Craft Masonry in Orange and Rockland Counties, New York

Craft Masonry in Orange and Rockland Counties, New York 

Compiled by R.’.W.’. Gary L. Heinmiller 

Director, Onondaga & Oswego Masonic Districts Historical Societies (OMDHS) 

www.omdhs.syracusemasons.com 

September 2010 

Additions and corrections are Fraternally welcomed 

Note: Lodges with a “c” following the Number were ‘Country Lodges.’ Lodges in Blue type are currently active. 

Orange County 

Orange County was one of the first 

twelve counties established by the 

Province of New York in 1683. Its 

boundaries at that time included 

present-day Rockland County, which 

split from Orange County in 1798. 

Due to its small population, the 

original Orange County was not fully 

independent and shared government 

functions with other counties. Due to 

a boundary dispute between New 

York and New Jersey, the extant of 

many of the southern towns of the 

county was not established until the 

19th Century. 

No. Lodge Name Village Chartered Notes 

6 Little Britain Little Britain bef 2 May 

1773 

not on Registry of the GL of NY; certificate issue to Bro. Daniel 

Derby by WM James Hamilton and Wardens Wm. Oliphant and 

John Covell on 2 May 1773; this Lodge may have moved back 

to England. 

18 Steuben Newburgh 27 Sep 1788 The first located lodge in Newburgh was "Steuben Lodge, No. 

18." Its charter was applied for by F. A. Morris and nine others, 5 

Jun 1788, and was constituted 27 Sep 1788. We have not been 

able to obtain reference to its history or membership except that 

Ebenezer Foot, Levi Dodge, and Chas. Clinton, were P. M.'s in 

1797. Its charter was probably surrendered soon after 1800. 

19/18 St. John's Warwick 26 Mar1790 

45 Orange Goshen 12 Apr 1796 

61/71 Montgomery Montgomery 06 Jun 1798 Surrendered [not in 1818 Monitor]; prev. No. 61 of Ulster Co. 

102 Olive Branch Minisink 09 Dec 1803 

131 Hiram Newburgh 19 Feb 1806 surrendered in 1831; revived as No. 92, 7 Sep 1842; 

surrendered in 1844; succeeded by Newburgh No. 309, 11 Jun 

1853 

189 Mount Moriah Wallkill 06 Dec 1809 forfeit 1835; see Hoffman Nos. 300 and 412; see also 245 below 

220 Washington Bloomingrove 10 Jun 1813 ‘defunct’ 1834 

230 Lawrence Montgomery 16 May 1814 

231 Corner-Stone Monroe 26 May 1814 

247 Jerusalem Cornwall 09 Sep 1815 forfeit 8 Jun 1832; revived as No. 721, 14 Jun 1872 

Temple 

300 Hoffman Wallkill 03 Dec 1818 renumbered No. 412, 16 Jun 1857 

1

309 Newburgh Newburgh 11 Jun 1853 successor to Steubens No. 18, 4 Jun 1788; surrendered; 

succeeded by Hiram No. 131, 13 Feb 1808 (19 Feb 1806); 

surrendered 10 Dec 1834; revived as No. 92, 7 Sep 1842; 

surrendered again in 1844; last returns dated Jun 1845 

309 Hudson River Newburgh 6 Jun 1996 consolidated from merger of Hudson River No. 607 and 

Newburgh No. 309 

328 Port Jervis Port Jervis 21 Jun 1854 

365 Goshen Goshen ca 1856 

412 Hoffman Middletown 16 Jun 1857 Prev. No. 300, 1817; see also Mount Morian 189 

544 Warwick Warwick 19 Jul 1864 

607 Hudson River Newburgh 19 Jun 1866 merged with Newburgh No. 309, 6 Jun 1996 to become Hudson 

River No. 309 

627 Wallkill Walden 24 Jun 1867 first met at Wards Bridge (now Montgomery); removed to 

Walden, 18 Jun 1878 

711 Standard Monroe Cornerstone 231 became Standard 711; reverted to its original 

name, becoming Cornerstone 711 

711 Cornerstone Monroe 

721 Jerusalem 

Temple 

Mountainville 

/Cornwall 

858 Lorillard Tuxedo 

877 West Point Highland Falls 

993 Woodbury Central Valley 1922 

1074 Kerem Newburgh ca 1926 

14 Jun 1872 Prev. No. 247, 9 Sep 1815, forfeit 8 Jun 1832; Lodge worked in 

Canterbury (now Cornwall) until 29 Mar 1883 and removed to 

Willisville (now Cornwall-on-Hudson); removed to Mountainville, 

Aug 1985. 

Rockland County 

When the Duke of York (who became King James II of England) established the 

first twelve counties of New York in 1683, present-day Rockland County was part 

of Orange County. Orangetown was created at the same time, originally 

encompassing all of modern Rockland County. Haverstraw was separated from 

Orangetown in 1719 and became a town in 1788; it included the present-day 

Clarkstown, Ramapo and Stony Point. Clarkstown and Ramapo became towns in 

1791, followed by Stony Point in 1865. Rockland County was split from Orange 

County in 1798. 

No. Lodge Name Village Chartered Notes 

301 Rockland Haverstraw 04 Dec 1818 

313 Stony Point Haverstraw 17 Jun 1853 Successor of Rockland No. 301, 4 Dec 1817; surrendered 3 

Jun 1824; warrant granted to Lodge as a relic, 4 Jun 1886 

315 Wawayanda Piermont 30 Jun 1853 

589 Ramapo Pearl River 

589 Naurashank Pearl River see also No. 939; aka Nauraushaun 

723 Rockland Nyack 1873 consolidated with Naurashank No. 939 to become Naurashank 

No. 723, 12 May 1987 

723 Naurashank Pearl River 12 May 1987 formed from the consolidation of Rockland No. 723 (1873) and 

Naurashank No. 939 (1915) 

839 Athelstane Pearl River 21 May 1902 instituted date; merged with Tappan Zee No. 1125, Aug 2000 

to remain Athelstane No. 839 

939 Naurashank Pearl River 1915 consolidated with Rockland No. 723 to become Naurashank 

No. 723, 12 May 1987 

1125 Tappan Zee West Nyack / 

Pearl River 

12 Aug 1947 instituted date; merged with Athelstance No. 839, Aug 2000 to 

become Athelstane No. 839 

2

Orange County 

Little Britain Lodge No. 6, Little Britain, Orange, New York 

Warrant – bef. 2 May 1773 

http://books.google.com/books?id=CyDnAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA519&lpg=PA519&dq=%22little+britain+Lodge%22&source=bl&ots=01v 

shoz1fC&sig=gTTZdM- 

9omc1B9ug9PWherY527U&hl=en&ei=0JmXTIfAIIHGlQeSotTRBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwA 

A#v=onepage&q=%22little%20britain%20Lodge%22&f=false page 519 

Dr. W. C. Derby, of Ellenville, N. Y., is the owner of an old Masonic certificate, which was granted in 1773 to Daniel Darby, a 

member of Little Britain lodge, No. 6, of Little Britain, a small hamlet in Orange county, NY, near Newburgh. The certificate was 

transmitted to Dr. Derby by his father, who was not a Mason, but regarded the certificate as a family heirloom. The certificate reads 

as follows: 

"We the under named, Doth certify that the bearer hereof Dan'l Darby hath been a Worthy Member of our Society of Free, 

Registered and Accepted Masons, in Little Britain No. 6, Where he attended regularly the Eighteen Months Last past, During which 

time his conduct was well approved of, And is hereby recommended as a Master Mason: Given under our hands and Seal of our 

Lodge This 2nd Day of May, One Thousand Seven-hundred and Seventy-three. JAMES HAMILTON, Master. WM. OLIPHANT, JOHN 

COLVELL, Wardens. 

The holder of the certificate, as well as other Masons in Ellenville, would like to know more about Little Britain lodge, No. 6. Its 

existence is well authenticated, though it is not now on the list of New York lodges, and is supposed to have moved back to 

England. The number 6 formerly held by Little Britain lodge is now held by St. George's lodge, of Schenectady, but St. George's 

lodge did not receive this number until 1839. There is no lodge now in existence in New York which was numbered 6 previous to 

that year, so that the history of New York's present lodges gives little light on the subject. 

Vol. I, 1954, page 10 or 324 Pages 

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/10,000_famous_freemasons/Volume_4_Q_to_Z.htm 

John Francis Hamtramck (1756-1803) Colonel of American Revolution; military commander of Detroit. b. Aug. 16, 1756 in 

Quebec, Canada, the son of French refugees. He was baptised Jean Francois. Parents later settled just north of Lake Champlain in 

NY. In Sep 1775 he joined General Montgomery's army marching on Montreal, and was appointed continental commissary. He was 

commissioned a lieutenant early in 1776, and on Nov. 21 captain of the 5th NY Continentals. Became a major Jan. 1, 1781; 

lieutenant colonel and commander of the first sub-legion under General Anthony Wayne on Feb. 18, 1793. When Detroit was 

occupied by the Americans under Article 2 of Jay's Treaty, Colonel Hamtramck was ordered to descend the Maumee River, and on 

July 13, assumed command of Detroit. 

On July 24, 1775 Dr. Peter Middleton, Provincial Deputy Grand Master of New York, issued a warrant to form St. John's 

Regimental Lodge No. 1. From the diary of Ensign John Barr of the N.Y. Line on Feb. 3, 1780 we learn: "Our lodge (St. John's) 

formed at Captain Hamtramck's hut." This was while in camp near Morristown, NJ. St. John's Lodge is now settled at Clark's Town 

in NY. Later we find Hamtramck as a member of Union Lodge No. 1 (now Mt. Vernon No. 3 of Albany), having signed the register of 

that lodge as "No. 63," with no date shown. Hamtramck, Mich., a suburb of Detroit, was named in his honor, and it is interesting to 

note that as the largest Polish city in America, even today it does not possess a Masonic lodge because of its heavy Catholic 

population. d. April 11, 1803 and is buried at Mt. Elliott Cemetery in Detroit. 

http://famousamericans.net/johnfrancishamtramck/ 

John Francis Hamtramck, soldier, born in Canada in 1757; died in Detroit, Michigan, 11 April, 1803. He served as captain in 

Dubois's New York regiment in the Revolutionary war, was appointed major of infantry, 29 September, 1789, and lieutenant-colonel, 

commanding the 1st sub-legion, 18 February, 1793. He held command of the left wing of General Wayne's army, and was 

distinguished in his victory on the Miami on 20 August, 1794. In 1802 he received the commission of colonel. He was an exemplary 

disciplinarian. A monument was created to his memory and placed in the grounds of St. Anne's Roman Catholic church, Detroit, by 

the officers whom he had commanded.--His son, John Francis, soldier, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1798; died in 

Shepherdstown, Virginia, 21 April, 1858, was a sergeant in Zachary Taylor's expedition up the Mississippi river in 1814, and, owing 

to his bravery in an action opposite the mouth of Reek river, Illinois, 19 July, 1814, with 700 Sac and Fox Indians supported by 

British batteries, received an appointment to the United States military academy. He was graduated in 1819 and assigned to the 

artillery, but resigned in 1822, and settled near St. Louis, Maine, where he became a planter. From 1826 till 1831 he was Indian 

agent for the Osage tribe. He removed to Shepherdstown, Virginia, in 1832, where he engaged as a planter. In 1835 he was captain 

of the Virginia militia, and held this post until his death. He served in the Mexican war as colonel of the 1st regiment of Virginia 

volunteers. From 8 March till 20 July, 1848, he was governor of Saltillo. From 1850 till 1854 he was mayor of Shepherdstown. In 

1853 he was appointed justice of the Jefferson county court, which office he held until the time of his death. 

3

Steuben Lodge No. 18, Newburgh, Orange, New York 

Constituted - 27 Sep 1788 

The first located lodge in Newburgh was "Steuben Lodge, No. 18." Its charter was applied for by F. A. Morris and nine others, 5 

Jun 1788, and was constituted 27 Sep 1788. We have not been able to obtain reference to its history or membership except that 

Ebenezer Foot, Levi Dodge, and Chas. Clinton, were P. M.'s in 1797. Its charter was probably surrendered soon after 1800. 

http://www.njgsbc.org/files/familyfiles/p350.htm#i11353 

Charles Clinton b. 18 Feb 1767, d. 20 Apr 1829, was a lawyer in Newburgh, a fine surveyor and held many important posts. He 

was baptized on 18 February 1767 at New Windsor, Orange, NY. 2 He was the son of James Clinton and Mary ‘Polly’ DeWitt. 

Charles Clinton married Elizabeth Mulliner of Newburgh, daughter of William Mulliner and Mary Dennniston, in 1790. Charles 

Clinton died on 26 April 1829 at New York City, NY, at age 62. 

Children: 

Maria DeWitt Clinton b. 26 May 1791; d. 1883; married Captain Robert Gourley 

Alexander Clinton b. 07 Apr 1793; d. 18 Feb 1878; married Adeline A. Hamilton 

Anna Eliza Clinton b. Apr 1795; d. 14 Jun 1845; married James Foster, Jr. 

http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/nyh/89.1/baker.html 

In the late 1780s several young men from Little Britain—including DeWitt Clinton's brothers Charles (1769–1829) and George, Jr. 

(1771–1809), and their cousin David Denniston (circa 1769–1803)—formed a "Society for Mental Improvement." Given what we 

know of the boys' later lives, this juvenile debating club undoubtedly primed these sons of the Revolution for their future as Radical 

Enlightenment activists. In time Denniston became a printer who, from his press at Newburgh, published a spate of deistic tracts in 

the 1790s. Several of these were produced at John Fellows's behest. With the support of young Charles Clinton (whom a 

contemporary once called an "infuriated Deist") and several other local freethinkers. . . . Charles Clinton, who had carried the deist 

banner in Orange County, withdrew from partisan politics 

---- 

Levi Dodge was born at Lunenburg, MA, 21 Nov 1751; died at Newburgh, Orange, NY, before 10 Feb 1829; son of Reuben and 

Ruth Dodge. Levi , a Lieutenant in the New Hampshire Line, who with his brother William settled here after the war of the 

Revolution. He was a large holder of real estate, President of the Bank of Newburgh, etc. He is said to have been buried in this 

cemetery without monument, at his own request. 

----- 

“The Foote Family . . .,” page 93. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=f1dMAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA93&dq=ebenezer+foote%22+%22newburgh%22&hl=en&ei=UCKcTJTv 

B8P78AbqncyBDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=ebenezer%20foote%22%20 

%22newburgh%22&f=false 

Judge Ebenezer Foote, (76, 25, 9, 3,) b. 12 Apr 1756; son of Daniel Foote and Margaret Parsons; m. 10 Oct 1779, Jerusha Purdy, 

of Westchester Co., NY. She d. Nov 1818; m. 2nd, 1791, ___ Rosekrans. He d. 28 Dec 1829, in Delhi, N. Y. 

At nineteen Ebenezer was found with the Minute men at Bunker Hill; made sergeant of the Second Conn.; was at Trenton and 

Valley Forge; taken prisoner at the battle of Fort Washington, and confined to the old Bridewell, managed to escape, and by means 

of a plank found on the shore swam the Hudson in the month of December, but the exposure brought on a severe illness, and he 

never aga1n could engage in active service. His patriotism, however, would not allow him to remain an outsider, and we next find 

him in the Commissary Department at General Washington's headquarters on the Hudson, where he remained until his health again 

forced his resignation just before the close of the war. He saw much of Washington; was temporarily on his Staff, and retired with 

the rank of Major. 

One of the most interesting events of his life is well related by Mr. Abbatt, in his delightful work entitled "The Crisis of the 

Revolution," when Capt. Foote, in the early morning of Sept. 22, 1780, for a few moments held the fate of that gallant soldier, Major 

Andre, in his hands. As officer in command at Crompond, Capt. Foote scanned the pass produced by Andre, but knowing Benedict 

Arnold and his writing well, and seeing that his appended signature was correct, allowed the party to proceed. 

After the war Major Foote engaged in a large mercantile and shipping business at Newburgh, N. Y., with his brother Justin, who later 

married Marie Evertson, whose sister had just married Governor Smith of Ct. 

Major Foote, whose duties at headquarters caused him to ride much and far, had met and married the charming young Jerusha 

Purdy, of Yorktown, Westchester, N. Y., and from old tales and letters she appears to have remained a fascinator until her death. 

Mr. Foote was for a long time Member of Assembly from Ulster, and was largely instrumental in procuring the setting off of Delaware 

Co., where he came to reside in Aug., 1797. He was Co. Clerk for a number of years, conducted an extensive land agency, and 

three times was appointed First or Presiding Judge, as well as acting for a short time as puisne on the bench. He represented the 

old Middle District for four years in the Senate of the State; was nominated for Congress, but other duties forced him to decline; sat 

in the Council of Appointment with Gov. Jay, and enjoyed his friendship and confidence. (See Jay Gould's History.) 

In 1798 the Co. town was erected, and Judge Foote, as chief citizen, was appointed by the Legislature to name it. Not particularly 

desiring the honor, he said to his intimate friends at Albany, the Patroon, Gen. Schuyler, etc., "I think I shall decline." They all 

belonged to a small club, each member bearing some fanciful name; Senator Foote's was "The Great Mogul," and his fellow 

members said, "We will name it for you, and call it after your city, 'Delhi'," which was done, to the great annoyance of Gen. [Bro. 

4

Erastus] Root, a prominent man and politician, who had also come to reside in the place, and wished much to have the privilege of 

giving the name. 

As Speaker of the House in 1801, he gained great credit for his "dignity and courtesy.'' At Delhi he assisted in organizing St. John's 

Church and an Academy, which for many years enjoyed a wide reputation; of the one he was made the first Senior Warden, of the 

other, the first President of the Board of Trustees. 

In the issue of 7 Jan 1830, "The Commercial Advertiser," New York City, in an extended notice of his death, speaks of his integrity, 

of his prominence in the State, and of his beautiful mansion, Arbor Hill, on the banks of the Delaware, and of the long list of eminent 

men who enjoyed from time to time its hospitality. A man refined, honest and honorable in all his ways. 

His niece, Roxana, married Lyman Beecher, and became the mother of Henry Ward and Mrs. H. B. Stowe. A grand-niece married 

William Seward, Governor and Secretary of State. 

i. FREDERICK PARSONS, b. Mar. 15, 1783; m. Charlotte Welles. 

ii. CHARLES AUGUSTUS, b. Apr. 15, 1785; m. Maria Baldwin, 

iii. HARRIET, 

m. Dr. Ambrose Bryan, Clerk of Delaware Co., NY. He d. p. s.; m. 2nd, John Foote, Esq., of Hamilton, 

Madison, NY, being his 2nd wife. 

iv. MARGARET PARSONS, m. Rev. Ebenezer Maxwell, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Delhi, NY. He d. Jul 1840. She d. 

1840. Ch.: (1) Ebenezer Foote, who lives in Delhi, on the place which belonged to his Grandfather Foote, and on which he died. 

http://www.dcnyhistory.org/books/murraysectionXV.html 

Judge Ebenezer Foote. (We are Indebted for the facts embodied in this sketch to a memorial volume concerning Samuel E. Foote 

in which there is an appendix giving the principal events in the life of Ebenezer Foote; also to an obituary notice by General Henry 

Leavenworth printed in the Delaware Gazette 28 Dec 1829, and to memoranda furnished by Miss Foote of Delhi, the great-greatgranddaughter 

of Judge Foote). 

Judge Foote was born 12 Apr 1756, in Colchester, CT. He was the son of Daniel Foote and the brother of Eli Foote whose daughter 

Roxana married Rev. Lyman Beecher and was the mother of Henry Ward Beecher, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, and others of that 

talented family. Some of the Foote family espoused the loyalist cause in the Revolutionary war; but Ebenezer was an ardent patriot, 

and when the first guns were fired be, with several other young men, fled from, home without his father's permission and joined the 

patriotic troops near Boston. He was present at the battle of Bunker Hill and served continuously until the close of the war. For his 

bravery and efficiency he was promoted from the ranks in which he enlisted to the position of Major. He attracted the attention of 

Washington and was by him assigned to staff duty. 

