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 24
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He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43, December 1I, 1839. In December, 1840, he was elected Secretary, in which office he served until March, 1843, when he resigned the office. In Decem- ber, 1843, he was elected Senior Warden, and in December, 1844, Worshipful Master. He withdrew from the Lodge September 12, 1849, and was admitted a member of Philadelphia Lodge, No. 72, in 1854, of which he has been a life member for a long time.
JAMES REGAN. [W. M., 1845 to 1846.]
JAMES REGAN was an Englishman and a gentleman of culture and education. He was a school teacher by occupation and taught
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the High School, in Franklin College building on Lime Street, between Orange and Chestnut Streets.
In 1846, while Worshipful Master of the Lodge, he received information that a fortune and Baronetcy awaited him in England. He consequently withdrew from the Lodge, resigned his school, and embarked for his native country. He was much esteemed as a teacher, and his scholars made him elegant presents in parting with him. His services to the Lodge had been so markedly useful that the members passed highly complimentary resolutions. (See His- tory, p. 167.)
On arriving in England he was met with disappointment, as he received neither the fortune nor the Baronetcy. He returned to America, and on the voyage was shipwrecked, losing all his posses- sions. Upon receiving notice of his distress, the Lodge forwarded him means to return to Lancaster, where he was assisted and enabled to embark for the West to a new field of enterprise.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43, October II, 1843, was elected Senior Warden, December, 1844, and was elected Worshipful Master, December, 1845. He withdrew from the Lodge, June 10, 1846. While connected with the Lodge he was one of its most useful members.
He was also a member of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
CHARLES EORDON WENTZ.
[W. M., 1847 to 1849.]
CHARLES E. WENTZ was born in Lancaster, Penna., April 6, 1820. He received his education at the Lititz Academy. In 1834 he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Philadelphia. In 1845 he opened business in Lancaster, and the dry goods firm of Wentz & Bros. was for many years one of the largest and best known in Lancaster County. His place of business was on East King St., south side, a few doors east of Penn Square. He was for a number of years a member of the Lancaster School Board, and was City Treasurer from 1866 to 1869. He was latterly engaged in the Mer- cantile Agency and Insurance business, and was appointed by Gov. Pattison a Notary Public. He died September 1, 1885.
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He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43, December 9, 1846, and was elected Worshipful Master in December, 1847. He was re- elected Worshipful Master in December, 1848.
He was a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, and a member of Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R.
JUNIUS B. KAUFMAN. [W. M., 1849 to 1851.]
JUNIUS B. KAUFMAN, Esq., was born in Lancaster, February 2, 1822. He was educated at private schools of Lancaster and at the Lancaster Academy. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to learn the profession of printer, but his health failing, in one year his indentures were cancelled and he commenced reading law in the office of the late Emanuel C. Reigart, Esq. He was admitted to the Lancaster Bar in March, 1843. In 1852, on account of bad health, he went to Florida. His health improving, he returned to Lancaster in June, 1853, and in July of the same year embarked for London in company with Bro. P. M. James Buchanan, who was then minister to the court of St. James. He traveled in England, France, Italy and Sicily, and after a year's absence, returned to his home, his health fully restored, and resumed the practice of his profession.
He was elected to Select Council in 1858, from which he resigned in January, 1861, to accept the office of Notary Public, to which he was appointed by Governor Packer.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on March 10, 1847, was elected Junior Warden in December of the same year, Senior Warden in December, 1848, and Worshipful Master in December, 1849. He was reelected Master in 1850, and at the expiration of his term of office in 1851, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for this district, to succeed Bro. Robert Moderwell, deceased. He served in this office for one year. He withdrew from the Lodge in 1893.
He was also a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, a member of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T., and a member of Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R.
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JOHN JACOB KELLER.
[W. M., 1851 to 1852.]
