philadelphia, and learned the business of printing. He came to Lancaster in the winter of 1794-5, and entered into partnership with Henry Wilcox to publish the Lancaster Journal. Hamilton soon purchased the interest of his partner, and published the Journal from June, 1796, until 1820. He was elected a member of the Legis- lature in 18:0 and ISII, and a State Senator in 1812. He was Captain of a rifle company in 1814. He was Treasurer of Lan- caster county 1816, 1817 and 1818. He failed financially, and his distress of mind was so great as to unseat his reason. He died in the County Almshouse and Asylum, April 10, 1820, in the 49th year of his age.
Bro. Hamilton was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on January 13, 1796, and in June of the same year was elected Secretary, which office he filled one year. He was elected Junior Warden in December, 1808, served as such one year, was elected Senior Warden in December, 1809, served as such until June, 1811, when he was elected Worshipful Master, which office he filled until December 27, 1812.
He was also a Past High Priest of Chapter No. 43, Royal Arch Masons.
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SAMUEL HUMES.
[W. M., December 27, 1812, to June 24, 1813. ]
SAMUEL HUMES, M. D., was an eminent physician and sur- geon of Lancaster. Prior to his entering upon the study of his profession (in 1805), he was City Treasurer. He received his degree in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1808. He located for the practice of his profession in his native town, and enjoyed a large and successful practice. He was active in the formation of the Lancaster City and County Medical Society in 1844, and was its first President. He was also the first President of the Pennsylvania State Medical Asso- ciation. He was actively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion to the date of his death, which occurred in September, 1852.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on October 10, 1810, was elected Junior Warden in December, 1811, served as such until June 24, 1812. He was elected Worshipful Master in De- cember, 1812, which office he filled for six months. He was Dis- trict Deputy Grand Master from 1830 to 1832. He was elected an honorary member on November, 8, 1848. He was also a member of Chapter No. 43, Royal Arch Masons.
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