He had the misfortune to be taken captive during the war, and was confined with many others in the Bridewell prison in New York 

city. Along with a number of others he formed a plan to escape. They managed to elude their guards and found themselves in the 

country near where Chambers street now is. They made their way to the Hudson river with the intention of crossing it to New Jersey. 

They found an old leaky boat, but they were unable to make it sufficiently safe. All the other fugitives then took to the land and tried 

to make their way through the hostile sentinels to the country north of them. But Foote found a plank and with it undertook to swim 

the Hudson. It was in the month of December and the water was piteously cold. He succeeded, however, in escaping the patrolling 

vessels, and in making his way to the other side. He landed at Hoboken where he found shelter and dry clothes. He escaped, but he 

never recovered wholly from the effects of this terrible exposure. 

Major Foote from his rank in the Revolutionary army became a member of the Order of 

Cincinnati, and up to the time of his death took great pleasure in joining his comrades on 

the fourth of July to celebrate the achievement of American independence. 

At the close of the war he only possessed the back pay which was due to him for his 

services. Part of this was paid to him in money; and a part was liquidated by a grant of 

unsettled land on the West branch of the Delaware river. He entrusted the certificate of his 

army pay to an agent for collection and this precious rascal defrauded him out of the 

whole. He had married in 1779 Jerusha Purdy, a member of the Westchester family of that 

name. Her property also had been mostly destroyed by the British troops in their 

incursions into the regions north of New York. 

Major Foote had, therefore, to commence life anew. He started in a mercantile career at 

Newburgh which was then in Ulster county. In this he must have been more or less 

successful; for we find that several times he was chosen to represent the county in the 

State Legislature. He is recorded as having been in the Assembly in 1792, 1794, 1796 and 

1797. It was during this latter year that the bill for the erection of Delaware county was 

under discussion, and Major Foote took an active part in perfecting and securing the 

passage of the measure. He served as Senator from the Middle District during the years 

1798-1802. In 1799 he was chosen to serve as a member of the Council of Appointment 

under Governor John Jay. 

On the establishment of the new county he was appointed by the Governor the county 

clerk, and immediately removed thither to assume his duties. At this time it must be 

remembered that there was no village of Delhi. There were two sites which were looked 

upon as likely to become the location of the proposed county buildings. One of these was at the mouth of Elk Creek on the grounds 

of Gideon Frisbee. Here already the first meeting of the board of supervisors had been held and the county court had held its first 

session. The other was the extensive flat at the mouth of the Little Delaware. There is a tradition that some of the early county 

meetings and courts were held in the latter locality at the house of Mr. Leal. It was near this beautiful intervale that the land lay 

5

which had been granted to Major Foote for his military services; and it was near this on the south that he selected a site and built a 

residence for himself. The building is still standing but has passed out of the possession of his descendants. 

Mr. Foote served as county clerk until 1801 when he was succeeded by Philip Gebhard. He was not only the clerk of the board of 

supervisors, but also the clerk of the courts held in the county and the custodian of their records. In 1810 he was appointed by 

Governor Daniel D. Tompkins as county judge for a term of six years. Subsequently in 1828 he was again appointed to the same 

office which he held until his death in 1829 at the age of seventy-four. 

No citizen of Delaware has ever enjoyed a more distinguished circle of acquaintance. He knew and corresponded with the most 

active political managers of the day, and many of them were his guests at Arbor Hill. We may mention a few from whom letters are 

still preserved by his descendants: The Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer, Hon. Elisha Williams, Governor Morgan Lewis, General 

Schuyler, the Livingstons, Cadwalader Colden, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, Philip Van Courtlandt, Martin Van Buren, John Jay, DeWitt 

Clinton, Aaron Burr, etc. Catherine Livingston writes to him regretting not having seen him, and would like to sell him a young slave 

girl, as she has more than she can afford to keep. 

We have already stated that he married in 1779 Jerusha Purdy. He had four children, viz: Frederick Parsons, Charles Augustus,, 

Harriet, and Margaret. Frederick served as general in the war of 1812 and died in Leghorn, Italy, in 1827. His second son Charles 

Augustus, was a lawyer and filled many local offices. He was a member of congress in 1824, but died soon after, aged forty. His 

eldest son was a graduate of West Point, served with distinction in the Seminole War and finally was killed in the battle at Gaines' 

Mills in 1862. The second son of Charles Augustus Foote was Charles A. Foote of Delhi, who died in 1896, and who will be 

remembered by many friends still living. He was born in 1818 and being left an orphan he was obliged to care for himself. When 

twenty-one years of age he commenced business and continued in it till his death. During these many years he maintained a 

character of spotless integrity. He held many positions of public trust. He was treasurer of Delaware county for nine years from 1861 

to 1870. He served as treasurer of the village of Delhi; he was town clerk; he was a trustee of the Delaware Academy, and a director 

of the National Bank. In all these positions he discharged his trusts with unswerving fidelity. 

St. John’s Lodge No. 19/18, Warwick, Orange, New York 

Warrant: 26 Mar 1790 

Ceased Labor ca 1825. 

http://www.archive.org/stream/officialexpositi00newy/officialexpositi00newy_djvu.txt 

ST. JOHN'S REGIMENTAL LODGE - Sir John Johnson, Provincial Grand Master for New York, having left for Canada, at the 

beginning of hostilities in the War for American Independence, his prerogatives descended upon his Deputy, Dr. Peter Middleton, 

who exercised them with tact and a due regard for the feelings swaying the population of the Province. He issued the first warrant 

granted to any unit of the Continental Army, owning allegiance to George Washington as Commander-in-Chief; it authorized the 

formation of St. John's Regimental Lodge, composed of New York Brethren who had joined the ranks of the revolutionists. This 

warrant was dated 24 Jul 1775. After the close of the war, it turned up at Clark's Town, Orange County, New York, where a Lodge 

continued to work under its authority, later transferring its headquarters to Warwick, in the same county. This Lodge, known later as 

St. John's Lodge, No. 18, succumbed finally, about 1825. [Lodge No. 26 E.R.] 

http://www.joycetice.com/books/1879c46.htm 

On the 3d of June, 1793, a petition was addressed to the Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. of the State of New York, by Amos Park, 

James Cameron, Nathaniel Seely, Jr., Henry Starret, Peter Loop, Jr., Nathaniel Teal, James Seely, and John Crabtree, praying for a 

warrant to establish a lodge at Newtown (now Elmira), in the county of Tioga. This petition was presented to the Grand Lodge at its 

annual communication in the city of New York, June 24, 1793, and a warrant was granted on the 28th of the same month, under the 

name and number of Union Lodge, No. 30, to Amos Park, Master; James Cameron, Senior Warden; Nathaniel Seely, Jr., 

Junior warden; and was signed by Robert Livingston, Grand Master, Jacob Morton, Senior Grand Warden, James Scott, Junior 

Grand Warden. The officers named in the warrant, who had formerly been members of St. John’s Lodge, No. 18, at 

Warwick, Orange Co., were duly installed by Samuel Gardner, William Adams, and Thomas Morrison, at Canandaigua, on the 22d 

of August following. 

Amos Park - Of the physicians of this early time the first one was undoubtedly Dr. Amos Park, who, being something more than a 

physician, was as well school teacher and preacher. He built largely, with the labor of his own hands, the first frame house 

erected in Elmira, . . .on the river bank, a little west of the foot of High street. It could hardly have been much of a house, for some 

twenty years afterward, in 1812, it is recorded that he sold his lot, house, and all for $37. The stringency of the times, however, 

may have had something to do with the very modest price. 

Nathaniel Seeley [Sr.] b. 11 Oct 1732 New Canaan, Fairfield, CT; d. 31 Oct 1799; bur. Fitzsimmons Cemetery, town of 

Southport, Chemung Co. NY [near Seely Creek], son of Ebenezer Seeley and Mercy Dean, m. Jemima Collins. Nathaniel and 

Jemima resided at Cornwall, Orange, NY. In Apr 1765 Nathaniel and Bazaleel Seeley were overseers of roads. The Will of Adam 

Collins of Blooming Grove, Orange County dated 1 May 1770 names sister Jemima Seeley, brother in law, Nathaniel Seeley and 

nephew Samuel Seeley. In 1775 the Revolutionary Pledge was signed by Samuel Seely, Josiah Seely, Nathaniel Seely {Sr.], 

John Seely, Jonas Seely, Israel Seely, Thaddeus Seely, Bazaliel Seely, and Nathaniel Seely, Jr., all of Cornwall. Nathaniel and 

Jemima removed to Hardyston, Sussex County, New Jersey where Nathaniel appears on assessment lists of Hardyston 

Township. 

Nathaniel and Jemima did not remain in Sussex County, but returned to Orange County. On 4 May 1784 Nathaniel Seeley and 

Jemima his wife leased property at Cornwell, Orange County for a period of ten years the property consisting of a barn, orchard, 

garden, 100 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 100 acres of pasture, 100 acres of wood, and 100 acres of land covered with 

6

water. Nathaniel and Jemima left Orange County and removed with some of their children to what became the Town of Southport, 

Chemung County, New York, first a part of Montgomery County and then Tioga County before it became Chemung County. 

On 3 Nov 1788, lot 100 of 2,553 acres was surveyed to Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., James Seeley, Adam Seeley, Abner Hetfield, and 

Samuel Edsall in Chemung, Montgomery, NY, which with further divisions became Newtown and then Elmira, Tioga County, and 

then finally the Town of Southport, Chemung County. They also acquired lot 143 of 1,426 acres. 

Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., James Seeley, and Adam Seeley were brothers and sons of Nathaniel and Jemima. 

Children of Nathaniel Seeley [Sr.] and Jemima Collins: 

1. Samuel Seeley b. 2 Feb 1754 Cornwall, Orange County, New York. 

2. Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., b. ca 1756/57, Cornwall, Orange, NY; d. 1796 Oxford, Tioga, PA. Will proved 7 Jan 1797 in 

Chenango County, NY. 

3. Israel Seeley b. 31 July 1758. 

4. James Seeley b. 9 July 1760 Oxford, Orange County. 

5. Jemima Seeley b. 28 Jan 1762. 

6. Elizabeth Seeley b. 14 Jan 1764. 

7. Adam Seeley b. ca 1766-8. 

8. Caleb Seeley b. June 1770. 

9. Sarah Seeley b. 8 Oct 1772. 

http://www.joycetice.com/kelsey/seeley02.htm 

Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., b. c. 1756 perhaps served in the American Revolution as he signed the Revolutionary Pledge in 1775 

while a resident of Cornwall, Orange County, New York. Neither Nathaniel or his widow lived to an age to have applied for a 

pension for Revolutionary service. Nathaniel m. Elizabeth Sayre. Nathaniel does not appear in any of the assessment records of 

Hardyston, Sussex County, New Jersey where his parents removed too. On 3 Nov 1788 lot 100 of 2,553 acres was surveyed to 

Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., James Seeley, Adam Seeley, Abner Hetfield, and Samuel Edsall in what is now the Town of Southport, 

Chemung County, New York. They also acquired lot 143 of 1,426 acres, which was patented to them on 28 Feb 1791. Nathaniel 

enumerated 1790 census of Chemung, Montgomery County (that portion that became Southport, Chemung County), New York 

with three males over age sixteen and two females in the household. However, it would appear that the family count for his father 

enumerated in the next household may be more attributed to Nathaniel, Jr., which included one male over age sixteen (Nathaniel 

Jr.), one male under age sixteen (Nathaniel b. 1788), and two females (Elizabeth and daughter Sarah) in the household. 

Will of Nathaniel dated 28 May 1796. 

In the name of God, Amen, I, Nathaniel Seeley Junr, of New Town in the County of Tioga and State of New York, being weak in 

body but sound memory do this 28 th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and ninety six make and 

publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say my estate to be equally divided among my children viz. 

Nathaniel my son, Sally Seely, Betsey Seely, and Kissey Seely, my daughters both real and personal and hereby authorize and 

appoint James Cameron my executor and my wife Elizabeth Seely my executrix to take the care and charge of my estate after my 

decease for the benefit of my children, firstly I order that my son Nathaniel shall be decently educated in reading, writing and 

common arithmetick and taught the art or mystery of surveying. Secondly, I order that my daughters be decently educated in 

reading and writing; and thirdly, I hereby request my said executrix and wife to have the sole conducting and benefit of my estate 

real and personal during the time she remains my widow and do also direct and order that said personal estate or property shall 

be insufficient to discharge my first debts and support my family decently, so much of my real estate as in and thereto may be 

necessary for that purpose be sold and I hereby fully authorize and empower and direct my said executor and executrix to grant, 

sell and convey in fee simple such part or parts of my real estate as to them shall seem meet and expedient and necessary for 

the purposes aforesaid as soon after my decease as the amount of my debts can be ascertained and an estimate of my personal 

property made in witness whereof I the said Nathaniel Seely Junior have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal 

the day and year above written. Signed Nathaniel Seely Jr. Witnessed by Peter Loop Jr., Abner M. Hetfield and John Konkle. 

Probated 9 Jan 1797 (Chenango County Surrogate’s Office A:12-14). 

Children of Nathaniel and Elizabeth: 

21. Sarah ‘Sally’ Seeley, b. 6 Jul 1786 Newtown (that area that is now Southport, Chemung, NY). 

22. Nathaniel Seeley b. 28 Oct 1788 Newtown. 

23. Elizabeth Seeley b. 19 Dec 1790 Newtown. 

24. Christiann Seeley b. 10 Nov 1794 Newtown. 

Orange Lodge No. 45, Goshen, Orange, New York 

Warrant: 12 Apr 1796 

Some members; Anthony Dobbin; Seth Marvin; William Thompson; James W. Wilkin ; George D. Wickham, Esq., Master of 

Orange Lodge 45, Goshen 

“Descendants of Reinold and Matthew Marvin of Hartford, Ct., 1638 and 1635 ...,” by George Franklin Marvin, William Theophilus 

Rogers Marvin. page 373. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=Gc81AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA373&lpg=PA373&dq=%22Orange+Lodge%22+%22goshen%22&sourc 

e=bl&ots=vizudUTz1H&sig=QDezYn2mi- 

L6jKrAb_gwzI2FfiQ&hl=en&ei=timZTKfbIYL6lwf9_6hN&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAQ#v=onepa 

ge&q=%22Orange%20Lodge%22%20%22goshen%22&f=false 

7

Gen. Seth Marvin, son of Gen. Elihu4 and Abigail (Yelverton) Marvin, b. 15 Feb 1745/6, in Oxford, Cornwall township, Orange, NY; 

d. 25 Aug 1815; will dated 3 Jan 1815, with codicil, dated 24 Aug 1815, proved 9 Sep 1815; m. Mary [Polly], d/o Archibald and 

Sarah Little, of Oxford. . 

Archibald was a member of the Provincial Congress from Orange co., in 1775 and '76; he was a captain in the Oxford company of 

the Cornwall reg't, succeeding Elihu Marvin when the latter was promoted to be lieut colonel. 

Seth Marvin was actively engaged in the Revolution; in 1775 he signed the "Association Pledge " in Orange co.; in 1775-76 he was 

first lieutenant of the "Cornwall minute-men," of which Thomas Moffatt was captain; later he was captain and lieut. colonel; his 

commission as colonel in the militia is preserved by his grand-daughter, Mrs. Moses Smith, of Chicago, IL; he held this office until he 

was promoted, 29 Mar 1806, to be a brigadier general. He resided in Chester, then a part of Cornwall, holding office there between 

1765 and 1775. He was a school commissioner in 1798 and 1800. With his brother Elihu he was one of the charter members of the 

Farmers' Hall Academy, in Goshen. He was executor of his brother-in-law's will, dated 14 May, 1780, and was frequently appointed 

by the Courts to settle estates and make partitions among heirs, 1797-1807. He served as a surveyor under the State Surveyor 

General. He was a charter member, 1796, and first Senior Warden, of Orange Lodge of Masons, Goshen. He was a member 

of the New York Assembly from Orange co., for ten terms between 1789 and 1812. Often entrusted with important public duties, he 

was a commissioner with George Clinton on the boundary line between New York and Pennsylvania. He was interred near the 

house which he occupied the latter part of his life, and which is still standing on the west road from Chester to Oxford. His 

gravestone says: "in his time a Christian philanthropist and statesman." In the summer of 1903, Mr. Nathan H. Helme (grandson of 

Seth) enclosed the burial-place which contains this grave and that of several of the family, with a fine iron fence, and erected a 

monument to his memory. 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/k/o/s/Sandi-J-Koscak/FILE/0004page.html 

Anthony Dobbin, b. ca 1784; d. 25 Dec 1848, age 64; m1. 1795 [17 Apr 1796?] Hannah Jones Jackson (widowed by the Miniskicn 

Battle; d. 1804), d/o Samuel Jones, Sr; m2. 1806 Ann(e) Board, d/o James Board, Sr. and Jane Ann Schuyler, b. Ringwood, New 

Jersey; d. 4 MAR 1857 in Goshen, NY; Anthony and Ann's house was the popular stopping place of the Governor of the State on 

occasions of a review of the State Troops, and also of Judges and other men of note. He was the first Junior Warden of Orange 

Lodge No. 45, F&AM, of Goshen, NY at its organization, 12 Apr 1796. 

In 1791 Anthony Dobbin bought the property and 10 acres on Main Street from Samuel Gale. By 1801, he had opened an inn. The 

inn was a favorite stop on the stagecoach line to Newburgh. As of 2010 the Anthony Dobbin Stagecoach Inn is still in business at 

Goshen. 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~jwickham/george.htm 

George Duncan Wickham – General; a militia officer in the War of 1812. 

Although he never held elected public office, George Duncan Wickham was considered one of 

Orange County, New York's most powerful men. He had a passion for developing southern 

New York's turnpikes, canals and railways, but his most spectacular success was the Bank of 

Orange County. 

George Duncan Wickham was born in 1772 and grew up in Goshen in Orange County, New 

York. He was the only son of William Wickham and his wife Sarah Duncan, who were married 

on February 25, 1768 in New York City. William was a '53 graduate of Yale, where he was 

revered as the founder of the Linonian Society, a literary and debating society that dominated 

social life at Yale until the Civil War. He soon became a prominent attorney who worked in 

New York City and Goshen, often for wealthy and politically important clients. William was the 

son of a Newport, Rhode Island merchant, who was one of the sons of Joseph Wickham, Sr. of 

Cutchogue on Long Island, whose father Thomas Wickham had immigrated to Wethersfield, 

Connecticut in about 1648 from England. Orphaned as a child, William was raised in 

Brookhaven, Long Island and then in Orange County. After becoming an attorney, he was a 

member of an exclusive New York City society of distinguished lawyers called the Moot, 

numbering only twenty members, which debated fine points of the law. Many of the society 

members, such as John Jay and Gouverneur Morris, became eminent Patriot leaders, but 

when William was asked to sign a patriotic loyalty oath, he refused. Like many of the Wickhams, such as his first cousin Parker 

Wickham, William held Loyalist beliefs during the American Revolution, but he managed to hang on to his property by not taking an 

active role in the conflict, and after the war served as an Orange County judge. Besides his son George, William had a daughter 

named Frances "Fanny" Martha who married Jonathan Burrall on May 20, 1793 in Goshen. During the American Revolution, 

Jonathan had served as assistant paymaster for the American army, and afterwards was assistant postmaster-general, cashier of 

the United States branch bank of New York, and manager of the New York state lotteries. The couple had a daughter named Emily 

(George's niece) who married Ogden Hoffman, a much celebrated lawyer from a prominent family who represented Orange County 

in the Assembly and held several other important political posts. (Other members of this distinguished Hoffman clan include Murray 

Hoffman, a New York jurist; Colonel Wickham Hoffman, United States Minister to Denmark; and Matilda Hoffman, who was engaged 

to Washington Irving.) George and his family were one of several Wickham families living in Orange County at the time, including his 

father's first cousin William and second cousin Noyes Wickham. Noyes moved to Orange County in about 1783 from Suffolk County 

on Long Island, while William left the area in 1790 to become the first permanent white settler of Schuyler County, NY. 

