USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. and A.M., 1785-1910, with biographical sketches of charter members, past masters and present officers, together with a complete list of members of the lodge > Part 22
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 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
At the banquet table Captain Chambers made some disparaging 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 11th, near Lancaster. At the first fire neither one was wounded, and the seconds made an effort to reconcile the principals, but Dr. Rieger would not consent to it. At the second fire the Captain's
269
270
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
pistol snapped without discharging; Dr. Rieger, however, sent a ball through both legs of his antagonist. The wounds bled freely, and for two days it was thought they were not dangerous; morti- fication, however, set in, and he died on Saturday following (May 16th). He left a widow and several small children.
Captain Stephen Chambers was admitted by certificate from Lodge No. 17, Dublin, Ireland, into Royal Arch Lodge No. 3, Philadelphia, Pa., on March 16, 1779, from which he soon withdrew, and became a member of Lodge No. 9, Lancaster, Pa., and was the Master of that Lodge when he removed to Sunbury, Pa., when he surrendered the warrant of Lodge No. 9, and became the Master of Lodge No. 22, at its constitution December 17, 1779. In 1780 he again returned to Lancaster. 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 Revolutionary army. He first commanded an independant company, his com- mission 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 I, 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 Sep- tember 14, 1785, until June, 1787, when he was elected Worshipful
27I
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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, 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 position 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 reëlected) 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 descend- ants, two grandsons and several great grandchildren, still reside in the northern portion of the county.
SOLOMON ETTING.
[W. 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
272
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
conducted a general merchandise business in a store room on the southeast 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."
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 December, 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 with- drew 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 Legis- lature 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, serving 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 respect to his memory.
273
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 subsequently to Lieutenant Colonel of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment. 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 Washington, 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 Command- ant of the IIth Pennsylvania Regiment, entered the service 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 retiring upon half pay.
"For the last three years Colonel Hubley acted principally under my immediate command, during which time he distinguished him- self 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 applause.
"Given at headquarters at New Windsor, the 24th day of March,
G. WASHINGTON." 1781.
"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."
18
274
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 10th Pennsylvania Regi- ment, and was commissioned Lieutenant on November 2, 1777. 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 meeting was selected as Secretary, performing the duties of this responsible 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 Worshipful Master.
He withdrew from the Lodge and removed to Baltimore in April, 1790, before his term of office had expired.
275
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 con- spicuous 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 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 returned 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 1796 he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania, and reelected in 1800.
He was a man of superior culture, and possessed a great fondness for natural history. In his travels through Pennsylvania and other States, he made considerable collections of natural history, and
276
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 a large collec- tion of the mineral productions of Pennsylvania. 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 virtue, 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 II, 1809, aged 47 years.
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 December 27, 1795; December 27, 1798, to June 24, 1799; De- cember 27, 1799, to December 27, 1800; June 24, 1803, to Decem- ber 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
277
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
of the Columbia Bank for two or three years, and a Director of the same for many years. He was one of the incorporators 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 December, 1792, and from which position he was first elected Worshipful 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 Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, in March, 1809, and Bro. Kirkpatrick was elected and served as the first High Priest of the new Chapter.
PETER GETZ.
[W. M., June 24, 1794, to December 27, 1794.]
PETER GETZ was a goldsmith and jeweler. His place of business 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 extraordinary elegance and beauty of his workmanship. In 1792 he was a candi- date 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 Royal Arch Chap- ter, No. 43.
278
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 uuder 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 discharged 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.
Brother Mosher was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on January 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 December, 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 Worshipful Master in December, 1809, and served as such until June, 1811.
He was one of the earliest members of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, 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.
279
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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, 1766, 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 December, 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.
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 September, 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.
280
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 the youngest son of William Henry, celebrated gun maker and financier of the Revolution, and 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.
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 removed 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 Harrisburg August 3, 1821.
28I
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
WILLIAM HAMILTON.
[W. M., June 24, 18II, 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 Legislature in 1810 and 18II, and a State Senator in 1812. He was Captain of a rifle company in 1814. He was Treasurer of Lancaster 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 Decem- ber, 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 Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
SAMUEL HUMES.
[W. M., December 27, 1812, to June 24, 1813.]
SAMUEL HUMES, M. D., was an eminent physician and surgeon of Lancaster. Prior to his entering upon the study of his profession (in 1806), he was City Treasurer. He received his degree in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania 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 Association. He was actively engaged in the practice of his profession to the date of his death, which occurred in September, 1852.
282
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
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 December, 1812, which office he filled for six months. He was District Deputy Grand Master from 1830 to 1832. He was elected an honorary member on November 8, 1848. He was also a member of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
NATHANIEL LIGHTNER.
[W. M., June 24, 1813, to December 27, 1814.]
NATHANIEL LIGHTNER followed the occupation of conveyancer; he was a member of the Legislature, and was Mayor of the city of Lancaster from 1824 to 1830.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on February 12, 1812, was elected Senior Warden in December, 1812, and served as such until June, 1813, when he was elected Worshipful Master, which office he filled until December 27, 1814. He withdrew from the Lodge April 9, 1828. He was also a member of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
MOLTON C. ROGERS.
[W. M., December 27, 1814, to December 27, 1815.]
HON. MOLTON C. ROGERS was a native of Delaware, graduated at Princeton College and Litchfield, Conn., Law School. He re- moved to Lancaster, and was admitted to the Bar November 18, 18II. On April 16, 1818, he was appointed recorder of the Mayor's Court of the City of Lancaster. He was elected State Senator in 1819, appointed by Governor Shulze Secretary of the Common- wealth in 1823, and was commissioned one of the Judges of the Supreme Court on April 15, 1836, and filled that office until 1851.
He was a man of general scientific and literary culture, dignified in demeanor, fearless and incorruptible.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on March 23, 1812, was elected Senior Warden in December, 1813, and Worshipful Master in December, 1814.
283
History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M.
He took a very active part in the affairs of the Lodge, and was particularly prominent in the troubles between the Lodge and the Grand Lodge, which culminated in the loss of the Charter of the Lodge. He withdrew from the Lodge on June 10, 1829.
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.