JOHN JACOB KELLER was born at "Lititz Mills," Lancaster County, Pa., on October 12, 1817. Was educated at Lititz schools. Employed in his father's mill until 1840. In 1849 he was appointed collector of tolls for the Pennsylvania Railroad, then under State control. In 1853 he was appointed inspector of customs at the Custom House, Philadelphia. In 1854 he moved from Philadelphia to Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah county, Virginia, and, in partner- ship with Samuel B. Myers, purchased the charcoal iron works of that place. In 1856 he withdrew from the firm and purchased the Capon Iron works, in Hardy county, West Virginia.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on April 12, 1848, was elected Secretary in December, 1849, served one year, was elected Junior Warden in 1850, and Worshipful Master in December, 1851. He withdrew from the Lodge March 14, 1877.
Bro. Keller was Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
CHARLES MILLER HOWELL.
[W. M., 1852 to 1853; 1854 to 1855.]
CHARLES MILLER HOWELL was born in Philadelphia, April 24, 1814. He attended private school until his twelfth year, when he was sent to an Academy in Plainfield, Connecticut. Upon his return to his home, he was apprenticed at the marble trade, under General Peter Fritz, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, under whom he served until twenty-one years of age, and with whom he afterwards worked as journeyman for several years. In 1838, he entered into the trade upon his own account, at the S. E. corner of Ridge Avenue and Pleasant Street, and sub- sequently in Fourth, above Race Street. In 1843, he removed to Lancaster, and in September of the same year, he re-commenced the marble business on East King Street. In 1846 he removed his busi- ness to North Queen Street, between Orange and Chestnut Streets. In 1856, he was elected County Treasurer. He served for a number
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of years in City Councils, in both the Common and Select branches. Also filled the position of School Director. In 1872, he was ap- pointed by the Mayor as Chief Engineer of the Lancaster Fire Department, and was afterwards elected to the same office by the firemen themselves. He was an active member of the Empire Hook and Ladder Fire Company from its institution, and was elected President of the Company in 1858, and was continuously chosen to that office until the company disbanded in the year 1884.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was elected a Trustee of the Church in 1844, and Treasurer of the Church in 1874, which positions he held for many years.
He was one of the originators of the "Home for Friendless Children" for the City and County of Lancaster, in the year 1860, and had been a member of the Board of Trustees and Secretary of the Home from 1876 until his death.
He was made a Mason in Mount Moriah Lodge No. 155, of Philadelphia, Pa., on December 24, 1839, and withdrew from that Lodge in December, 1843. On his arrival in Lancaster in 1843, he immediately became a regular visitor to Lodge No. 43, assisting in the labors of the Lodge and filling various vacant offices. He was admitted a member of Lodge No. 43, June 14, 1848, and during this year he acted as Senior Warden pro tem., and twice as Secretary pro tem., and at the December meeting was elected Junior Warden. In 1849 he was elected Senior Warden, and in 1852, Worshipful Master, serving one year. In 1854 he was again elected Worshipful Master and served as such until December, 1855.
On December 27, 1856, he was appointed by R. W. Grand Master Peter Williamson, Esq., District Deputy Grand Master for this Masonic District, and was continuously re-appointed for twenty years, when he declined a re-appointment.
On the establishment of the Representative System in the Grand Lodge, in 1867, he was chosen by Lodge No. 43 as its Representative, which office he filled until 1875. He was Chairman of the Charity and Grievance Committee of the Lodge for many years. During his entire membership he has been one of the most active and useful members of the Lodge.
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He was a member and Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, was appointed District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1856, and filled that office for about twenty years.
He was a Past Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of Goodwin Council, No. 19, R., S. E. and S. M., and was District Deputy Most Puissant Grand Master for several years. He was a member of the Harrisburg Lodge of Perfection 14°, Harrisburg Council Princes of Jerusalem 16°, Harrisburg Chapter Rose Croix 18°, and of Harris- burg Consistory 32°, A. A. S. R.
He was one of the charter members of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T., was its first Eminent Commander, and was con- tinuously reelected to the same office for eight years. He was appointed Division Commander of this Templar District in 1875, and served for several years. He was afterwards again appointed to the same office, and served until 1884, at which time the office was discontinued.
He served in several appointed offices in the Grand Commandery; was Grand Prelate in 1865, was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1866, Senior Grand Warden in 1867, Grand Captain General in 1868, Grand Generalissimo in 1869, Deputy Grand Commander in 1870, and Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1871, which office he filled one year.