George began his business ventures with his father and developed a life-long enthusiasm for the transportation industry. In 1798, 

the Wickhams had an ownership interest in the stagecoach line of Anthony Dobbin, who had an exclusive right to operate one from 

New York City to Goshen. The first turnpike in Orange County, the Orange Turnpike, was chartered in 1800, and both George and 

his father were shareholders, with George also serving as a Commissioner for receiving subscriptions. George was elected 

8

President of the Goshen and Wallkill Turnpike Company on September 19, 1809, but following a lawsuit in 1819, the company was 

dissolved because it could not make its payments. George was also active in chartering the Minisink and Goshen Turnpike 

Company, the Mount Hope and Lumberland Turnpike Road, and Merritt's Island Turnpike. In addition, he had ownership interests in 

the Great Island Turnpike and the Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike. In 1825, he was elected a director of the Delaware and 

Hudson Canal Company, which was established to bring coal from northeastern Pennsylvania to the markets of New York. Although 

the canal was later abandoned, the company continued to prosper as a railway. In 1832, he was one of 66 men to petition the 

legislature to charter a railroad to serve southern New York. This request was granted with the charter of the New York and Erie 

Railroad Company, and George was elected one of the directors. According to local tradition, the railroad ran through Goshen 

because of George's influence. On September 23, 1841, the New York and Erie Railroad Company began service to Goshen, 

cutting the transit time to New York City from two days to four hours. The festive occasion was marked by music, cannon fire, and a 

speech by George to a crowd that included Governor William H. Seward. 

George's greatest personal business success by far was the Bank of Orange County, established to fill the void created by the 

demise of the first Bank of the United States in 1811. The bank charter was granted by a legislative bill on April 6, 1813, which was 

shepherded through the State Senate by George's political ally James W. Wilkin. With the support of Nathaniel Prime, the second 

richest man in New York City, George formed and became President and Director of the bank on June 7, 1813, positions that he 

held for over 30 years until his death. 

George also maintained extensive agriculture and lumbering interests, frequently trading in such items as butter, tea, veal, and 

lumber. To conduct his lumbering operations, George purchased a considerable amount of land in the Town of Lumberland and had 

mills at Ten Mile River and Forestburgh. During the 1820s, he was involved in a resort project to develop Chechunk Springs, which 

were believed to be of medicinal value, but the project collapsed after the springs stopped flowing when the Wallkill River was rerouted. 

In addition, he built a hotel in 1841, commonly known as Wickham's Hotel, across the street from the train station in Goshen. 

The structure, formally known as the Pavilion, was a popular gathering spot and stood until 1983, when it was destroyed by a severe 

fire. By the time of the death of his wealthier father from gout in 1814, tax assessment records indicate that George had already 

become the richest man in Goshen. While George never held elected public office, he was known to be close with many of the 

area's leading politicians. In the election of 1833, George was a supporter of Isaac R. Van Duzer, a candidate for the Assembly. The 

Independent Republican, a Goshen newspaper, commented: "Who does not know that I.R. Van Duzer is the attorney and a Director 

of the Orange County Bank? Who does not know that he owes his political existence to the President of that institution, under whose 

guidance and direction he acts?" Van Duzer went on to victory in the election. 

George was also involved in many civic and community activities. From 1807 through 1839, he served as a Commissioner for a 

public project to drain the so-called "Drowned Lands," a massive swamp that extended from Sussex County, New Jersey to a few 

miles south of the village of Goshen. Using state funds, he completed in 1835 a canal through his property that successfully drained 

the swamp after previous attempts failed. The "Drowned Lands" soon became known as the "Black Dirt Region," an extremely fertile 

area characterized by deep, peaty soils. A colorful conflict called the Muskrat and Beaver Wars erupted when millers from New 

Hampton tried to dam the canal, provoking farmers to destroy the dams several times. As required under New York State law at the 

time, George also joined the state militia, becoming a Captain in the cavalry by 1796. He was a Major by 1798, a Commander by 

1803, and a Lieutenant-Colonel by 1810. After 20 years of military service, George was appointed to the rank of Brigadier General in 

1814, with command of the cavalry units for the Counties of Orange, Rockland, Ulster, Dutchess, and Putnam. Although the War of 

1812 was raging by then, George had very little wartime experience, unlike his second cousin Williams Carter Wickham who held 

the same military rank several decades later. George's involvement in the war was limited to dispatching troops to defend New York 

City after the British burned Washington. Highly concerned that New York might be burned next, the state hastily ordered George to 

"organize and send to New York immediately two full troops of cavalry of his brigade with one major to be selected by him." During 

the rest of the war, George spent a good part of his time securing the charter for his bank and organizing it. George was also active 

in an Orange County farm organization called the Agricultural Society, which was formed on May 28, 1818, with George being 2nd 

Vice President. In 1815, he was a Trustee of Farmers Hall Academy and in 1822 he participated in the effort to bring back the 

remains of Goshen militiamen killed in the Battle of Minisink of 1779. 

At age 50, George married long-time acquaintance Bridget McDonell [McDaniels?] on August 8, 1822 at St. James Episcopal 

Church. They had no descendants, but frequently looked after the two surviving children of George's niece Emily Hoffman after her 

death. The two boys, Charles and Ogden, spent many a day in Goshen watching the local trotter-horse races while their father was 

away on business for extended periods of time. After studying law at Harvard, Ogden moved to San Francisco in 1850 and in 1851 

9

he became the first federal judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. He held the post for an 

incredible 40 years, becoming one of the most influential judges in California history. He set many important precedents in land and 

admiralty law, but is best remembered for his refusal to discriminate against Asian-Americans, despite pressure from the public and 

even other judges to do so. 

George died on November 16, 1845, followed by his wife's death on 

February 5, 1864. At the time of his death, George owned a mansion, 

three farms, a hotel, 1,372 shares in the Bank of Orange County, and 

numerous other land holdings, securities, and notes. Although he 

certainly died a wealthy man, George could have achieved even 

greater success if his turnpike investments had been more fruitful. 

Local regulations capped the tolls turnpikes could charge, preventing 

many of them from earning reasonable returns. On November 17th, the 

Orange County Board of Supervisors passed a motion that it was 

"resolved that the Board attend in a body the funeral of General 

George D. Wickham tomorrow at 2 o'clock," with the minutes further 

indicating that the Board did attend. A large memorial to George and 

his wife Bridget was placed on the inside back wall of St. James 

Episcopal Church, which both George and his father generously 

supported. Noting that for many years George was a warden of the 

church, the memorial consists of a polished marble plaque that is about 

two and one-half feet square, which is surrounded by a church-like 

structure about six feet high including a pair of marble pillars. In 1994, 

the Goshen Chamber of Commerce published a well researched, 70- 

page book titled George Duncan Wickham: A Biography by Henry 

Pomares in which a more complete account of George's career and 

legacy can be found. 

---- 

John McDaniels, son of Timothy, died Apr 1873, age 82 years. 

According to family tradition Timothy McDaniels came to this country 

from Ireland and settled in New York, where he died of Asiatic cholera, 

leaving two small children, John and Bridget, who after his decease 

were taken to Goshen, New York, Orange County, and reared in the 

family of Judge Wickham. Subsequently the daughter Bridget married 

George D. Wickham, the only child and heir of her foster father Judge Wickham. George D. became a large landholder and among 

his other possessions owned the principal part of Lots 44 Tully and Lot 14 Sempronius in this town [Spafford, Onondaga Co., NY], 

and at an early date John McDaniels, under a contract from his brother-in-law Mr. Wickham, settled on the latter of said lots and 

then on 100 acres on the northwest corner of the former said lots where he remained until the date of his decease. 

Montgomery Lodge No. 61/71, Montgomery, Orange (previously Ulster), New York 

Petition - 07 Dec 1796; read in the Grand Lodge 

Dispensation - 09 Jun 1797 for No. 61 

Constituted - 14 Jun 1797, by DeWitt Clinton 

Petition - 05 Jun 1798 

Warrant - 06 Jun 1798 as No. 71 

Returns Jun 1797 to May 1798, as No. 61 

Jun 1798 to Jun 1799, as No. 71 

Jun 1799 to Jun 1800 “ 

Jun 1800 to Jun 1801 “ 

Jun 1801 to Jun 1802 “ 

Jun 1802 to Jun 1803 “ 

Jun 1803 to Jun 1804 “ 

Warrant Surrender - 1817 

Olive Branch No. 102, Minisink, Orange, New York 

Warrant - 09 Dec 1803 

Last meeting held 3 Dec 1822 

In the Newburgh [Sunday] Telegram, 21 Jan 1892, appeared the following: 

Mr. James Gorton of No. 1547 3rd Avenue, New York, has the Charter of a 

Masonic Lodge called Olive Branch Lodge No. 102 in the town of Minisink, 

Orange County, issued in New York City 9 Dec 1803 by the then officers of 

the Grand Lodge. Who can tell us in what part of the old town of Minisink this 

Lodge was located and what is its history? Which question, with you 

permission, I will try to answer to the best of my ability. Having some years 

ago become interested in the same question I was prepared to locate the 

Lodge at once, but of its history my information was meager. 

10

Through the assistance of my friend, W. M. Clark of Minisink, I have been materially assisted in localizing, and also through the 

kindness of David Osman of Chester, it has been my privilege to peruse the old records. I have thus been blessed with “more light.” 

On the 7th day of Dec 1803 the Grand Lodge then in session in New York City received a petition from sundry Brethren residing in 

the town of Minisink, Orange Co., praying for a warrant for a Lodge to be held in said town, to be known by the name of “Olive 

Branch Lodge,” which petition was read, was referred to the Grand Officers. 

The warrant was granted on the 9th Day of Dec 1803, and the number given it was 102 and from the old records we find the 

following as the first recorded minutes. 

On the 20th day of Dec 1803 Olive Branch Lodge No. 102 was constituted, and held in the township of Minisink, Co. of Orange, 

opened in due form in the house of Bro. Israel Lee. 

The Officers were installed by Elisha Dubois of Warwick, who was commissioned by the Grand Lodge to that duty. The first Officers 

installed were as follows: 

Ebenezer Mead 

Phineas Terry 

Cotton Mather 

Master 

Sr. Warden 

Jr. Warden 

Ethan Watson 

Israel Lee 

Joseph Walling 

Secretary 

Treasurer 

Sr. Deacon 

John Mather 

Isaac Doty 

Jr. Deacon 

Tyler 

On 28 Feb 1804 the Lodge did its first work, initiating Samuel Kimber, Peter Corwin and John Forgerson [sp.?]. And at the same 

communication, Ezra Corwin was Passed and Raised, he probably having been initiated elsewhere. 

The house in which the Lodge first met, and where it remained until 1811 is still standing [1892], about three quarters of a mile from 

Village of Westtown, and is now the property of Mr. Benjamin W. Clark. 

On May 23rd 1811 the Lodge was moved and temporarily rested in the house of Bro. George Cole in the Village of Westtown, and 

on July the 9th of the same year moved into a new room which the Brethren had fitted up in quite an elaborate manner in the 

Academy at Westtown, “the curious workmanship of which astonished and amazed” the neighborhood. This room was 16 ½ ft. by 

23 ½ ft. in dimensions, with a high arched ceiling and decorated walls. The building is still standing in very good condition, and I 

have frequently visited this upper room, and standing under the arched ceiling have tried to imagine what have been some of 

scenes enacted there. 

Oct 6th 1811 this room was formally dedicated to Masonry with appropriate ceremonies. The Brethren met at this room and repaired 

in procession to the Church nearby, and listened to a discourse delivered by the Rev Thomas Greer, (pastor of the Pres. Church at 

Westtown) after which public services, in language of their own minutes, “we returned to the Lodge room, and in a little time 

prepared to receive such visitors as wished to view our rooms, and we were particularly honored by our sisters.” 

Charles Monell was Master of this Lodge in 1816-1817. Many of our older citizens will remember him, as in later years he practiced 

law in Goshen for quite a long time. 

The last recorded minutes are dated Dec 3rd 1822, and probably soon after that the Lodge again moved to the house of David 

Osmun (at that time its Master) in the same neighborhood where it was instituted, and there is died, and this last house in which it 

had a home, is the only one of the four which is not still standing. 

We can safely say that probably no Lodge ever existed in this country that embraced within its membership a better representation 

of the best families whining its jurisdiction than did Olive Branch Lodge No. 102, in the old town of Minisink. . . 

One more word regarding the old Charter, I asked Mr. Gorton how he came in[to] possession of it, and he gave this answer. Nearly 

25 years ago while standing in my place of business, and old man called upon me, and said that he was in distress, and pleaded 

with me for a small loan, his appearance testified to the truth of his statement, that he was in abject need, he asked for a small 

amount and drew from his pocket this Charter, asking me to keep it as a collateral until he could redeem it in a short time, he has 

never appeared to claim it. . . . 

Yours, W. E. Mapes. 

Members – 31 Jan 1801-3 Dec 1822 

(spellings as per transcription of records) 

Allyn, Sanford 

Anderson, Charles 

Anderson, David 

Auger, Daniel 

Augur, Ebenezer 

Bacon, Ethel B. 

Bailey, Almeri 

Bailey, Elias 

Bailey, Nathaniel 

Ball, Jonathan C. 

Ball, Stephen 

Beakes, Stacy 

Bernard, Peter 

Bloom, Nathaniel 

Brown, John 

Brown, Robert 

Brundage, Joseph 

Burns, Alexander 

Case, John 

Cash, Reuben 

Cole, George 

Corwin, Ezra 

Corwin, Peter 

Crawford, Joseph 

Curtis, John G. 

Dailey, John 

Darrow, James 

Decker, Isaac V. 

Denton, Nehemiah 

Dolly, Jeremiah 

Drake, Lawrence 

Eaton, James 

Eldred, Richard 

Eldred, Samuel 

Elmer, Nathaniel 

Elston, Jeremiah 

Forgerson, Aaron 

Forgerson, John 

Forgerson, Richard 

Fullerton, Daniel Jr. 

Gale, Peter 

Goble, William 

Gordon, Cornelius 

Green, Nathaniel 

Grier, Rev. Thomas 

Halstead, Joseph 

Halstead, Michael Jr. 

Halstead, WIllmet 

Hemmingway, William 

Herrick, Hiram 

Holbert, Peter 

Horton, Ezra 

Howell, Caleb 

Hunter, Robert 

Jackson, William T. 

Jay, Thomas C. 

Kenn, Mathias 

Kimber, Samuel 

Lambert, Samuel 

Lee, Israel 

Lee, Squire 

Lee, William P. 

Lynch, Bernard 

Mather, Cotton 

Mather, John 

Mather, Jonathan 

Mather, Silas 

Mead, Ebenezer 

Millepau, Daniel P. 

Mires, Jacob 

Mires, James 

Mires, Thomas 

Monell, Charles 

Moore, William 

Murray, Jacob 

Newkirk, Benjamin 

Norris, Joseph 

Osmun, David 

Osmun, Jacob 

Patterson, David 

Payn, John 

Perry, John T. 

Pierson, Theophilus H. 

Price, Edward 

Rascian, John 

11

Reeve, Elisha 

Rosencrantz, Josiah 

Schuyler, Garret 

Shepard, Abraham 

Shultz, Isaac 

Skinner, Cyrus 

Stewart, William 

Stoddard, Increase B. 

Story, Alanson H. 

Story, John 

Sullivan, Dennis 

Swezey, John S. 

Terry, Hiram 

Terry, Phineas 

Thompson, James 

Vanauken, Garret 

Vanauken, Isaiah 

VanEtten, Levi 

VanRitten, Jacob W. 

Van Bumble, James 

Wadsworth, James D. 

Walling, Joseph 

Ward, Anthony S. 

Watson, Ethan 

Whitaker, Richard 

Wood, John D. 

Young, William Jr. 

Youngs, Daniel 

Last meeting held 3 Dec 1822 

David Osmun Master 

J. Case SW 

J. Mires JW 

Joseph Norris Secretary 

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=tmason1&id=I24502 

Aaron Forgerson b. 1 Oct 1769; d. 15 Dec 1829; son of John Forgerson b: 11 Jul 1748; d. 18 Oct 1812 in Minisink, Orange, NY, 

and Hannah Gardiner b: from 15 Feb 1749 to 15 Feb 1750, d. 27 Apr 1803 in Minisink, Orange, NY; m. Abigail Davis b: 2 Jun 1772 

Children: 

1. Anne E. Forgerson b. 01 May 1810 in New York 

2. Grant Forgerson b. bef. 1811 in New York 

3. Sidney Forgerson b. bef. 1811 in New York 

Richard Gardner Forgerson b. 11 Jul 1767; d. 20 Apr 1810 in New York; son of John Forgerson b. 11 Jul 1748 and Hannah 

Gardiner b. from 15 Feb 1749 to 15 Feb 1750; m. 7 Aug 1788 Juleaner Davis b. 12 Jul 1769. 

Children: 

1. Emily Forgerson b. 11 Feb 1788 

2. Juliann Forgerson b. 30 Sep 1789 

3. Milicent Forgerson b. 09 May 1791 in New York 

4. Azubah Forgerson b. 10 Mar 1793 

5. Gardner Forgerson b. 15 Mar 1794 

6. Lavina Forgerson b. 22 Apr 1797 

7. States Forgerson b. 10 Dec 1799 

8. Laurence Forgerson b. 21 Mar 1802 in Orange, Schuyler, New York 

9. Sally Ann Forgerson b. 06 Aug 1805 

10. Henrietta Forgerson b. 15 Jul 1807 

11. John Forgerson b. 10 Aug 1810 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/h/a/l/William-C-Halstead/FAMO1-0001/d38.htm 

Wilmot HALSTEAD b. 13 Jan1769 in Goshen, Orange, NY; d. 22 Dec 1831 in Minisink, Orange, NY, son of Benjamin HALSTEAD 

and Ruth Howell.; m. Deborah NEALY on 16 Feb 1792 in Minisink, NY. Children: Charles Benjamin HALSTEAD, Wilmont Smith 

HALSTEAD, George S. HALSTEAD. 

Michael HALSTEAD [Jr.] b. ca 1776; d. Sep 1822. Parents: Michael HALSTEAD and PHOEBE. 

http://genforum.genealogy.com/mather/messages/113.html 

Cotton Mather, Capt., b. July 04, 1759, married Sarah Doty [d/o of Micajah Doty, born 15 March 1728/29 in Middlesex Co. NJ, and 

his wife Rosanna?]. They had 9 children: Increase, Mary, Phebe, Kezia (b. December 19, 1800), Martha (b. Aft 1801), John, Annie, 

Sallie, & Lydia. Capt. Cotton Mather d. April 22, 1822 and is buried at Loree Burying Ground, Westtown, Orange Co., N.Y. Sarah 

Doty Mather d. January 29, 1840. 

Capt. Cotton Mather's father: Increase Mather, b. 1725 Lower Aquebogue, Suffolk, New York, married Anna Brown 1743, d. 