In honor of his valuable Masonic services, the following Masonic bodes have been given his name: "Howell Lodge No. 405," at Honey Brook, Chester County, Pa .; "Charles M. Howell Lodge No. 496," at Millersville, Lancaster County, Pa .; "Howell R. A. Chap- ter, No. 202," at West Chester, Pa., and "Howell R. A. Chapter, No. 199," at York, Penna.
In testimony of the appreciation of his services by his Masonic brethren, in different parts of the State, he has been the recipient of testimonials and many elegant and costly presents from indi- viduals, lodges and chapters.
He received the fifty-year jewel of Lodge No. 43 in 1898. He died April 10, 1903, and was buried with Masonic honors.
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History of Lodge No. 43, F. and A. M. CHARLES W. COOPER.
[W. M., 1853 to 1854.]
CHARLES W. COOPER was born in Lancaster, Pa., February 3, 1823. He received his education at the common schools and Frank- lin Academy in Lancaster. He was first employed in Henry Carson's dry goods store. In 1838 he went to Philadelphia and was employed as clerk in the wholesale dry goods business until 1847, when he returned to Lancaster and became book-keeper and after- wards Treasurer of the cotton mills, which position he resigned and went to Europe in 1857. On his return from his European tour he was employed in J. & P. Long's dry goods store on North Queen Street. In 1860 he went to Pittsburgh and became employed with the house of Hostetter & Smith, in which business he was engaged for many years, and where he now resides.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 February II, 1852, and was elected Junior Warden in December of the same year. He was elected Worshipful Master in December, 1853, and at the expira- tion of his year of service, December, 1854, was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for this Masonic District, which office he filled for one year. He withdrew from the Lodge July 9, 1856.
He was also a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
JOHN McCALLA. [W. M., 1855 to 1856.]
JOHN McCALLA, D. D. S., was born in the Province of Ulster, Ireland, November 21, 1814. In 1821 he emigrated with his parents to the United States and settled in Philadelphia. He received a common school education, which was supplemented by a desire for study, and the opportunities of which he availed himself while engaged in the book store of the late Asheton Claxton. He after- wards learned, and for a time was engaged in a mechanical pursuit, which he afterwards abandoned by reason of its proving uncongenial to his tastes and feelings. In 1846 he began the study of dentistry under the renowned Chapin A. Harris, M. D., D. D. S. He at- tended lectures at the Baltimore Dental College, at that time the
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only Dental College in the world, and graduated with honors in 1848. He practiced his profession in Philadelphia for a short time, but in the latter part of the year he removed to Lancaster. He rapidly acquired a large and lucrative practice and assumed a leading position in his profession both as an operator and writer. He was one of the petitioners to obtain a charter for the first Dental College established in Pennsylvania, and subsequently contributed largely to the formation of the second college. He was elected first Vice-President of the Odontographic Society, at its formation in Philadelphia. He was one of the founders of the Harris Dental Association of Lancaster, and its first President. He was the first to suggest the founding of a State Dental Society, and at the second annual meeting of this body, held in the city of Pittsburgh, he was elected its President. He served for some time as a member of the Lancaster School Board. In 1887, owing to failing health, he relinquished the practice of his profession, and removed to the neighboring town of Millersville, where he died July 28, 1887.
Past Master McCalla was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 March 14, 1849. He was elected Junior Warden in 1854, and Worshipful Master in 1855. For a number of years he was elected and served as a Trustee of the Lodge.
He was a member of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, and of Lan- caster Commandery, No. 13, K. T.
JOHN JACOB SPRENGER.
[W. M., 1856 to 1857.]
J. J. SPRENGER was born at Reading, Pa., January 1, 1825. He came to Lancaster with his parents in 1836, attended the public schools, learned the trade of brewing in Lancaster, and afterwards learned cigar making in Philadelphia. He carried on the bottling business in Hollidaysburg, Blair county, and afterwards in Lancas- ter. He next engaged, in partnership with J. M. Westhaeffer, in the book and stationery business. In 1857 he visited and tra- versed a large portion of Europe. In 1859 he was appointed Consul at Dresden, and was afterwards transferred to Venice where he
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remained until 1862. On his return to America he purchased his father's old brewery, at the corner of Walnut and Water Streets, this city, and conducted the business for some years. He made an extended trip across the continent, and in 1871 made his third trip to Europe, passing through England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain. Previous to making this last trip he lectured in many places on "Steaming Across the Continent," and after his return from Europe, he lectured on "Reminiscenses of a Tour through Spain and Portugal." He next engaged in the printing business, and published a morning daily and a weekly newspaper. He then made his fourth trip to Europe, and on his return settled in Georgia, and again engaged in the bottling business; first in Rome and afterwards in Atlanta, Ga., where he died December 2, 1902.