December 20, 1794 Minisink, Orange, New York. Buried Loree Burying Ground, Westtown, Orange Co., N.Y. (gravestone standing 

1957, and still in October 1997 however a picture I have shows it in extremely delicate condition (deteriorating). They had 9 children. 

http://awt.ancestrylibrary.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=flakey&id=I2517&ti=5542 

David OSMUN b. ca 1775; m. Lydia PECK b: 4 Mar 1778 in Morristown, Morris, New Jersey 

http://books.google.com/books?id=NdAUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1428&dq=%22Increase+B.+stoddard%22&hl=en&ei=5ZKaTPj0CYGcl 

gfy96DPBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Increase%20B.%20stoddard%2 

2&f=false page 1429 

Increase Billings Stoddard, b. in Groton, 22 Oct 1767; d. at Minisink, NY, 15 Jun 1844; son of Robert Stoddard. He was a farmer 

at Groton until Apr 1796; he then lived in Preston, CT, until Apr 1797, when he moved to Minisink, Orange, NY, where he remained 

the rest of his life. He married (first) in Groton, Prudence, d/o William Morgan, and she died 7 Mar 1814. He married (second) 28 

Feb 1816, Anna (Loder) Smith, widow of Asahil Smith, and she died 6 Jul 1849. Children by first wife, born at Groton: Henrietta, b. 

30 Aug 1790; Prudence, 6 Nov 1791; Lucy, 28 Aug 1793; William Billings, b. at Preston, 1 Jul 1796. Born at Minisink: Simeon, 21 

Dec 1798; Increase B. [Jr.], 9 Feb 1801; Hannah, 25 Dec 1802; Jonathan, 16 Feb 1806. By second wife, at Minisink: Ira L., 

12

http://books.google.com/books?id=T5aAAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA592&lpg=PA592&dq=%22Phineas+Terry%22&source=bl&ots=QodqTiJd 

wd&sig=JLvkK0pp6icIEi4pm_u65yAAT54&hl=en&ei=qw2aTNYygfzwBsS7mS0&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&sqi=2& 

ved=0CBsQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Phineas%20Terry%22&f=false page 524. 

Phineas Terry – there are two Phineas Terrys listed from the Long Island area, with Orange County connections, who could be the 

above Senior Warden. Both are shown below . . . 

1. Phineas Terry m. ca 1796 Lydia Reeve b. May 11, 1775; d. May 29, 1841. They returned to Westtown, Orange Co., NY, after 

their marriage. They had Terry children: Galen 7, m. Eunice Young; Mahetable 7, m. (i) William Wheeler, (2) Samuel Wells; Lydia 7, 

not m.; Martina (or "Tiny") 7, m. Absalom Green; Eliza 7, m. Rev. James Weed; Charlotte 7, not m.; Sarah 7, m. Rev. Luther Knight; 

William 7, not m. 

A number of Terrys came from Shelter Island to Moriches, L. I.; and perhaps one named Noah, who m. (i) Sally, dau. of Abraham 

Parker, of Shelter Island, 1 Oct 1773; m. (2) Peggy, widow of Joseph Halstead; m. (3) Margaret, widow of Fall. Noah Terry, b. Sep 

1747; d. at Southold, L. I., Oct 1815, aged 68 years. He and his wife Margaret signed deeds in Orange Co., NY, whither he went, in 

1790; and returned to L. I, in 1802, dying in his brother Thomas's house, in Southold. Noah Terry had children: Phineas, the eldest, 

b. on Shelter Island; Sarah; Lydia; Lucretia; and Jasper, who m. Tinah Barthoff. The house in which Phineas Terry lived in Orange 

Co. (near Westtown), NY, is still standing. 

http://longislandsurnames.com/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I25326&tree=Haven 

Phineas Terry, b. ca 1773, Orient, Suffolk Co., LI, NY; son of Noah Terry, b. Sep 1747, Orient, Suffolk Co., LI, NY; d. 15 Oct 1815, 

Southold, Suffolk Co., LI, NY, and Sarah Parker, b. ca 1748, Shelter Island, Suffolk Co., LI, NY; m. Lydia Reeves, b. 11 May 1775, 

Southold, Suffolk Co., LI, NY; d. 29 May 1841 

Children, b. Southold, Suffolk Co., LI, NY: 

1. Mehitable Terry, b. ca 1800 

2. Lydia Terry, b. ca 1802 

3. Sarah Terry, b. ca 1804 

4. Martina Terry, b. ca 1804 

5. Eliza Terry, b. ca 1806 

6. William Terry, b. ca 1812 

Phineas TERRY opened the first store in Sullivan County in 1828/29. Terry was a surveyor. He remained a resident of the town until 

July 13, 1844, when he left home to gather berries, and was found dead a few hours afterwards. The cause of his death was 

unknown, although it was believed that he was killed by lightning. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=VfsOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA136&dq=%22Phineas+Terry%22&hl=en&ei=mRSaTPDZG4G78gagoO 

WUAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CE8Q6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22Phineas%20Terry%22&f=false 

page 

2. Phineas Terry (626) was married in 1800 to Mary Fenton, of Orange Co., NY. After his marriage he resided at Westtown, Orange 

Co., and worked at his trade, as a tailor. He enlisted in the army, and died at Staten Island, NY, 26 Oct 1813, while in the army, 

which was at that time engaged in the defense of the city of New York from an anticipated attack from the British forces. 

Children, all born at Westtown, NY: 

630. i. Catherine, d. at the age of 26 years. 

631. ii. Conklin Davis, b. April 2, 1805, d. June 17, 1860. 

632. iii. Keturah, d. when 22 years of age 

638. iv. James. 

634. v. William Fenton, b. 17 Mar 1810, d. at Tunkhannock, PA, 29 Aug 1882. 

Catherine Conklin (431) was married 29 Mar 1780, to Joshua Terry, Jr., of Southold, L. I. He was a son of Joshua Terry, who was 

a descendant in the fourth generation, of Richard Terry, who with his two brothers, John and Thomas, embarked for America at 

London, England, in the ship James, and landed at Salem, MA, in 1635. Richard remained in Salem a few years, removed to 

Springfield, MA, from thence to Lyme, CT, and from thence to Southold, L. I. Joshua Terry, the father of Joshua who married 

Catherine Conklin, was born in 1730, and died 1793. 

His wife was Sarah Hallock, born in 1732, died in 1763. He was a farmer, a man of enterprise, and possessing at one time a large 

property in land. Joshua, the husband of Catherine Conklin was born at Southold, Oct 1758; d. 25 Jan 1791. He fell overboard from 

his vessel when at sea, and was drowned. His wife Catherine was born at Amagansett, L. I., Saturday, 17 Jan 1761; d. at Goshen, 

Orange Co., NY, 1841. 

Children: 

626. i. Phineas, b. 08 Sep 1781, d. at Staten Island, NY. 13 Oct1813. 

627. ii. Abigail, b. 23 Aug 1783, d. 8 May 1866, at Goshen, NY. 

628. Hi. Hannah b. 24 Sep 24, 1785, d. 1 Jan 1864, at Goshen, NY. 

629. iv. Davis Conklin, b. 24 Mar 1789, d. 22 Aug 1865, at Hudson, NY. 

All born at Southold, L. I. 

13

http://www.cuddebackfamily.org/genealogy/descendants/cfig10.htm 

Levi Van Etten christened 12 Feb 1758 in Minisink-Machackameck Church, Orange Co., NY; d. 25 Oct 1843; son of Anthony Van 

Etten and Hannah Decker; m. Nov 27 1777 Jannetje Westbrook [Jane Westbroek] (Lydia Hornbeck , Eleanor Codebec , Jacques ) 

b. Jul 1757 [christened 5 Feb 1758 in Old Dutch Church, Kingston, Ulster, NY] ; d. 15 Dec 1837. 

Levi served in Orange Co. militia; justice of peace for town of Minisink and town supervisor in 1797; believed to have moved to 

Michigan as pioneer settler [?].Levi served in Captain Wilhelmus Westfall's Company of the Goshen District Regiment of Orange 

County Minisink. 

Children: 

i Child Van Etten b. 04 Aug. 

ii Jacob Van Etten b. 27 Dec 1779. 

iii Solomon Van Etten b. 25 Jan 1782; d. 1870. 

iv Jane Van Etten b. Jul 1786; d. 1796. 

v Blandina Van Etten b. bef. 04 Jan 1788; d. 1 Oct 1867. 

vi Levi Van Etten Jr. b. 13 Aug 1790; d. 7 Jul 1865. 

vii Jonthon Van Etten b. 14 Jan 1793. 

viii Hon Thomas Van Etten b. 04 May1795; d. 12 Aug 1861. 

There appears to have been an intermarriage connection between the Van Ettens, Vanaukens and the Deckers. 

His father Anthony Van Etten was born at Napanoch; bap. 12Jun1726 in Ulster County, NY; married Hannah Decker 3 Aug1750; 

settled at Deerpark (Port Jervis) NY, moving from Rochester, Ulster County, in 1743; blacksmith, justice of the peace, deacon, and 

elder in church; captain in Orange County (NY) militia; enthusiastic supporter of Revolutionary cause; assassinated in his orchard by 

Tories in late 1778; she died 30Jan1821 at Cayuga County, NY. 

Levi’s sister, Maria, born in 1764; bap. 11Nov1765; married Isaiah Decker in 1783. 

Hiram Lodge No. 131, Newburgh, Orange, New York 

Warrant - 19 Feb 1806 

Surrendered in 1831; revived as No. 92, 7 Sep 1842; surrendered in 1844; succeeded by Newburgh No. 309, 11 Jun 1853 

July 8, 1864 - REYNOLDS. -- In Harlem, on Wednesday, July 6, JAMES B. REYNOLDS [Tailor], late of Newburgh, NY, in the 86th 

year of his age, for nearly 60 years an active and honored member of the Masonic fraternity. His friends, and the members of 

Harlem Lodge No. 457, and the fraternity in general, are invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence, 3d-av., between 125th 

and 127th sts., this day, (Friday,) July 8, at 5 o'clock P.M., without further invitation. [formerly W.’.W.’. of Hiram Lodge No. 131] 

Certificate of Good Standing for Bro. William English, dated 25 Jun 1817; signed by Charles Humphrey, Master; Robert H. Reeve; 

Benjamin F. Lewis, Secretary [who served also a Master]. See also a Funeral Oration delivered by W.’. Benjamin F. Lewis at 

Appendix I. 

“The American Masonic Register, and Ladies' and Gentlemen's Magazine,” Volumes 1, edited by Luther Pratt. Sep 1820. page 40. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=3dcRAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA138&dq=%22benjamin+f.+lewis%22+%22newburgh%22&hl=en&ei=aa 

OaTPk4hfuXB8O0pcoH&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=%22benjamin%20f.%20 

lewis%22%20%22newburgh%22&f=false 

OBITUARY. 

“Lo! soft remembrance, drops a feeling tear, 

"And sacred friendship stands a mourner here." 

Died suddenly, at his residence in Greenwich-street in this city [New York], on Friday morning the 28th of July [1820], Mr. BENJAMIN 

FRANKLIN LEWIS, late of Newburgh, in the county of Orange, aged 29 [33] years. He was past master of Hiram lodge, and a worthy 

companion of Jerusalem Temple chapter, in that village. 

The Newburgh paper, of the first of August, after mentioning this distressing event, says, 

"His remains were brought to this place on Saturday; and his funeral was attended in the afternoon by a numerous assemblage of 

sympathising friends. A large Masonic procession conducted the deceased to the place of interment, where the ceremonies of the 

order were performed with great solemnity. Mr. Lewis was a gentleman of amiable disposition, conciliating manners, and 

unblemished integrity: his talents were improved by a liberal education and much reading, and he gave undoubted evidences of 

future usefulness to society. To his aged and venerable parents and family connections, his loss seems almost irreparable, and an 

extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, will long deplore his early departure." 

The editor of the Ladies' Literary Cabinet closes a handsome eulogy on the deceased, as follows: 

"On the evening previous to this melancholy event, the subject of these remarks was well and cheerful; and the last exercise of his 

talents and pen, but an hour or two before his death, was a short essay upon Enthusiasm, intended for the Literary Cabinet, which 

concluded with the following remarkable words:— 

"In the end, when the last trial comes, when it is for us, in our turn to meet the struggles of death, enthusiasm will not abandon us; 

her brilliant wings shall wave over our funeral couch, she will lift the veil of death, she will recall to our recollection those moments, 

when, in the fullness of energy, we felt that the soul was imperishable. And our last sigh shall be a high and generous thought, reascending 

to that Heaven from which it had its birth." 

14

http://books.google.com/books?id=PxgXUZMJSzUC&pg=PA258&dq=%22Hiram+Lodge+No.+131%22&hl=en&ei=B5maTNXKLoaKl 

wekw9jIBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Hiram%20Lodge%20No.%201 

31%22&f=false page 258. 

In 1806, "Hiram Lodge, No. 131," was constituted—Jonathan Fisk, M.; Chas. Baker, S. W.; John R. Drake, J. W. Its charter was 

surrendered in 1831. In 1842, (Sept. 7,) the charter was revived and the number changed to 92— Peter F. Hunn, Master; Minard 

Harris, SW; James Belknap, JW. It was again surrendered in 1844. In 1853, (June 11,) "Newburgh Lodge, No. 309," was 

constituted. 

This lodge [No. 131] entertained La Fayette at their rooms in the Orange Hotel, on Water Street, when he visited this place on 14 

Sep 1824. The address of welcome on this occasion was delivered by the Rev. John Brown, D. D., the rector of St. George's 

Protestant Episcopal Church, and the chaplain of the lodge. The charter of this lodge was surrendered 10 Dec 1834, during the 

anti-Masonic conflict in this State, but it was revived on 9 Sep 1842, and known as Lodge No. 92, with Peter F. Hunn, Master. It 

was dissolved in 1845, but the jewels of this lodge are still in the possession of the fraternity in this city. 

The Freemasons' repository, published monthly for Masons and ..., Volume 12, 1882-83. page 355. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=1blKAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA355&dq=%22Hiram+Lodge+No.+131%22&hl=en&ei=B5maTNXKLoaKl 

wekw9jIBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Hiram%20Lodge%20No.%2013 

1%22&f=false 

"the Oldest Mason." (editorial.) 

A STATEMENT has recently gone the rounds of the secular press to the effect that Capt. Hosea Ballon, who died in Washington, 

DC, on the 29th ultimo, aged ninety years, was at the time of his -death the oldest member of the Masonic Fraternity in this country. 

It appears that Bro. Ballon was made a Mason in Morning Star Lodge, at Woonsoeket, RI, in 1818, and therefore his membership 

covers a period of sixty-five years. But hardly had the announcement in regard to Bro. Ballou's claim been made, before notice was 

given of venerable Brethren yet living who have had a continuous membership in Masonry for a considerable longer time. The New 

York Herald published a letter from a correspondent in Newburg, stating that Bro. Ballou's record as a Mason was beaten by Rev. 

John Brown, D. D., a long time resident of that city. 

Dr. Brown was made a Mason in Hiram Lodge, No. 131, of Newburg, NY, on June 16, 1817, and he has therefore had full sixty-six 

years connection with the Fraternity. Dr. Brown, has been for many years, and still is, Chaplain of Hudson River Lodge, of 

Newburg, and has always shown a great regard for the Masonic Institution. For sixty-three years Dr. Brown was rector of St. 

George's Church in Newburg. He is now in the ninety-second year of his age and quite feeble. This Brother has indeed been spared 

to a great age, and his record as a Mason is of wider range than that of Bro. Ballou. . . . 

http://monticellolodge532.org/hx/benton/benton1.pdf 

If Sullivan County Masonry ever had a Benedict Arnold it was Peter F. Hunn. As Arnold had saved the country he later tried to ruin, 

so Hunn had helped Sullivan County Masonry in its infancy only to betray it later. 

Hunn was a lawyer who came to Monticello from Newburgh not long after the organization of the County. He was the first Junior 

Warden of Sullivan Lodge and later served as its Senior Warden and Master. 

When the dark clouds of the Morgan Episode descended over the State in 1826 and a Sullivan County Anti-Masonic party was 

formed Hunn was one of the first to desert the fraternity. 

The Anti-Masons, led by Hunn and others including former Mason and County Sheriff David Hammond became a powerful political 

body in the County. They elected their candidate, Hiram Bennett, to Foster for County Clerk [sic], and Nathan W. Horton for Sheriff 

in the Fall of 1831. [Editor’s note: At this point in the text, a line of type appears to be out of place, which states: "the Assembly, their 

nominee Jesse M."] Following the election Anti-Masons Hiram Bennett, Harley B. Ludington and Daniel B. St. John were satirized in 

the columns of the Republican Watchman for their conduct in a celebration which followed the election. The Watchman’s editor 

Frederick A. Devoe continued his attacks during the next Winter and Spring disturbing them to such an extent that the wealthier 

Anti-Masons provided funds sufficient to organize the Anti- Masonic Sullivan County Herald Hunn became the first editor and 

demonstrated his intellectual culture and acknowledged talent in reply editorials directed at Devote. The latter, however, held to 

Masonic principles rather than the anti-Masonic fanaticism championed by Hunn and emerged the victor. Devoe’s editorials were so 

convincing to Hunn that he deserted the Herald in 1838 as hastily as he had the Masonic fraternity more than a decade before. 

Hunn realized his grave mistake and wanted to help restore that which he had attempted to destroy but the bitterness he had shown 

for the fraternity while an Anti-Mason could not be forgotten by those who had remained loyal to the craft through the trying days. 

The Charter of Hiram Lodge 131 in Newburgh was seized in September 1842 and its number was changed to 92. Hunn was well 

acquainted with members of Hiram Lodge and it was on his invitation that Benjamin Lewis, a Past Master of the Newburgh 

organization came to Monticello and installed Sullivan Lodge’s first officers. 

Hiram Lodge had suffered a great loss in membership during the Morgan period and became inactive. In 1842 Masonry was 

experiencing brighter days that had not fully recovered from the setbacks it had experienced during the ten years which followed 

1826. 

Hunn was installed Master of Hiram Lodge under its second charter and worked diligently for two years ton continue the old Lodge. 

His efforts bore no fruit, however, and in 1844 the charter was surrendered. Although he had no Lodge to call his own from 1844 

until his death in 1847 during this brief period he lived as an upright man and Mason doing good whenever possible and left a 

pleasant memory to his associates. 

Hunn served in Sullivan County as Master and Examiner in Chancery, Surrogate of the County, Clerk of the County Board of 

Supervisors, and as Justice of the Peace. He died in Newburgh during the summer of 1847 leaving a wife and several children. 

15

http://books.google.com/books?id=KvUsAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA86&dq=%22Hiram+Lodge+No.+131%22&hl=en&ei=B5maTNXKLoaKlw 

ekw9jIBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22Hiram%20Lodge%20No.%20131 

%22&f=false page 85. 

Isaac Post (3), son of Isaac (2) Post, was born 12 Aug 1784, in Southampton, Long Island, NY, died in Montrose, PA, 23 Mar 1855. 

He was one of the early settlers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, coming to Montrose in the early part of 1800. where he became one 

of the prominent men of the community. He conducted a general store, and also kept an inn. He took a foremost part in every good 

project in the community, and was instrumental in establishing the first bank in that section. He held various offices of honor and 

trust, was major of the Second Battalion of the State Militia in 1811, and was also inspector of the Second Brigade; he was treasurer 

of Susquehanna county in i8t2; a member of the state legislature from Susquehanna county in 1828; and associate judge of 

Susquehanna county in 1837. He was a member of the Masonic organization, holding membership in Hiram Lodge, No. 131, of 

Newburg, NY. He married, in 1805, Susannah Hinds, the ceremony being performed by Thomas Tiffany, Esq. She was born 10 Nov 

1782, died 15 Nov 1846, d/o Bartlett Hinds. 

Children: 

Mary Ann, b. 06 Mar 1806; d. 17 Apr 1806; 

William Leander, b. 26 Apr 1807; d. 26 Feb 1871; 

Albert Lotan, b. 25 Mar 1809; d. 06 Dec 1886; 

Mary Susannah, b. 25 May 1811; d. 23 Mar 1812; 

Susannah Jane, b. 04 Apr 1813; d. 09 Feb 1819; 

Agnes Ann, b. 25 Sep 1815; d. 22 Jun 1816; 

Isaac Lucius, b. 11 Jul 1818 in Montrose, PA; d. 8 Dec 1899. 