Bro. Sprenger was a self-made man of considerable intellectual ability, highly entertaining as a writer and lecturer, and had gained considerable reputation as an American traveler.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 September 14, 1853, was elected Senior Warden in 1855, and Worshipful Master in 1856.
He was a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, was a member of Goodwin Council No. 19, R., S. E. & S. M., and of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T.
ELAM D. HURST.
[W. M., 1857 to 1858.]
ELAM D. HURST was born in Paradise, Lancaster county, Pa., November 14, 1828. He was educated at the public schools of Lancaster. He learned the trade of iron moulding, at which he worked seven years. For many years he has been employed as overseer of the spinning department of Conestoga steam cotton mill No. 2. He received the fifty-year jewel of Lodge No. 43 in 1901. He died in this city May 16, 1903.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 November 12, 1851. He was elected Junior Warden in December, 1853, Senior Warden in 1854, and Worshipful Master in 1857.
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He was also a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, a Past T. I. G. M. of Goodwin Council No. 19, R., S. E. & S. M., and a Past Commander of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T.
HENRY BAUMGARDNER.
[W. M., 1858 to 1859; 1864 to 1865.]
HENRY BAUMGARDNER was born at York, Pa., February 9, 1821. He received his education at the common schools and at Pennsyl- vania College, Gettysburg, Penna. He came to Lancaster on September 30, 1839, and engaged in the mercantile trade, which he followed until the year 1850, when he became engaged in the coal trade, the firms with which he had been connected conducting a very extensive business. In the year 1866 he organized the firm of Baumgardner, Woodward & Co., manufacturers of cordage at Beverly, New Jersey, with an office in Philadelphia, doing a very extensive business. He was one of the organizers of the "Lancaster Gas Light and Fuel Company," and was President of the Company. He has been identified with nearly all the enterprises of the city during his residence therein. He was for several years a member of Common Councils of Lancaster, and also of the Lancaster City School Board. In 1874, he, in company with nine other gentlemen, took a trip across the continent, and on his return home he delivered a very interesting and instructive lecture in the Lancaster Court House, entitled "A Trans-Continental Trip to the Occident," in which he portrayed, to a very large and appreciative audience, the beauties and wonder of our great country.
Bro. Baumgardener was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on February II, 1852. He was elected Senior Warden in 1857, and Worshipful Master in December, 1858, serving one year. He was again elected Worshipful Master in December, 1864, and at the expiration of his term of service in December, 1865, was elected Treasurer, which office he filled until May 11, 1870, when he resigned his office and withdrew from the Lodge to assist in the formation of Lamberton Lodge, No. 476. He was elected the first Treasurer of that Lodge, and filled the office about ten years.
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He was a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, and for a number of years had been a member of its Board of Trustees. He was a member of Goodwin Council No. 19, R., S. E. & S. M., and of Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, and was a Past Commander of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T.
In December, 1875, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for this Masonic District, which office he filled until Decem- ber, 1880, when he declined re-appointment.
JOHN L. ATLEE, JR. [W. M., 1859 to 1860.]
JOHN L. ATLEE, JR., M. D., was born in Lancaster, Pa., June 21, 1830. He received his education at the Franklin Academy, this city, and at Yale College, from which latter institution he graduated in 1849. He studied medicine with the eminent phy- sician and surgeon, his father, Dr. John L. Atlee, Sr. He graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1853. Since which time he has practiced his profession in Lan- caster. He was attending physician for many years of the Lancaster County Almshouse and Hospital and during the war of the Re- bellion, was United States Examining Surgeon of Volunteers and drafted men of Lancaster county, under Provost Marshal Thaddeus Stevens, Jr. He died July 18, 1885.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on December 12, 1855, was elected Junior Warden in December, 1856, and reëlected in 1857; was elected Senior Warden in 1858, and Worshipful Master in 1859.