Jane Amanda, b. 14 Nov 1820; d. 25 Oct 1903. unmarried; 

Elizabeth Vallonia, b. 04 Jul 1825; d. 04 Oct 1853; m. Gordon Dimock, MD, of Montrose, PA, who was a surgeon in the civil war; 

George Leonidas, b. 24 Sep 1828; d. 05 Dec 1841. 

Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 189, Wallkill, Orange, New York 


Forfeit 1835; see Hoffman Nos. 300 and 412. 

Uriah Hulse , Master; Mathias Keen, SW; Jacob Murray, JW 

7 Returns of file at GL. 1810-1831 

Baker, Ambrose D. [T.] 

Ball, Amasa F. 

Becker, Stacy 

Bell, Alexander 

Bell, William 

Bins, Samuel 

Brown, Benjamin 

Caldwell, James 

Campbell, John 

Cary, Abner 

Chattle, Joseph 

Clark, William 

Coleman, David 

Colman, Thomas 

Comfort, John 

Conckling, David 

Conklin, N. Ananias 

Corwin, Benjamin 

Corwin, David Jr. 

Cory, David 

Crawford, Andrew 

Cuddeback, Abraham 

Culbut [Colbert], James 

Dodge Benjamin 

Everson, Thomas 

Fuller, James 

Giggie, William Jr. 

Godfrey, Libbeus [Lebeus] 

Green, Charles 

Green, Mathias 

Green, Nathaniel 

Harding, Eleazer 

Hill, Abiel F. 

Hornbeck, Nicholas 

Horton, Barna [Barney] 

Horton, Salter 

Howell, James 2nd 

Hulse [Hults], Uriah 

Hunter, Robert L. 

Jackson, Daniel T. 

Members listed from Returns 

Jarvis, George A. 

Keen [Keene], Joseph 

Kerby [Kirby], John 

Kerr, Robert 

King Isaac 

Lane, Jonathan 

McBride, Henry 

Martin, John W. 

Merritt, Ananias S. 

Metenas, Samuel 

Miller, Walter T. 

Murray, Charles 

Murray, Jacob 

Murray, William 

Newkirk, Benjamin B. 

Otis, William 

Pierson, Henry 

Reeve, Elijah C. 

Reeve, Elisha 

Reeve, Elisha Jr. 

Reeve, John C. 

Reid [Reed], Joseph 

St. John, Stephen 

Satterly [Saterlee], Jacob 

Schultz, Isaac 

Seeley, Charles 

Seely, Holly 

Seybolt, George F. 

Skinner, Jep[h]thah 

Stanton, Jonathan 

Sternz [Stearns], Benjamin 

Thompson, Robert 

Tuthill, Gideon 

Taylor, ___ 

Vail, Isaac 

Van Etten, Solomon 

Van Inwegen, Samuel 

Welch, Eleazer 

Welch, Elijah 

Abraham Cuddeback (1754-1855) - first saw Skaneateles Lake while working as a surveyor, moved here with his wife, children 

and livestock on June 14, 1794, our first settlers. Their journey from Minisink, New York today a drive of four hours took 43 days. 

Below are three different accounts of an Abraham Cuddeback who appears to have migrated to Skaneateles, NY . . . 

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:3183464&id=I1004 

Abraham A. CUDDEBACK, b. bef. 22 Apr 1760; Christening 11 Mar 1754 Minisink, Orange, NY; d. 22 Oct 1831 in Skaneateles, 

Onondaga, NY; Burial Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles, Onondaga Co., NY 

Based upon information from John Cuddeback, Flushing, MI 

" never married He died when a young man, by overheating himself in seeking to stop a fire in the woods" 

Information provided by Elizabeth Cuddeback, paper written by Clarence S. Cuddeback, as presented to the Skaneateles Historical 

Society on Sept 28, 1965. 

According to this paper, Abram died in 1796 and Jane died in 1798 

"He evidently saw the beauties of the Skaneateles Lake and decided to make his home there So, on May 2, 1794, at the age of 40, 

in a two wheeled wagon, he took wife and six children, three yoke of oxen, on two-year old colt and 12 cows to Skaneateles. 

16

Father: Abraham CODEBEC b: in Peenpeck, Orange Co., NY c: 19 AUG 1716 in Peenpack (Deerpark), Orange Co., NY 

Mother: Hesther SWARTWOUD b: ca 1733 in Sindiachquan, NY 

Married: ca 1783 Janneke DEWITT b: 13 DEC 1764 in Minisink, Orange Co., NY 

Children born in Minisink, Orange Co., NY; died in Skaneateles, NY, except as noted: 

Hester CUDDEBACK b: 26 DEC 1784 c: 1 MAY 1785 in Minisink, Orange Co., NY 

Isaiah CUDDEBACK b: 29 OCT 1787; died 1 OCT 1853 

Jacob CUDDEBACK b: 27 JAN 1789; died 14 MAY 1852 

James CUDDEBACK b: 20 OCT 1789; died 22 NOV 1843 

Egbert D CUDDEBACK b: 7 DEC 1792; died 4 AUG 1864 

Phillip CUDDEBACK b: 23 MAY 1794; died 23 JUL 1814 

Moses CUDDEBACK b: 13 JAN 1795; died Aft 8 JUN 1870 

Hannah CUDDEBACK b: ca 1797; 1 FEB 1798 

Levi CUDDEBACK b: 29 APR 1799; 4 JUN 1849 

DeWitt CUDDEBACK b: 20 JUL 1801; 12 DEC 1845 

Simeon CUDDEBACK b: 11 JUL 1803; died 26 APR 1885 

Abram CUDDEBACK b: 5 FEB 1805; died 11 JAN 1826 

Louisa CUDDEBACK b: 11 APR 1808; died 14 OCT 1825 


Abraham CUDDEBACK b. bef. 20 APR 1784 in Machackemeck, Orange, NY; d. 23 AUG 1855 in Skaneateles, Onondaga, NY; 

Burial: Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles, Onondaga, NY; OCCUPATION Farmer at Cuddebackville 

Abraham's Log Cabin was removed from its original location in 1984 and rebuilt along Route 42 at Forestburg, Sullivan, NY. 

Father: William Abraham CUDDEBACK b: 5 NOV 1759 in Minisink, Orange, NY c: 21 NOV 1759 in Minisink-Machackameck 

Church, Orange Co., NY 

Mother: Charlotte VAN INWEGEN b: Bef 8 MAY 1763 in Minisink, Orange, NY c: 8 MAY 1763 in Minisink, Orange, NY 

Married: 16 FEB 1809 in Mamakating, Sullivan Co., NY Catherine KUYKENDALL b: 11 FEB 1791 in Port Jervis, Orange, NY 

Children: 

James CUDDEBACK b: 12 APR 1812 in Orange Co., NY 

William Abraham CUDDEBACK b: 6 SEP 1815 in New York 

Jane CUDDEBACK b: 1 DEC 1817 

Thomas CUDDEBACK b: 22 JUN 1822 in New York 

Hannah CUDDEBACK b: 10 MAY 1824 

Charlotte CUDDEBACK b: 23 JUL 1830 

Hulda CUDDEBACK b: 25 APR 1831 in Orange Co., NY 

Sarah Catherine CUDDEBACK 

Hester CUDDEBACK b: 26 MAR 1820 

Harmonus CUDDEBACK b: 27 MAR 1827 in New York 

Abraham Cuddeback was born in 1713. He was the son of Jacob Cuddeback and Margaret Provost. Abraham Cuddeback died 

on 18 August 1796 at Skaneateles, Onondaga, New York 

Elijah, Elisha and Elisha Jr. Reeve – of Mount Hope owned a sawmill on the outlet of Big Pond ca 1810. 

Elisha may be on who served in Captain Thompson's Company of the Goshen District Regiment of Orange County Militia [Colonel 

William Allison's Regiment]. It is likely that the Elisha Reeve [Jr.] who was born in Southold [Long Island] in 1780 went to Orange 

County, NY, before 1776, married Temperance Reeve there in 1781 [see below], and applied for a Revolutionary War pension in 

1832, was a son of Elisha [d. 1751]. 

http://www.orangecountygov.com/orgMain.asp?orgid=201&sID=&storyID=2486 

Shoddy Hollow is located on the portion of the Shawangunk Kill in the northerly end of Mt. Hope Township, . . .The first authentic 

record we have of the doings there, centers around the lives of a young man named Elisha Reeve . . . who was born February 21, 

1750, the son (‘tis said) of Thomas Reeve (whose tombstone stands in the old Galillee Cemetery or old Yellow Church Cemetery as 

it was variously called just east of Mt. Hope Village.) Elisha Reeve was on his way to the Battle of the Minisink, so the story goes, 

when he stopped at the little fort, located on the hill just west of what is known as the “Maples,” on the road which runs from Route 

17 to Van Burenville school house. Where this fort was located, later stood the old Wallkill Baptist Church. . . . 

At this fort, young Elisha Reeve met Temperance Reeve, daughter of another Reeve family then in that vicinity. Suffice is to say, he 

never reached the Battle of Minisink, and on December 27, 1781, Elisha and Temperance were married at the Goshen Presbyterian 

Church. About this time, he settled with his wife at Shoddy Hollow and his wife’s father and mother are buried in the old private 

cemetery (just over the hill from Dr. Northway Meyer’s summer home . . .) on what is known as the old Whitlock Place. The 

Shawangunk Kill always has had quite a volume of water, . . . and on this Kill, Elisha built a sawmill or gristmill for the benefit of 

both himself and his neighbors. 

Elisha Reeve died April 25, 1837 and his wife Temperance died February 7, 1830, . . . In the assessment record of 1798 Elisha is 

assessed with 150 acres of land, valuation $475, and living next to Walter Everitt. 

http://home.comcast.net/~troygoss/reevbk.html 

Elisha REEVE, Jr. was born between 1755 and 1756. He married Phoebe SEYBOLT on 3 Jan 1788, in Orange County, NY. They 

had at least one daughter: Mary "Polly" REEVE b. 11 Dec 1796; d. 30 Dec 1870 

By 1800 it appears the REEVE family moved a few miles west to Deerpark, Orange County, and had as many as five daughters and 

one son. Their whereabouts afterward are unknown. 

17

Elijah REEVE was born 2 Sep 1757, and may have been a brother of Elisha Jr. and Abigail REEVE. He married Mary SEYBOLT, a 

German immigrant and sister of Elisha's wife Phoebe (SEYBOLT) REEVE, on 21 Dec 1773, in Otisville, Orange, NY. They had at least 

three children: 

1. Gabriel REEVES 09 Mar 1777 24 Feb 1824 

2. Katura REEVE 15 Aug 1779 4 Jul 1799 

3. Frances "Fannie" REEVE 30 Apr 1782 4 Mar 1830 

Mary (SEYBOLT) REEVE died on 6 Aug 1783, at about age 29. 

Elijah went on to remarry to Mary FOX in 1786. 

Elijah REEVE died on 26 Nov 1817, at the age of 60. 

Abigail REEVE was born 4 Apr 1761, and may have been a sister of Elisha REEVE, Jr. and Elijah REEVE. She married Frederick 

SEYBOLT, a brother of Elisha's wife Phoebe (SEYBOLT) REEVE, on 17 Jan 1786, in Goshen, Orange, NY. They had as many as nine 

children. 

http://home.comcast.net/~troygoss/seybbk.html 

George Frederick SEYBOLT b. 15 Feb 1792; d. 31 Oct 1842; son of John M(ickel) Seybolt (Jr.) [b. 4 Sep 1759]; m. 4 May 1813 

Anna King. George was a first cousin of a above Seybolt wives of the Reeve brothers. 

http://www.seeley-society.net/bios-ly/bio-southerlandmooreseely.html 

Holly Seel[e]y, was born 7 Aug 1787, at Goshen. Orange, NY [son of James Seely and Nancy Westlake], and was, in 1826, 

engaged in the tannery and leather business, near Middletown, in the same county. His wife, Elizabeth Moore of Jackson Township, 

Tioga, PA, was of Quaker parentage, born 16 Sep 1790, at Cornwall, Orange, NY, and was reared in the strict discipline of that sect. 

In 1829 having lost heavily by fire, removed with his family to Newburg, NY, where he conducted a hotel for about one year, and 

then returned to Mount Hope, in Orange County, where he remained two years. In 1832 he went with his family to Sussex County, 

NJ, where he carried on the tanning business for three years. At this place, Mr. Seely had the misfortune to lose his wife, who died 6 

Oct 1835. Holly married again, soon after, and removed to Tunkhannock, PA, where he was engaged, for three years or more, in a 

tannery, and upon a farm, clearing up woodland, etc. In this work he was assisted by his son, Southerland Moore Seely [b. 15 Aug 

1826], to the extent of his ability. When this son was nearly thirteen [ca 1849], the family removed to Michigan and settled near 

Ypsilanti. He died 24 Sep 1870 at Kendallville, Illinois 

Children: 

i. Charles W. Seeley b. 27 Jan 1811. 

ii. James F. Seeley b. 18 Jul 1819. 

ii. Southland Moore Seeley b. 15 Aug 1826. 

His uncle Nathaniel Jr. [q.v. was a member of St. John’s Lodge No. 19/18, Warwick, Orange, NY, and Holly’s father James and 

his uncle Nathaniel, Jr. were members of Union Lodge No. 30 at New Town [Elimra],Chemung, NY. See Appendix II for the 

more extensive biography of Holly’s father, James. 

Washington Lodge No. 220, Bloomingrove, Orange, New York 

Warrant - 10 Jun 1813 

Forfeit 1834 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Adams_(lawyer) 

James Adams, member of Skaneateles Lodge No. 522 (sic) [Corinthian or Village Lodge] in Skaneateles, New York. 

James Adams (24 Jan 1783 – 11 Aug 1843) was a nineteenth century Illinois lawyer and close friend of Mormon prophet Joseph 

Smith, Jr.. James Adams, the son of Parmenio Adams and Cleo Nering, was born on 24 Jan 1783, at Simsbury, CT. He married 

Harriet Denton (1787-1844) in 1809 at Hartford, CT, and later moved to Oswego, NY. He served in the US Army during the War of 

1812. In 1821 he settled in Springfield, IL, where he became a pioneer attorney of Sangamon County. He was elected Justice of the 

Peace in 1823. He served in the Winnegago War in 1827, as well as the Black Hawk War in 1831-1832. Because of his military 

service he was often addressed as "General Adams." He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Illinois in 1834. He 

participated in a long-running newspaper battle with Abraham Lincoln beginning in May 1837, over the transfer of a city lot. He was 

made a Probate Judge in 1841. He was also longstanding member of the Masonic fraternity. He was the first Worshipful Master of 

Springfield Lodge No. 26 [4] A.F.& A.M. in Springfield, Illinois in 1839. 

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=336850788809 

The petition was recommended by the officers and members of Harmony Lodge, then No. 24, of Jacksonville. The 

dispensation, dated 25 Feb 1839 was issued by the Grand Lodge of Missouri and designated James Adams (WM), James R. 

Gray (SW) and Alexander Lindsay (JW) as the first officers. Formal installation of the other officers of the lodge, Love S. 

Cornwall (SEC), James Maxey (TR), Philo Beers (SD) and William Cudmore (JD), was held on April 25, 1839 with Dr. Meredith 

Helm, member of Friendship Lodge No. 84 in Williamsport, Maryland, presiding. 

On October 25, 1839, the Grand Lodge of Missouri issued the charter which identified the lodge as Springfield Lodge No. 26. 

The lodge was very active during its first year, bringing in new members and hosting several events for the community. 

Committees from various lodges around the state met on December 27, 1839 in Jacksonville. Dr. Meredith Helm, James 

Adams and Alexander Lindsay represented Springfield Lodge No. 26 at that meeting. After much discussion it was decided 

that a new Grand Lodge of Illinois should be formed and April 6, 1840 was selected as the date for the first convention to be 

held in Jacksonville. James Adams represented Springfield Lodge Bo. 26 at that meeting and was elected as Deputy Grand 

Master. Senator Stephen A. Douglas, also a member of Springfield lodge, was elected as Orator for the Grand Lodge. 

18

The Missouri charter was relinquished for Springfield Lodge No. 26 and a dispensation was granted under the new Grand 

Lodge of Illinois, renaming the lodge Springfield Lodge No. 4. Although the lodge bore the number "four", it was recorded as 

the first lodge to be issued a charter by the new Grand Lodge. 

It is not known how Adams came into contact with Mormonism, but he converted in 1836. He apparently first met Joseph Smith in 

1839, when the Mormon prophet preached in Springfield in November 1839, when he was on his way to Washington, DC. Adams 

invited Smith to his home. The meeting of the two resulted in an enduring friendship; upon meeting Adams, Smith wrote in his diary 

that he "treated me like a father." Upon his conversion Adams became active in local Mormon affairs, serving as the leader of the 

Springfield Mormon congregation as Branch President. He was also ordained a patriarch by Smith, probably in 1843; a few of his 

patriarchal blessings have survived from that year. 

As the Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Illinois (1840 to 1843), he was instrumental in establishing 

Freemasonry among the Mormons, participating in the installation of the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge in 1842. 

Eventually, Adams' friendship with Smith brought him into the Mormon prophet's inner circle, those whom he initiated into Nauvoo's 

most sacred doctrines practices. Even though Adams resided in Springfield, Smith invited him to come to Nauvoo so that he would 

be included among those men first to receive the endowment, a Mormon temple ritual. He was the only non-Nauvooan among the 

group. On May 4, 1842, Smith introduced the ceremony to Adams and eight men, who formed the nucleus of the Anointed Quorum. 

Until Smith's death in 1844 he brought others into this elite group, admitting both men and women, until it included over fifty 

persons. Adams' wife, Harriet, was endowed and admitted into the Anointed Quorum on 8 Oct 1843. Adams attended the group's 

meetings whenever he was in Nauvoo. 

Smith also included Adams in Nauvoo's most clandestine and controversial practice, eternal marriage and polygamy. On the day 

(May 28, 1843) that Smith was sealed to his wife, Emma, in eternal marriage, Smith also sealed Adams' for time and eternity. This 

was not the end of Adams' eternal marriages. Five weeks later, July 11, Smith performed a plural marriage sealing for 38-year-old 

Roxanna Rephsire to Adams. Not only did Adams receive a plural wife from Smith, he also performed the ceremony for two of 

Smith's own plural wives: the sisters, Emily D. Partridge and Eliza M. Partridge, on 23 May 1843. 

Upon an appointment to Hancock County’s probate court in 1843, Adams prepared to move to Nauvoo, a move that would bring him 

into even closer association with Smith. In the midst of his preparations he contracted cholera and died suddenly on 11 Aug 1843 in 

Springfield, Illinois. His remains were interred in the Old Pioneer Cemetery, Nauvoo, Illinois. Harriet followed her husband, passing 

away a year later (21 Aug 1844) at Springfield, where she was interred. 

http://bycommonconsent.com/2010/09/22/james-adams-a-remarkable-mormon-and-the-subject-of-a-remarkable-sermon-part-1- 

introduction/ 

James Adams (1783-1843). James Adams spent most of his life in Springfield, Sangamon County, Ill. Born in Simsbury, Hartford, 

CT, 24 Jan 1783 to Parmenio Adams and Cleo Nering. Married Harriet Denton, 1809 (Hartford). Fought in the War of 1812. Arrived 

Springfield, Sangamon, IL, in 1821 where he became an attorney. Elected justice of the peace 1823. Fought in Winnebago and 

Black Hawk wars. Military service gave him the life-long title of “general.” Ran for Illinois governor in 1834 but was defeated. Joined 

LDS church sometime between 1836 and 1841. Had a long-running newspaper battle with Abraham Lincoln * over the transfer of a 

city lot. Lincoln said this was one of a few acts in his career he truly came to regret. Adams became a probate judge in Illinois 

(1841). Ordained patriarch (1843?). Became friends with JS in 1839 as JS passed through Springfield, Ill. on the way to 

Washington, DC. One of original group to receive the Nauvoo endowment (May 1842). Deputy Grand Master of Masonic Grand 

Lodge of Illinois (1840-1843). Sealed to Harriet [Denton], 25 May 1843 by JS. Sealed two plural wives to JS. Became polygamist 

himself July 11, 1843 when he married Roxanna Rephsire. Died of cholera, 11 Aug 1843. 

http://www.mastermason.com/dresden/abraham_lincoln_and_freemasonry.htm 

* Edwin M. Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War, was an avid Freemason. He wrote that he once elicited Lincoln's views of 

Masonry and Lincoln was noncommittal. Perhaps Lincoln did not have strong feelings either way joining the Masons. Lincoln 

might have avoided Masonry because of unfortunate, but interesting, incidents with a couple of Masons. 

One is James Adams. In May 1837, Lincoln took on one of his first legal cases, representing the widow and son of Joseph 

Anderson in their effort to take possession of, and sell ten acres of land presumed to have been owned by him at the time of 

his death. 

However, James Adams, Anderson's former attorney and an officer of the Springfield Masonic Lodge, was found to be in 

possession of the land, basing his claim on a deed executed to him by Anderson. Lincoln felt the conveyance of this land was 

spurious. At the time of this lawsuit, Adams was running as a Democrat for probate justice of the peace of Sangamon County 

against a Whig friend of Lincoln's. 

During the campaign, six letters were printed in the local newspaper, written by Lincoln and insinuating fraud by Adams, and a 

few days before the election Lincoln wrote and distributed handbills in Springfield which stated explicitly that Adams obtained 

the Anderson land by fraud. Adams responded to these charges, and Lincoln in turn published replies. 

The affair was bitter and public. Lincoln said Adams spread rumors that Lincoln was a deist, rumors that caused Lincoln 

political harm in the future. In the meantime, Adams won the election, and the contested land was still in Adams' estate when 

he died six years later. James Adams was a Master of the Springfield Lodge in 1839 and was elected Deputy Grand Master of 

Masons in Illinois in 1840. 

Lincoln might not have wanted to join a lodge in which Adams was a prominent member, and Lincoln might not have received 

unanimous approval to be accepted into the Springfield Lodge after his 1837 run-ins with the prominent Mason James Adams. 

Joseph Smith was an intensely loyal family man and that attachment was mirrored in Church structure. Family members played 

important roles in the LDS hierarchy. His father was a member of the Church presidency for a period and also served as the first 

“patriarch.”[1] His brothers held prominent Church offices. He continued to mourn the loss of older brother Alvin, 20 years later. His 

wife led the women of the Church in the formal women’s organization, the Nauvoo Female Relief Society. 

19

With the death of Joseph’s father, Joseph Smith Sr., in September 1840, the Prophet found in James Adams a man he came to 

regard as a surrogate father. Adams may have heard of, and become part of Mormonism in 1836, but his recorded interaction with 

the Church begins with his meeting with Joseph Smith in Springfield in the fall of 1839. Events resulting from this first meeting made 

the passing of James Adams in the summer of 1843 an important event in Joseph Smith’s life. 

Adams was included in Nauvoo ritual innovations and was one of the first inductees into the “endowment” and became a polygamist 

in the summer of 1843. Smith’s father was the first Church patriarch, and Adams was ordained a patriarch likewise. Other facts 

could be marshaled to show the high regard Joseph held for James Adams. 

Adams had an active role in Illinois politics and ran into the usual buzzsaw of political newsprint as a result. [5] He ran for a number 

of offices including governor, but was unsuccessful in that particular attempt. Adams had been appointed to the office of Probate 

Judge in Sangamon County, Ill. and held this office until it became an elected position in 1837. In the ensuing election, Adams ran 

against Anson Henry, a friend of Abraham Lincoln, whose (Lincoln’s) machine proceeded to dig up dirt on Adams. Adams and 

Lincoln lambasted each other and their allies in the newspapers. In the end, Adams won, but the political war earned him enemies. 

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=377754393809 

James Adams: First Master of Springfield Lodge No. 4 and first lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. 

by Springfield Lodge No.4, A.F.&A.M. on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 4:28am 

Brother Adams was born on January 24, 1783 in Limsbury Township, Hartford County, Connecticut. His parents, Parmenio and 

Chloe Adams, were hard working farmers in Connecticut. Bro. Adams joined in the labors of maintaining the family farm until he 

reached young adulthood and decided that he did not want to continue farming. He wanted to study law and moved to Hartford. 

While in Hartford, Bro. Adams met Harriet Denton and courted her until they were married in 1809. Soon after, they had three 

children, two daughters and a son, Lucian. The family lived there for a short time before moving to New York. After arriving to the 

town of Skaneateles is when Bro. Adams became a member of the Fraternity. Although, the records have been destroyed or lost, he 

became a member of Skaneateles Lodge No. 522 [sic]. 

Skaneateles, New York was a popular settlement during the early 1800's. It attracted many people that had voyaged to the United 

States from Great Britain and Scotland. It sits right on the lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Fraternity there had 

influence from the old lodges in Europe, where so many of the residents once lived. The local lodge there was once known as 

Corinthian Lodge [222] before being renamed Skaneateles Lodge No. 522 under a new charter in the 1850's. Bro. Adams was one 

of the first members of the Corinthian Lodge, although much of their records have been lost and there is not an actual date of his 

initiation into the fraternity. 

The Adams' then moved to Oswego, New York where he finished his law studies and was admitted to the Bar. His law record has 

been lost over the years but it is believed that he practiced in Oswego and New York City before making the decision to move west, 

like so many others during that period. 

Bro. Adams and his wife arrived in Springfield, Illinois in 1821. He is recorded as being the first lawyer in Springfield and Sangamon 

County. Springfield was nothing more than a small village at the time, still in its infancy when the Adams' arrived but it was rapidly 

growing. Many merchants came to Springfield because it was in the middle of the route that many used on their voyage to the great 

unknown west. 

Bro. Adams is listed as one of the first owners of downtown real estate in Springfield. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1823 

and lived in comfort on the outskirts of the downtown area. He used some of his income to purchase five lots for $13.75 at a public 

auction when the town was first laid out in 1825. The following day, he purchased six more lots for $17.25. 

He took an interest in the Fraternity soon after he arrived in Illinois. He attended the first Grand Lodge session held in Vandalia as a 

guest. His participation in the organization of Sangamo Lodge No. 9 in Springfield is unknown and no record of his involvement in 

the Fraternity appears until the formation of Springfield Lodge No. 26. 

His career as an attorney and Justice of the Peace was halted when he served in the Winnebago War in 1827 and then again during 

the Black Hawk War in 1831-1832. Because of his military service, many resident in Springfield called him, "General" Adams. 

Although, he was never officially given the rank. His popularity with the people made Bro. Adams a candidate for Governor of Illinois 

in 1834. He lost the election but his popularity in his hometown remained. 

He knew Abraham Lincoln well and in 1837 participated in a newspaper battle with the future president over a lot transfer. The 

history of editorial battles stretched across the country in the days before televeision and radio. This was a way for the participants 

to use a public forum to discredit the other, often times leaving a humorous note in the pages of history. It is believed that Mr. 

Lincoln had not petitioned a the lodge because of his feelings towards Adams however, many of Lincoln's very close friends like 

Meredith Helm and James A. Matheny, both Past Masters of Springfield Lodge No. 4, were very much involved with the Fraternity. 

Bro. Adams was one of the signers for dispensation for the lodge. The lodge had a charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 

1839 under the name Springfield Lodge No. 26. After the second Grand Lodge of Illinois was formed, Adams and Meredith Helm 

participated in the proceedings in Jacksonville. Afterwards, Bro. Adams was appointed Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 

Illinois and Springfield Lodge No. 26 became Springfield Lodge No. 4. 

Bro. Adams was very active during his tenure as Deputy Grand Master. There were lodges being chartered all over the state under 

the new Grand Lodge and Bro. Adams usually joined in the festivities. Bro. Adams often went to different areas of Illinois. Around 

1840, he became associated with Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Mormon faith. 

Bro. Adams was still in office as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois when he began to travel back and forth to 

Nauvoo, Illinois with his friend Joseph Smith, Jr. He helped them establish a lodge there for the members of the Mormon faith that 

were interested in the Fraternity. At a time when many Mormons were persecuted for their beliefs, Bro. Adams stood by his friend 

and used his legal knowledge to assist many of the Mormons escape lynchings in Central Illinois. 

20

Bro. Adams was in the process of moving permanently to the town of Nauvoo from Springfield when he passed away on August 11, 

1843 at the age of 60. He died of Cholera while in Nauvoo and is buried in the cemetery there. His wife Harriet remained in 

Springfield and died not long after the death of her husband. 

Joseph Smith, Jr. told his fellow Mormans that he was treated like a son by Adams. The early Mormons respected Bro. James 

Adams for his contributions to their faith and their founder. He served as a mentor but, more importantly, as a friend to the Mormon 

creator at a time when the Mormons were not accepted in the area. Many letters can be found where Bro. Adams addressed Smith 

as, "My son." 

Bro. Adams left a legacy in Springfield and the Mormon Church. There are many reports of his business deals that were 

questionable at the time although, with the lack of evidence, much of it could have been attributed to his relationship with the 

Mormons during a very Anti-Mormon period. Many supporters of Adams became enemies after he became a member of the Church 

of Latter Day Saints. But, as members of Springfield Lodge No. 4, we will always remember him as our first Worshipful Master and a 

pioneer member of the early days of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He was a faithful member of the Fraternity. 

The Masonic Lodge of Nauvoo gave Bro. Adams Masonic Rites during his funeral. The lodge was disbanded a short time after the 

death of Bro. Adams and Joseph Smith, Jr. decided that the Fraternity was not something that he wanted members of the Mormon 

Church to join. He was assassinated a year after the death of Bro. Adams in 1844. 

Among those signing was James Adams, who swore that he had been a member of the Lodge at Skaneateles, New York, its 

number "not recollected." It is almost unthinkable that a Mason would ever forget his Lodge number! 

Lawrence Lodge No. 230, Montgomery, Orange, New York 

Chartered at Ward's Bridge, Montgomery, May 16, 1814. 

Officers installed by W.’.M.’. J[ames]. B. Reynolds, of Hiram Lodge [No. 131], of Newburgh 

July 8, 1864 - REYNOLDS. -- In Harlem, on Wednesday, July 6, JAMES B. REYNOLDS, late of Newburgh, NY, in the 86th year of 

his age, for nearly 60 years an active and honored member of the Masonic fraternity. His friends, and the members of Harlem Lodge 

No. 457, and the fraternity in general, are invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence, 3d-av., between 125th and 127th sts., 

this day, (Friday,) July 8, at 5 o'clock P.M., without further invitation. 

Cornerstone Lodge No. 231, Monroe, Orange, New York 

‘oldest surviving Lodge Room in New York’ [1817] 

Warrant - 26 May 1814; Charter in No. 711 Lodge Room 

Minute Books – 1814-1826; in custody of Cornerstone Lodge No. 711, as of 2010. 

Meeting Places: Met at home of Archibald Smith, Master; Home of David Knight; Oct 1817 McGarrah’s Inn 

Robert Fowler, Master 

ESM, Winter 2005. page 9 

http://www.esmason.com/magpdf/esm%20w2005.pdf 

According to W\ Claude Horstmann of Cornerstone Lodge No. 711, {John] McGarrah’s Inn [Berth] was built in the early 1800’s. In 

1816 the members of the original Cornerstone Lodge No. 231 convinced the proprietor to include a Masonic Lodge room in an 

expansion of the Inn. “We still have the original minutes book,” said Horstmann. 

21

In 1996 the Brothers of Cornerstone Lodge No. 711, sold their Lodge building on Monroe’s Main Street and purchased the Inn from 

an estate, when it looked like the building was destined for the wrecking ball. 

“We formed the Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society to enable us to preserve the oldest Masonic Lodge room in the state, and to 

give us an outlet to educate the public about the contributions of Masonry throughout New York’s history.” 

In addition to hosting the Boy Scouts, McGarrah’s Inn is the home to Cornerstone Lodge No. 711, is open to tours to the public and 

conduct various historical recreations and fund raising events. 

Cornerstone Lodge No. 231 disbanded in the 1830’s after the infamous Morgan incident created a backlash against Masonry, 

although it’s charter, signed by Grand Master (and former New York Governor) DeWitt Clinton is on display at McGarrah’s Inn. 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/2171340/NYNETNEWSJanuary2008 

For Further Information: W. Claude M. Horstman, President, Cornerstone Historical Masonic Society, Cell: (845) 782-4845 

Freemason711@hotmail.com 

GRAND MASTER TO DEDICATE STATE’S OLDEST SURVIVING MASONIC LODGE ROOM AT MONROE ON APRIL 6TH 

by Leo E. Laurence, J.D., Cornerstone Lodge No.711, Monroe, Member: Society of Professional Journalists 

A time capsule will also be laid during his official visit, when the building will 

be open from 1 – 5 p.m. That will be the 190th anniversary of the first 

Masonic meeting in the historic building, reports Cornerstone No.711 Worship 

Master Charles Baker. 

In the 1600s, the area was known as Indian Territory by several European 

powers, according to historical reports. New York City was known as New 

Brussels and New Amsterdam. Many of the original settlers were Dutch. In 

1707, the Cheesecock Patent was granted by Queen Anne, which really 

confirmed deeds previously bought directly from the Indians. The village of 

Monroe that developed was about 276 acres. In 1741, David Smith, believed 

to be the first permanent settler in the region, built a gristmill and a dam 

across the Ramapo River that runs through Monroe. The dam and ruins of 

the gristmill still exist, across the street from the Masonic building. 

http://www.esmason.com/magpdf/mason_spring_08.pdf 

GM to dub Masonic Historic Site at Monroe 

By Leo E. Laurence, J.D. 

Cornerstone Lodge 711 

In the days of the Revolutionary War, the only way to get from New York 

City to Albany was by stagecoach. After a one-day ride of about 40-miles, 

the passengers arrived in Monroe and rested at the John McGarrah 

Stagecoach Tavern, a stately two-story building. But, it actually has 3 

floors. The third is the state’s oldest, surviving Masonic lodge room where 

the original Cornerstone Lodge (No.231) met regularly. 

With a high vaulted ceiling, the lodge room was totally different than rooms 

in the main stagecoach Inn, which architecturally follows the classic 

federalist style, popular in major buildings of the 18thcentury. 

Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master of the State of New York, will formally 

dedicate the John McGarrah Stagecoach Inn building, and that early lodge 

room, as historic Masonic sites on April 6th. 

Member of Society of Professional Journalists In the days of the Revolutionary War, the only way to get from New York City to 

Albany was by stagecoach. After a one-day ride of about forty miles, the passengers arrived in Monroe in Orange County and rested 

at the John McGarrah Stagecoach Tavern, a stately two-story building. 

But, it actually has three floors. The third is the state’s oldest surviving Masonic Lodge room, where the original Cornerstone Lodge 

(231) met regularly. With a high vaulted ceiling, the Lodge room was totally different from rooms in the main stagecoach inn, which 

architecturally follows the classic federalist style popular in major buildings of the 18th century. 

MW Neal I. Bidnick, Grand Master, will formally dedicate the John McGarrah Stagecoach Inn building, and that early Lodge room, 

as historic Masonic sites on April 6th. A time capsule will also be laid during his official visit, when the building will be open from 1–5 

p.m. That will be the 190th anniversary of the first Masonic meeting in the historic building, reports Cornerstone 711 Worship Master 

Charles Baker. Cornerstone Lodge 231 later became Standard 711, which later reverted to its original name, becoming today’s 

Cornerstone 711. 

In the 1600s the area was known as Indian Territory by several European powers, according to historical reports. New York City 

was known as New Brussels and New Amsterdam. Many of the original settlers were Dutch. In 1707 the Cheesecock Patent was 

granted by Queen Anne, which really confirmed deeds previously bought directly from the Indians. The village of Monroe that 

developed was about 276 acres. 

In 1741 David Smith, believed to be the first permanent settler in the region, built a gristmill and a dam across the Ramapo River 

that runs through Monroe. The dam and ruins of the gristmill still exist, across the street from the Masonic building. Monroe played a 

critical role in the Revolutionary War. Iron mined from surrounding mountains in the foothills of the Catskills was made by nearby 

foundries into the famous second iron chain that stretched across the Hudson River at nearby West Point to prevent the British 

sailing ships from reaching Canada. 

22

Directly across the street from the McGarrah Inn was Smith’s home (still used by his descendants), whose outlaw son Claudius 

remained an English Tory. Loyal to the king during the war, Claudius was executed in 1778, according to records and confirmed by 

The Village of Monroe. This pictorial history was published in 1994 by the Monroe Historical Society to celebrate the community’s 

centennial. Monroe recorded 6,632 residents that year. 

In 1807 private funding provided for the creation of the Orange Turnpike for stagecoach travel between New York City and Albany 

along what had been an Indian trail. 

“People traveled then on horseback, or by private conveyance, or by stagecoach, which had its regular routes, carrying, besides 

passengers, the United States mail,” the Rev. Daniel Niles Freeland wrote in 1898 in Chronicles of Monroe in the Olden Time. 

“Starting from Hoboken in the morning, travelers would find it convenient to rest, after fifty miles, at Monroe Village; hence the 

importance of its Inns. 

“Here, the old stage would rumble up with the sound of a bugle, and while the obsequious landlord would help out the dust-covered 

passenger, boots would snatch bandbox and bundle, horses would be changed, the mails would be delivered and the whole place 

be agog,” Rev. Freeland wrote in his 19th century chronicle. 

“The Monroe Hotel was first kept by DeWitt McGarrah; afterwards, at the newer site, by John Goff (existing building, John McGarrah 

being a subsequent owner),” Rev. Freeland’s account reads. 

An original stone bridge dating to the 1800s, where the cavalry once camped during the Revolutionary War (and near the old dam), 

is still used. It is located just one-half block from the John McGarrah Stagecoach Inn Historical Site, which MW Grand Master 

Bidnick will dedicate on April 6th. 

The Inn was built from local trees cut from the dense forests that still make Monroe a beautiful village today. Planks in the flooring of 

some rooms still reveal the crude cuts of the loggers. 

“We did an archeological dig and couldn’t find anything that was older than about 1790,” says W Bro. Claude Horstman, president of 

the Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society, which spearheaded the local Lodge in taking over the commanding building, once the 

center of community life in Monroe. It’s likely that additional, planned archeological digs will uncover items that go back much 

further. Within blocks of the Masonic McGarrah building, other homes were built during the Revolutionary War. 

“The original Inn was much smaller, about 28’ x 36’, but was expanded by McGarrah, who was a close friend of Archibald Smith, the 

first Master of Cornerstone 231,” says Horstman, who has dug deep into the history of the famous building. 

Originally, the small building was known as Goff’s Tavern and was rumored to have secret tunnels to which the local Englishsympathizing 

Tories would repair for escape from the Patriots. Later, runaway slaves allegedly used them during the Civil War. So 

far, those tunnels haven’t been confirmed, but additional archeological digs are planned. 

“McGarrah’s was the biggest thing in town at the time (late 1700s). The old tavern was the center of the community,” Rev. Freeland 

wrote in 1898. 

“Monroe in its early history was the scene of no little litigation, for the reason that the boundaries of the Patent and the subdivisions 

of it were ill-defined and poorly surveyed. Lines overlapped, monument trees and stones, the simple landmarks, were likely removed 

innocently. With poor fences, cattle would stray and trespass and so enhance the causes of dispute,” Rev. Freeland reported. 

Trials for those lawsuits were usually held at the John McGarrah Stagecoach Inn. “It was like the mini-mall of the 17th and 18th 

centuries. Merchants came through and sold their wares in the building’s large rooms. Ministers were circuit riders who moved from 

village to village to conduct services, including at McGarrah’s,” Horstman explained. 