He was also a member and Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
GEORGE M. KLINE. [W. M., 1860 to 1861.]
GEORGE M. KLINE was born in Lancaster, Pa., October 20th, 1819. Educated in Lancaster, upon leaving school he was engaged for several years in the store of his uncles, Kline & McClure. He
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then entered the law office of the late Reah Frazer, Esq., and was admitted to practice in the different courts of Lancaster county in 1842. During the administration of Governor Shunk he was appointed to prosecute the pleas in the Mayor's Court. He has held no other public positions, confining himself to the practice of his profession, in which he is regarded as one of the leaders at the bar.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 on March 11, 1857, was elected Junior Warden in 1858, Senior Warden in 1859, and Wor- shipful Master in 1860. He withdrew from the Lodge in 1894.
He was also a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS ATLEE.
[W. M., 1861 to 1862.]
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS ATLEE, EsQ., was born in Lancaster, Pa., January 9, 1832, his father, Dr. John L. Atlee, being one of the ablest and most widely known physicians and surgeons this State has produced. He received his preliminary education at the schools of this city, and at the age of fifteen years entered Yale College, from which institution he graduated with honors in the class of 1851. He studied law in the office of his uncle, the Hon. Thomas E. Franklin, LL. D., and was admitted to the Lancaster Bar in 1854. In 1856 he was chairman of the Republican county committee. In 1865 he was elected District Attorney for Lancaster county. In 1869 he was elected Mayor of the city of Lancaster, serving with distinction and ability for the term of two years. He entered the service of the United States as a volunteer in 1861, in the Ist Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was afterwards captain of Company A, 12th Regiment, and subsequently captain of Com- pany F, 59th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was an active practitioner at the Lancaster Bar up to the time of his death, which occurred in this city, February 24, 1900.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43, March 12, 1856, was elected Junior Warden in December, 1859, Senior Warden in Decem- ber, 1860, and Worshipful Master in December, 1861.
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He had for a number of years been a member of the Grievance Committee of the Lodge and was a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43.
HENRY CARPENTER.
[W. M., 1862 to 1863.]
HENRY CARPENTER, M. D., was born in Lancaster, Pa., December 10, 1819. Received his early education in the public schools of this city and in the Lancaster County Academy. He studied medicine under Dr. Samuel Humes, and attended lectures in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated in 1841, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession in his native city. In 1844, he aided in the organization of the Lancaster County Medical Society, and was elected its first Secretary. In 1855, he was elected President of the same Society. He has also filled the positions of Vice- President, Secretary and Censor of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society. For a number of years he was a member of the School Board and City Councils, in the latter of which he served many years as President of the Select branch, and also for some time as President of the Common branch. He has also filled many other positions, as director, etc., in gas, insurance, railroad com- panies, etc. He was actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession until his death, which occurred in this city, July 9, 1887, and was buried with Masonic honors.
He was made a Mason in Lodge No. 43 May 14, 1856; was elected Junior Warden, December, 1860; was elected Senior War- den, December, 1861, and Worshipful Master in December, 1862.
He was a Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 43, a Past Commander of Lancaster Commandery No. 13, K. T., a member of Goodwin Council No. 19, R., S. E. & S. M., and a member of Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R.
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FREDERICK S. ALBRIGHT.
[W. M., 1863 to 1864.]
FREDERICK S. ALBRIGHT was born in Maytown, East Donegal township, Lancaster county, May 16, 1816. He received a common school education. He learned milling in Jacob Graybill's mill in East Donegal township, with Joseph Saugery. He followed milling in Cumberland county three years, then in Highspire, Dauphin county, one year, at Schock's mill, East Donegal township, three years, and at Hiestand and Hostetter's mill in Rapho township, four years. He moved to Lancaster in 1855, and was engaged in the coal and lumber business four years. He served seven or eight years as tax collector of Lancaster City, and three years as deputy Register under Register Jeremiah Rohrer.
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