“The Masons paid the rent, and it was very prestigious to have the Masons at your place. McGarrah added the [unique, third-floor 

Lodge room] when he enlarged the tavern [into the majestic building that now exists]. You can tell the third floor was designed 

specifically for a Masonic Lodge room because it has a curved, vaulted ceiling, which was very conducive to Masonic Lodges of that 

era. So, we have [a Lodge room] that is a real example of Masonic architecture of that old period in American history. 

We are using it right now because we are renovating the entire building. We were meeting in the grand ballroom on the second 

floor, but it has been completely redone,” Horstman said. 

When the Erie Railroad came to Monroe in 1841, the center of the village moved from the area around John McGarrah’s 

Stagecoach Inn to a few blocks north where the main street- -Lake Street--is now located. The hamlet of Monroe was incorporated 

as a village by a vote in 1894. 

In the early days, the Monroe Cheese Factory produced Liederkranz cheese in 1873 just one block from the current Masonic 

Historical Site. In 1917 Velveeta cheese was invented by that company. Its original factory building still exists and is now used as 

an apartment building. 

About three years ago the Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society undertook an archeological dig, performed by Stu Tray, who did 

the dig at the DeWint House in Tappan, New York, where George Washington once stayed. “We found jewelry, marble and old 

coins,” Horstman explained; “but also a zillion clams. They were big on the menu at John McGarrah’s and will also be big on our 

menu on April 6th for the dedication of this Masonic historical site. Of course, we also found a lot of deer bones and those of other 

local animals,” Horstman added. 

The site is not haunted, as in Halloween, but many brethren – including this journalist – have experienced several paranormal 

phenomena. One night in 2005 while sleeping at 3 a.m. on the second floor, I heard three distinct loud knocks, as in our Ritual, but 

coming from outside the building. Also that night, lights in the third floor Lodge room were mysteriously turned on. And, I heard the 

distinctive pattern of Morse code in my room the next night (the Erie Railroad through Monroe in 1851 had provided the telegraph 

with lines). Though I saw no images of deceased people walking about, other Brothers have. University specialists assure the Lodge 

that there is nothing to fear in the building. 

23

The John McGarrah Stagecoach Inn historic building and Cornerstone Lodge 711 is located at 300 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 

10950-3313; (845) 783-6206. 

Bedroom of Cornerstone 711 Masonic Historical Site - Journalist Leo E. Laurence, of Cornerstone Lodge 711, heard three 

distinct knocks (significant in the Masonic Ritual) from outside the building at 3 a.m. while sleeping in this second floor room in 2005. 

This is one of many paranormal experiences reported by brethren in the John McGarrah’s Stagecoach Inn Masonic building in 

Monroe, Orange County. 

Exterior of Cornerstone 711 Masonic Historical Site - Located on Stage Road in Monroe in Orange County, the John McGarrah 

Stagecoach Inn was a one-day stagecoach ride along the only route (Orange Turnpike) from New York City to Albany in the 17th to 

19th centuries. It is the site of the state’s oldest surviving Lodge room (Cornerstone 711). 

Door with no steps - The high door (on left) adjacent to the steps leading into the state’s oldest surviving Masonic Lodge room is a 

door with no steps. While it looks like a door to nowhere, it actually goes into the Outer Room, where our Degree candidates are 

prepared to participate in the Craft. 

Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 247/721, Cornwall, Orange, New York 

http://jtl721.org/JTLHistoryBrochure.pdf 

A History of Jerusalem Temple Lodge 

Masonry in the Town of Cornwall is known to have been present during the Revolutionary War era. There is a record of at least one 

traveling Masonic Lodge amongst the soldiers in the vicinity of West Point, which was then located in the Town of Cornwall. In the 

year 1815, a number of Masonic residents in the Town of Cornwall assembled in the Village of Canterbury, now Cornwall, and took 

the preliminary steps for organizing a Lodge. 

Upon petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, a warrant was issued under the date of September 9, 1815 authorizing 

the charter for a Lodge in Cornwall under the name of Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 247 and appointing Wyatt Carr as Master. The 

warrant directed Worshipful Master James Reynolds of Hiram Lodge in Newburgh to constitute the new Lodge; this was done 

agreeable to the customs thereof on October 5, 1815. The first regular meeting of the Lodge was convened on October 7, 1815. On 

December 23, 1815, the first election of officers took place; Wyatt Carr as Master and a complete staff of officers in titles of today 

were elected and installed. The Honorable James Madison was President of the United States of America and the Most Worshipful 

DeWitt Clinton was Grand Master of our Grand Lodge. 

The original Jerusalem Temple Lodge would exist for only eleven years. Brother Oliver Farrington was Master on April 22, 1826 at 

which time the records stop. In the summer of that year, communications ceased and the Lodge became dormant for a period of 45 

years until revived during the winter of 1871. During its early existence of eleven years, there were ninety-two candidates initiated. 

The meetings were held in the attic room of the Union Hotel and over Knapp & Breeds Feed Store in Cornwall. The Union Hotel 

went on to become Hey’s store and is now a dry-cleaner and apartment building on Main Street. Knapp & Breeds Feed Store, which 

later became Edgar’s Clothing, was also on Main Street but is no longer there. 

When the Lodge was suspended and the warrant and Charter were forfeited on June 8, 1832, the paraphernalia was taken in 

charge by Brother Lane, proprietor of the Union Hotel and upon his death in 1863, they were preserved by Brother Dyer Brewster. 

Lodge historians have been told that Brother Brewster later buried the papers and implements of the original Jerusalem Temple 

Lodge No. 247 somewhere in Cornwall but nobody has ever found them. 

The old Lodge was revived using the same name but had a new number; thus Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721, F.&A.M. held its 

first regular communication on Thursday evening, February 29, 1872 under dispensation in Canterbury with Charles McLean as 

Master. The Lodge worked under dispensation until June 14, 1872 at which time the Charter was granted to them. On July 27, 1872, 

the officers were installed by Most Worshipful Ellwood E. Thorn, Grand Master of the State, who was assisted by representatives 

from several other Lodges. The dedicatory rites were celebrated in the Methodist Church on Main Street in Cornwall in ample form 

with music furnished by the West Point Band and was followed by a very festive and social affair. The Honorable Ulysses S. Grant 

was President of the United States of America at that time. 

Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721 worked in Canterbury, now Cornwall, until March 29, 1883 then moved to Willisville, now 

Cornwall-on-Hudson, on November 1, 1883 and met on the top floor of the Week’s Building on Main Street, which later became 

Santoro’s store, and has since been demolished. Meetings continued at this location until June 12, 1924 when the Lodge purchased 

and moved to the Cornwall Press building at Main Street and Willow Avenue in Cornwall. 

This building was eventually sold and property was purchased behind Bernicker’s Garage with the intention of building a new Lodge 

building. During this period, the Lodge met at the Cantonment on Route 300 at Kerem Lodge and the Pythian Hall off Main Street in 

Cornwall. 

The Lodge finally sold its land and purchased the historic Mountainville Grange Hall on Rte 32 on Cornwall. While the building was 

renovated to improve its kitchen and meeting spaces, the character of the building was carefully maintained and in 1996 the building 

was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The building is currently the home of Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721 and 

Hawthorne-Ramapo-Temple Star Chapter No. 286, Order of the Eastern Star, and is owned by the Cornwall Masonic Association. 

In addition to the Lodge records, a few treasured relics of Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 247 are still in our possession; namely, an 

old Bible of large size printed in 1799 by Thomas Dobson of Philadelphia; an old Tiler’s sword that belonged to a Revolutionary War 

patriot; an old Masonic Chart dated 1819; an old lantern of tin and wood with mystical openings which gives speculations as to its 

use; and the original minutes book from 1815 to 1826, inclusive. The history of Jerusalem Temple Lodge as gleaned from written 

records and memory of man reflects that the privileges and practices of Masonry manifested the interest and loyalty of men in the 

community who were energetic, influential, and dedicated. Jerusalem Temple Lodge has remained an important part of community 

life in the Cornwall area for well over a century and a quarter. The tradition, stature, and prestige of Jerusalem Temple Lodge is a 

matter of record; the devotion to the high ideals and principles of Freemasonry, and the intrinsic treasures thereof, are a source of 

24

pride for the members who have worked so hard to serve the community and their Fraternity. The Lodge is well known for its 

charitable works and support of community events and projects. 

As history relates of Cornwall, a Dutch ship with an English-born master, Henry Hudson, anchored in the bay north of the Gate of 

the Highlands (Storm King Mountain) and uttered, 

“This is a very pleasant place to build a town on”. The brothers of Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721, F.&A.M. are proud to call 

Cornwall home. 

Hoffman Lodge No. 300, Wallkill, Orange, New York 


In 1927 it was noted by the The Quarterly journal of the New York State Historical Association: Volume 25: “in the [Wallkill] City 

Clerk's office are the records of Hoffman Lodge, No. 300 (Masonic), from 1817 to 1832.” 

Renumbered No. 412, 16 Jun 1857 

A History of Hoffman Lodge No. 412 – The First 150 Years may be read at: 

http://www.hoffmanlodge412.org/HistoryOfHoffmanLodgeByAlDenninger.pdf 

http://books.google.com/books?id=VfsOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA146&lpg=PA146&dq=%22Hoffman+Lodge+No.+300%22&source=bl&ot 

s=3sEBOyFJId&sig=7IpoEJ1BVLzyccQbZeDU9gUmLo&hl=en&ei=1fibTIHrD8aAlAfIpqieCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepa 

ge&q=%22Hoffman%20Lodge%20No.%20300%22&f=false page 146. 

Samuel Bailey, a son of Nathaniel and Abigail (Denton) Bailey, in Ridgebury, NY; d. in Ridgebury 2 Oct 1875; m. 28 Feb 1828 

Harriet Wickham, died 25 Feb 1874. 

Obituary. 

An aged and respected citizen of Wawavanda, was buried Oct. 4, 1875. Mr. Samuel Bailey, who died at his residence in Ridgebury 

on Saturday last. Many years ago, Mr. Bailey lived and carried on business at Middletown. But for a long time past he resided on the 

farm where he died. He was one of the kindest and best of neighbors, a good citizen, and a kind and indulgent husband and father. 

He was one of the oldest Free Masons in the country, having been initiated as a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 300, of 

Middletown, on the 9th of June, 1823. 

Children: 

i. Emily, b. Dec 5, 1829. 

ii. Gabriel, b. Oct. 26, 1832; d. Nov. 9, 1832. 

iii. Frances, b. May 31, 1834, d. March 8, 1837. 

iv. Sarah, b. Sept. 28, 1837. 

v. Helen, b. July 31, 1841. 

Newburgh Lodge No. 309, Newburgh, Orange, New York 


Successor to Steubens No. 18, 4 Jun 1788; surrendered; 

succeeded by Hiram No. 131, 13 Feb 1808 (19 Feb 1806); 

surrendered 10 Dec 1834; 

revived as No. 92, 7 Sep 1842; 

surrendered again in 1844; 

last returns dated Jun 1845 

The name or number has never been changed. 

MINUTES: Intact. 

Newburgh Lodge was organized during the spring of 1853. The petition, which is without date, is signed by the following: 

Charles Cammack. 

John Gray. 

Charles H. Ball. 

Andrew Lawson. 

John D. Spaulding. 

B. H. Mace. 

Philip A. Passmore. 

Benjamin B. Smith. 

James Hamilton. 

Henry O. Heustis. 

William Clark. 

James Belknap. 

The petition was recommended by Beacon Lodge No. 283 at a meeting held May 7, 1853. . 

The petitioners nominated as officers: 

JOHN GRAY, Master. 

ANDREW LAWSON, Senior Warden. 

HENRY O. HEUSTIS, Junior Warden. 

Charles U. Cushman. 

Samuel Japba. 

The warrant named the same officers as were nominated by the petitioners. 

The Lodge was constituted July 28, 1853, by R.’. W.’. JAMES M. AUSTIN, Grand Secretary. 

The first meeting place was in Crawford's Hall, corner of Front and Third Streets, where it remained until June, 1863, when it moved 

to the corner of Broadway and Colden Street. These quarters were dedicated June 24, 1863, by R.’. W.’. JOHN H. ANTHON, 

District Deputy Grand Master, First (Old) District. In September, 1888, it moved into the Academy of Music building, corner of 

Broadway and Grand Street. These quarters were dedicated, September 11, 1888, by R.’. W.’. JOHN W. VROOMAN, Deputy Grand 

Master. The Lodge was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of St. Paul's German Reformed Church at Newburgh, 

September 10, 1868. 

Newburgh Lodge No. 309 was not the first Lodge located in the village of Newburgh. At a session of the Grand Stewards held May 

28, 1788, a petition was received from “Brother MORRIS and nine others praying for a dispensation or Warrant and to hold a Lodge 

at Newburgh was read and referred to the next Grand Lodge." 

At a session of the Grand Lodge held June 4, 1788, a Warrant was granted to Steubens Lodge (No. 18) at Newburgh. The 

25

Warrant, however, was not issued until September 27, 1788. There are no papers on file relating to this Lodge and after a fitful 

existence it surrendered its Warrant. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=PxgXUZMJSzUC&pg=PA258&dq=%22steubens+lodge%22+%22newburgh%22 page 258. 

The first Masonic Lodge in this section of the state was that which followed the army. It was called "American Union Lodge," and 

during the encampment of the army here its sessions were held at the head quarters of the different officers alternately. It was in this 

lodge and at Newburgh that LaFayette united with the fraternity. 

The first located lodge in Newburgh was "Steuben Lodge, No. 18." Its charter was applied for by F. A. Morris and nine others, June 

5, 1788, and it was constituted Sept. 27, of that year. We have not been able to obtain any further facts in reference to its history or 

membership except that Ebenezer Foot, Levi Dodge, and Chas. Clinton, were P. M.'s in 1797. Its charter was probably surrendered 

soon after the commencement of the present century. 

In 1806 [13 Feb 1808], "Hiram Lodge, No. 131, was constituted—Jonathan Fisk, M.; Chas. Baker, S. W.; John R. Drake, J. W. Its 

charter was surrendered in 1831. In 1842, (Sept. 7,) the charter was revived and the number changed to 92—Peter F. Hunn, 

M.; Minard Harris, S. W.; James Belknap, J W. It was again surrendered in 1844. In 1853, (June 11,) "Newburgh Lodge, No. 

309," was constituted and is now in a flourishing condition. 

The oldest located lodge in this section of the state was constituted at Fishkill. June 7,1786, on the petition of Hugh McConnell and 

others. It bore the title of "St. Simon and St. Jude Lodge. 

http://www.oldtowncemetery.org/amerrevbio.html#Dodge,%20Levi 

In a letter to the Editor in a 1926 newspaper, “….other veterans of the War of Independence, whose graves may or may not have 

been similarly marked, are interred in the same burying ground…. Levi M. Dodge, brick manufacturer and village president….all lie 

in unknown graves.” Levi Dodge signed the 1775 pledge of association at Weigand’s Broad Street Tavern. On April 6, 1793, Levi 

Dodge was appointed one of 8 ‘active persons’ (in the committee of the South District) to hand petitions about concerning the 

annexation of the south end of the county of Ulster to the north end of the county of Orange. Immediately after the incorporation of 

the village, an act was passed on March 20, 1801 appointing Levi Dodge and others as Directors of the Newburgh & Cochecton 

Turnpike Road, with a capital of $125,000, for the construction of a road from Newburgh to the Delaware River. The bank of 

Newburgh was incorporated by act of the Legislature in March 22, 1811. Levi Dodge became the fourth cashier, succeeded in 1836 

by George W. Kerr. Levi Dodge was a P. M. in 1797 in the first Newburgh Masonic Lodge “Steuben Lodge, No. 18” whose charter 

was dated September 27, 1788. He served the Village Board of Trustees as a Corporation Officer 1816. 

In 1805 another Lodge was organized at Newburgh called Hiram (No. 131), on August 26, 1805, a petition was prepared 

and signed by the following: 

Joseph Williams. Jacob Carpenter. 

George Gordon. 

Philip Boyd. 

Sylvanus Frost. 

James Coulter. 

Nicholas Wright. Solomon Sleight. 

Levi Dodge. 

Patrick McKenna. 

John Dubois. 

Benjamin Case, Jr. 

The petition was recommended by St. Simon and St. Jude's Lodge No. 12 (now extinct) at a meeting held 3 Sep 1805. 


JONATHAN FISK, Master. 

CHARLES BAKER, Senior Warden. 

JOHN R. DRAKE, Junior Warden. 

It will be noted that the officers nominated were not petitioners. 

The petition was presented to the Grand Lodge on February 19, 1806, and a Warrant was immediately issued to Hiram 

Lodge No. 131. 

The Lodge was constituted and its officers installed by John Drake, Jr., Master of St. Simon and St. Judge's Lodge No. 12, on 

May 26, 1806. 

The last returns of the. Lodge on file are dated June, 1830, and on December 10, 1834, the Warrant and all of its property 

was surrendered to the Grand Secretary by Odell S. Hathaway, Secretary of the Lodge. 

In June, 1842, a petition was prepared asking the Grand Lodge to revive the Warrant; it was signed by the following: 

Samuel A. Wadsworth. . Isaac Jenkinson. 

Andrew Lawson. 

William Hoyle. 

John D. Philips. 

Daniel P. Niven. 

Minard Harris. 

William H. Hunter. 

Benjamin B. Smith. 

William M. Wiley. 

Joseph Hoffman. 

B. H. Mace. 

John Whited. 

Jeremiah Albertson. 

Joseph L. Whelan. 

John Brown. 

On June 6, 1842, a dispensation was issued by R.’. W.’. WILLIAM WILLIS, Deputy Grand Master. It contained the following: 

"Whereas, the said Hiram Lodge during its former existence was a well governed and exemplary body until compelled by the 

force of circumstances to suspend its labors, when, as the records of the Grand Lodge testify, it surrendered its Warrant, jewels, 

books and other property to the Grand Secretary, after the discharge of its just debts, in a manner honorable to the members and 

satisfactory to the Grand Lodge; 

"Now therefore I, believing it to be. for the honor and interest of the ancient craft that the said Lodge should be revived in 

accordance with the usage of the Grand Lodge in such cases, do by these presents appoint Bro. WILLIAM H. HUNTER to be the 

Master; Bro. MINARD HARRIS, Senior Warden, and Bro. JAMES BELKNAP, Junior Warden of said Hiram Lodge." 

26

The Lodge worked under the dispensation until September, when the Grand Lodge issued a new Warrant and the Lodge 

became Hiram No. 92 on the register of the Grand Lodge. The Lodge received its Warrant and its officers were installed on the 

afternoon of September 9, 1842, by Alexander Copeland. 

For some unexplained reason the Lodge did not thrive, the last returns on file are dated June, 1845, and shortly after that it 

ceased to work. No attempt was made to revive it or organize a new Lodge until the advent of Newburgh Lodge No. 309 in 1853. 

James Belknap, the first Junior Warden of Hiram Lodge No. 92 and one of the petitioners for Newburgh Lodge, was the 

grandfather of his namesake, James Belknap, an assistant in the Grand Secretary's office and also Secretary of the Scottish Rite- 

Bodies located in New York City. 

MEN IN PUBLIC LIFE. 

M. H. Hirschberg, Justice, Supreme Court. 

Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., Governor. 

Jonathan D. Wilson, Sr., Mayor. 

Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr., District Attorney. 

William H. Hyndman, Recorder. 

James D. McGiffert, County Clerk. 

William G. Taggart, Postmaster. 

F. William Wenzel, Postmaster. 

Peter CantIine, Recorder. 

William G. Hastings, Assemblyman. 

Russell Headley, Assemblyman. 

Lendon S. Straw, District Deputy Grand Master. 

William H. Hyndman, District Deputy Grand Master. 

1853. Rev. John Gray. 

1854. Rev. John Gray. 

1855. Joseph Lawson. 

1856. John Gordon. 

1857. Charles Drake. 

1858. Charles Drake. 

1859. Henry M. Hirschberg. 

1860. Hugh McCutcheon. 




1864. Hugh McCutcheon. . 

1865. Lenden S. Straw. 



1868. William E. Mapes. 

1869. Eugene Dubois. 

1870. James E. Horton. 




1874. Michael H. Hirschberg 


1876. William E. Mapes. 

1877. B. B. Moore. 

1878. Robert Wilson, Jr. 

1879. Robert Wilson, Jr. 

1880. George C. Wenzel. 

1881. Tilden H. Wilson. 

1882. Tilden H. Wilson. 

1883. Charles W. Gedney.* 

1884. Jonathan D. Wilson Sr.. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

MASTERS. 

* Charles W. Gedney was Commissioner of Schools for Newburgh in 1881 

Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master. 

James D. McGiffert, District Deputy Grand Master. 

1885. Jonathan D. Wilson Sr. 

1886. Benjamin B. Odell, Jr. 



1889. James D. McGiffert. 

1890. James D. McGiffert. 

1891. Lewis M. Smith. 

1892. Lewis M. Smith. 

1893. W. George Hastings. 

1894. W. George Hastings. 

1895. Thomas H. Millspaugh. 

1896. William N. Brown. 

1897. William H. Hyndman. 

1898. William H. Hyndman. 

1899. F. William Wenzel. 

1900. F. William Wenzel. 

Members per the “Masonic Register” of 1855 

NEWBURGH LODGE, NO. 309. 

Newburgh, Orange Co. 

Meets at the corner of Front and Third streets, on Friday evenings. 

Date of Charter, June11th, 1853. 

1901. George Mason. 

1902. Hugh Cathcart. 

1903. Graham Witschief. 

1904. Graham Witschief. 

1905. Fred S. McDowell. 

1906. Charles B. Gilchrist. 

1907. Charles B. Gilchrist. 

1908. Thomas G. Courtney. 

1909. Peter Cantline. 

1910. Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr. 

1911. Fred G. Buss. 

1912. William G. Marsden. 

1913. George B. Hyndman. 

Joseph Lawson. 

Charles Drake, 

John Gordon, 

Albert Noe, 

Master, 

Senior Warden, 

Junior Warden, 

Treasurer, 

Chas. Estabrook, 

Henry M. Hirshbergh, 

James Hamilton, 

John Richards, 

Secretary, 

Senior Deacon, 

Junior Deacon, 

Steward, 

J. Walker Fowler, Steward, 

Andrew Lawson, Chaplain, 

James J. Whited. Marshal, 

Charles Ball, Tiler. 

MEMBERS 

Chas. Ball, 

Alfred A. Belknap, 

James Belknap, 

D. S. Blizzard, 

John Buckhout, 

William Camack, 

J. H. H. Chapman, 

William Clark, 

Ramah Cole, 

Leicester Cowles, 

Chas. U. Cushman, 

James R. Dickson, 

Charles Drake, 

Wm. R. Eaton, 

L. W. Edwards, 

Moses Ely, 

John Ernest, 

C. Estabrook, 

Cornbury Evans, 

Walker Fowler, 

Alex. Gillespie, 

John Gordon, 

John Gordon, 2 

John Gray, PM 

James Hamilton, 

Henry O. Heustis, 

Henry If. Hirshberg, 

W. J. Hutchinson. 

E. C. Jackson, 

J. Japha, 

Henry Koch, 

Andrew Lawson, 

Louis Lyon, 

Joseph Lawson, 

David Myers, 

Albert Noe, 

Philip A. Passmore, 

Chas. S. Pitt, 

John Richards, 

John Robertson, 

M. Schlobohm, 

Albert Sexton, 

Peter Skect, 

Thos. M. Taylor, 

Thos. Tillett, 

John L. Westerfelt, 

Jas. J. Whited, 

http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/124thInf/124thInfCWN.htm 

MASONRY AND THE WAR.—An interesting fact is connected with the death of Capt. Isaac Nicoll, of the 124th New York, who fell 

at Gettysburg, and whose obsequies were recently attended at Washingtonville. Before his departure for the seat of war, Capt. 

Nicoll was initiated into the masonic fraternity by the Newburg Lodge [which one?]. After the news arrived of his fall at 

Gettysburg, friends were dispatched on to seek for the body. It was, unlike many thousands of other victims on that field, readily 

27

found, from the fact that a board was placed at the head of the grave, bearing his name, the number of his regiment, and a Masonic 

symbol. On removing the earth above the body, evergreens were found deposited in the grave. Those engaged in the disinterment 

knew nothing of the significance connected with this fact, but on their return home, a letter was received from a rebel officer, a 

Georgian, who stated that a testament was found upon the body of Captain Nicoll, on the fly leaf of which was written his name, 

some directions in case of his death, and a symbol showing his confraternity. True to the obligations of their brotherhood, though 

they had met in hostile array on the battle field, the rebels stopped to give decent rites of sepulchre, and left directions with a 

resident in the vicinity to have the testament forwarded to friends of the deceased. By some accident that was delayed until after the 

body was found as stated above. 

NICOLL, ISAAC.—Age, 22 years. Enrolled, 20 Aug 1862, at Goshen, to serve three years; mustered in as Captain, Co. G, 5 Sep 

1862; killed in action, 2 Jul1863, at Gettysburg, Pa. Commissioned Captain, 10 Sep 1862, with rank from 20 Aug 1862, original. 

----- 

Charles U. Cushman 

http://books.google.com/books?id=5oBGAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA666&lpg=PA666&dq=%22Charles+U.+Cushman%22&source=bl&ots= 

O7OTAnya-a&sig=3NLNEs597CrgmGIgtVyhbePVrc&hl=en&ei=xEidTJjoJoKKlwerqbHsAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&sqi=2&ved=0CCkQ6AEwBg#v=onepage 

&q=%222158%22&f=false page 550-557 

Charles Underhill Cushman b. at Hartford, NY, 20 Mar 1802. His mother was 

Mary, dau. of Augustine Underhill, one of the early settlers of this country, widely 

known as a large landholder and an intelligent, benevolent and good citizen of 

Hartford, Washington County, NY. The Underhills were FRIENDS, and emigrated 

from Europe to this country at an early period of its colonial history. They settled on 

Long Island and adjacent shores, where they are now numerous. 

The loss of an excellent mother at the tenth day after his birth was a great 

misfortune, and gave a coloring to all his after life. For who can even estimate the 

immense importance of a wise and good mother in moulding and shaping the 

character of her offspring! But Charles became the foster child, not of a stranger, 

but of a kind and affectionate aunt, and subsequently of his grandfather's family. 

Before his twelfth year, a suit in Chancery had swept away nearly one half of the 

"broad acres" whence was to come his mother's patrimony, and the flames had 

reduced his father to a bare living; all of which he neither felt nor realized until 

seized with an ambition for learning. Then it was that some of the stern realities of 

his future began to be seen; and with the courage and self reliance instinctive in his 

bosom he began to nerve himself to meet them. 

Up to his thirteenth year he had enjoyed only such schooling as a common school 

in the remote and sparsely populated district of Hartford, NY, afforded; in all the 

studies of which, however, he greatly excelled; and had read several times through 

the entire Bible, his venerable grandfather being his ever patient and constant 

auditor, critic and instructor, often reciting from memory whole chapters of scripture 

to show the true reading and force of any sentence faultily rendered by his pupil. 

But now age, decease and death desolated this best of homes, and Charles, his 

years demanding better and nearer school advantages, went to live for the first time 

in his life in his father's family, at Bennington, Vt. Here passing some four years, 

variously employed, in the winters at the academy, and at other seasons about his 

father's business, and in reading many books without method or order, a new ambition seized his mind to seek his own 

independence. He therefore gave his long cherished hope of a collegiate course of study, to the winds, and voluntarily, as an 

apprentice, entered a book store and printing office at Rutland, Vt., about his sixteenth year. From that day he has never used for 

his own purposes a dollar earned by any other than his own hands and energies. After two years at Rutland, the breaking up of his 

firm cancelled his obligations with them, and having learned all he could hope to, of business there, he emigrated to Boston, and 

sought and found employment for four years and more in that city and at Haverhill, on the Merrimac, part of the time at printing, and 

part of it in the mercantile business. At this period a year of ill health was passed in the state of New York, occupied mostly in 

reading law, but in a state of uncertainty as to the future. Returning strength brought returning ambition, and he passed some time 

employed as a proof-reader and jobber in the American Tract Printing House in New York city. Here learning that a press and 

newspaper establishment at Newburgh were for sale, he left the city, and after a few months' residence at that place, (daily working 

meantime at the printing business in one of the offices there,) he negotiated for the purchase of the Newburgh "Political Index," and 

on its ruins established his "Newburgh Telegraph," a democratic republican paper earnestly devoted to, and influential for some 

eleven years in his hands, in the dissemination of the doctrines and principles of the ancient and honorable democratic republican 

party. 

On the 26th day of March, 1829 he made his debut as an editor, on which day the first number of the "ORANGE TELEGRAPH" was 

issued. We give an extract from his "Salutatory address" to the public: 

"The editor of a public newspaper is generally regarded as the creature of circumstances; but although this to a certain extent 

may be true, he is never called upon by an enlightened people to abandon his independence, or trim his sail, however averse to 

his inclination, to every popular breeze. 

28

"Our sheet shall ever maintain the cause of republicanism; the principles of which, so happily adapted to the wants of society, are 

indissolubly connected with all that is valuable in the political economy and fundamental institutions of our country. Having grown 

up in the midst of its benign influence our admiration may sometimes engender a species of enthusiasm; this however will be 

forgiven by freemen so long as it is intrenched within proper bounds. In our examination into the character and conduct of public 

men, we promise to be distinguished for fairness and candor, and be free from that virulence and asperity which are the 

predominant qualities in much of the matter set afloat in times of high political excitement. It shall, however, be a duty performed 

by us with pleasure, to assail corruption under whatever disguise it may assume. ***** In short, it is our design to uphold morality 

and religion, to maintain the freedom and purity of our political institutions, to advance those measures that bring with them social 

and individual benefit, and to eradicate, as far as lies in our power, the evils and vices that beset mankind. 

"Our labors here commence. We have embarked in this enterprise with a cheering hope of success. We are determined that the 

Telegraph shall be sustained by its merits alone, or we will see it perish, and with it our hopes of support. The pledges we have 

made are in genuine faith, and when we fail to redeem them, when we have forgotten the lofty sentiments that now actuate us, 

we will no longer ask the public to sustain us—we will no longer ask even the sympathy of friendship." 

In June 1832 he married Mary Birdsall, fourth dau. of Capt. Charles Birdsall of Newburgh, NY. She was b. at that place 26 Nov. 

1810, and her mother was a Belknap, of Newburgh, a lineal descendant of John Alden of the "May Flower." 

He continued to be the editor and publisher of the Telegraph from March 1829 to Oct 1839. That period, especially in the state of 

New York, was one of great political excitement, and an editor of a political journal could not be expected to be aloof from the 

exciting events that were passing around him. But in no case do the files of that paper show that he ever sacrificed his 

independence as a politician, or his integrity as a Christian man and citizen. Once during that period his truthfulness and sound 

judgment were brought to the test "of a jury of his peers." In 1835 having published an article respecting some abuses of power by 

the Board of Excise of the town of Cornwall, in Orange County, NY, an indictment was found against him for an alleged libel. The 

trial continued three days, at the close of which the jury, after a few minutes' deliberation, brought in a verdict of Not guilty, thus 

throwing the blame and misconduct, entirely on his prosecutors. At the close of an editorial article giving an account of that trial, we 

have this paragraph, showing the cool deliberation, firmness and candor of his conduct at such a moment of excitement and 

difficulty: 

"We by no means wish to triumph over any of the persons disappointed and defeated in this matter, whatever may have been the 

motives for the prosecution. We humbly believe that we have a due sense of our responsibility to the people and to the laws of 

the land, in the discharge of our duties as a conductor of the public press; and while we continue duly to respect the former, and 

bow with humble submission to the mandates of the latter, we shall regard it as a solemn duty we owe them both to maintain the 

independence of the press and the dignity of our station, by promptly exposing official misconduct in the servants of the people, 

whether in stations high or low." 

It would be gratifying, if we had sufficient space, to give many extracts from the very able editorial articles during the ten and a half 

years in which he conducted the "Telegraph." But one more must suffice. 

During the time that he was a member of the "corps editorial" the great national questions of an United States bank, — internal 

improvements and an independent treasury were before the people. On these subjects he sustained with great ability the 

administrations of Gen. Jackson and Martin Van Buren, and was therefore strongly attached to the Democratic party of that day. 

The following is a fair specimen of his style of political writing. It will be perceived that it was written in view of the nomination of 

Martin Van Buren for the Presidency: 

"Distinguished as has been the part taken by New York in times past in the great political contests of the country, and prominent 

as is her position among the other states of the Union in point of wealth, resources and extended territory, the most interesting 

epoch in her political history will be marked by the assembling of the convention this day. The favorable opinions expressed by 

many of the states through their legislative bodies and in the assemblages of the people, of Martin Van Buren, are matters of 

state pride and great gratification to every mind free from political prejudice, and will be so viewed even though the fond 

anticipations of the democracy of the state should not be realized in his nomination to the presidency; but when it is seen that the 

honor of presenting the candidate is conceded as the right of the north, and that among the northern states ours stands first and 

most prominent in her claims — and add to all this the almost certain election of the nominee, whoever he may be —and it may 

well be supposed the convention to-day will come together under the influence of highly gratified feelings and pleasing emotions, 

and that every true friend of the state and every lover of democracy will have ample occasion for rejoicing that the principles of 

the present administration are likely to be carried out in the next, and that too by the man, whom, before all others, the 'Empire 

State' will' delight to honor.' " 

In the autumn of 1839, having become tired of the incessant labors of an editor, and somewhat disgusted also with party politicians 

and the constant wrangling of mere partisans for office, he sold out the "Newburgh Telegraph," and gave up the editorial chair into 

fresher and more pliant hands. His "Valedictory" was in that paper 3 Oct 1839. The following is an extract, and we may be allowed 

to say that the whole article is written with great nervous strength and lofty political aims, mingled with candor and charity towards 

all: 

"VALEDICTORY. — With the present number of this paper, the establishment of the Newburgh Telegraph passes into other, and I 

trust abler hands, and my connection with it as proprietor, editor and publisher ceases. 

• ••••• 

"The Telegraph is literally a child of my own. It was founded by myself more than eleven years since; and having been built up to 

its present estate and circumstances by my own unremitting industry and untiring perseverance, began under the 

discouragements of youth, inexperience and want of means, and in a community of strangers, opposed to my political faith, it will 

not be surprising, if at parting with it I shall experience feelings of mingled pain and regret — although in that parting I escape the 

unrequited cares, toils, strifes and stripes of a thankless office and an arduous occupation. In separating from a community too, 

29

from whom, with few exceptions, I have experienced nothing but marked kindness, confidence and good will, backed by their 

more substantial patronage and support, it is natural that I should do so with many heartfelt regrets. 

• ••••• 

"In severing a connection pleasurable to me, and I trust not altogether unprofitable to them, which has so long existed between 

the democracy of Orange and myself, I cannot do so without embracing this last opportunity of communing with them editorially, 

to urge and implore them to look well to, and cherish those noble and ennobling principles, and that glorious cause, for which we 

have so long and so faithfully contended, shoulder to shoulder. What is that cause? It is no less than the cause of human liberty 

and equality of political rights among all men. We take our stand with Jefferson and the Declaration of our Independence, upon 

the broad, benevolent and humane ground of the natural freedom and equality of man; against the Hamiltonian, Federal doctrine 

that man is incapable of self-government, and that a master or superior is necessary to his attainment of the full measure of 

happiness which he is capable of enjoying. 

* ***** 

"For the accomplishment of this purpose and the advancement of the true faith of the Democratic founders of our free institutions, 

you best know how faithfully and steadily I have labored among you. By these labors and sacrifices, and by all that is dear to you 

as freemen, as honest, unbought and unbiased Democratic Republican freemen, I beseech you to go on in the glorious work, 

remembering that your cause is the great cause of benevolence and humanity, which seeks for the blessings of good government 

upon the opponent as well as the friend of man's inalienable rights." 

As an editor, he never was privy to the remotest deception or fraud upon the people, and rebuked political friends as promptly as 

foes, if discovered indulging in the practices which so often disgrace the country and cause the blush of mortified pride to mantel the 

cheek of its friends abroad as well as at home. In controversy, which he never was first to provoke, he was unyielding except to truth 

and positive conviction of error, when he was ever ready and prompt to make honorable acknowledgments. He never indulged in 

personalities, when any other means of bringing a culprit to the bar of public opinion could avail. When friends were attacked with 

personalities, he repelled with spirit the assailant, giving blow for blow, striving to convince the party in the wrong, of error. When 

himself alone was involved, his habit was to treat with utter silence the assault, trusting to an upright life and honorable intentions 

towards all men for his more dignified and more ample justification with all honorable minds. 

His style of composition is of course not polished, nor always even nicely correct, though on the ordinary topics arising in the course 

of his editorial duties he wielded a ready and often graphic and nervous pen. 

A short time subsequent to his retiring from editorial life, he was, by the concurrent wish and application of his political and personal 

friends, appointed to a place in the New York Custom House — his first appearance in any official station. A change of the National 

Government, in 1840, caused his removal from that office in less than a year. On his receiving official "notice to quit," his associate 

in the same office, a new appointee, (but a political opponent,) petitioned, personally, for his restoration. This Mr. Cushman 

declined, as likely to create ill feeling in his political party. But he was desired to remain in discharge of his official duties, instructing 

the new officer, until further notice, which he did, and which proved to be about four months, when he was finally superseded to give 

room for a greedy partisan. 

Freed from the responsibility of office, he entered into the mercantile business, first in New York city and subsequently in Newburgh; 

and after pursuing that with his wonted assiduity and with a good measure of success, for eight or ten years, his health required a 

respite from business, and he sold out in 1852, having saved from the proceeds of his labors a competency for the moderate wants 

of himself and wife, having never had any children. 

At the State election in 1853, he was nominated by the united action of all sections of the Democratic party, as a Representative 

from Newburgh in the "House of Assembly" of New York, and was elected by a handsome majority, though two other candidates 

were in the field against him — one Whig and one "Maine Law Democrat." Although he was not an advocate of a rigid "prohibitory 

liquor law," yet his known temperance views and life-long habits of strict temperance were a sufficient guarantee to the people of his 

district for correct action on that as on other questions of public interest. 

His services in the Legislature were duly acknowledged by his constituents. His personal popularity in the House was a warrant for 

the favorable reception and passage of any bill which he brought forward. The composition of the House being four to one against 

his party, he of course had no place upon any important Committees,1 but his faithfulness in the discharge of all the legislative 

duties devolved upon him was untiring and faithful. He is not a fluent debater, being constitutionally too nervous to feel at ease upon 

the floor, but such remarks as he does make are directly to the point, and embody the substance of most that can be said upon any 

subject on which he attempts to speak. 

1 He was appointed by the Speaker upon the Committee on " oint Rules of the two Houses," on the "Petitions of Aliens," and on 

the "Joint Library Committee." 

During the session of the NY Legislature of 1854, (of which he was a member,) he was a frequent correspondent of the Newburgh 

Telegraph, over the signature of "Smith Jr." Although those letters were designed to give the passing events of the day, yet many of 

them, while written, very obviously, with great haste, are graphic and well written descriptions of "men and things," as they appeared 

at the capitol of the "Empire State. We give a single extract: 

"One or two acts of this session are worthy of our great State. Among these I regard the one making a distinct office of the 

General Superintendent of Schools, as most important to the best interests and welfare of the State. In the education of the 

masses lies the security for our free institutions—and it is in the Common Schools that these masses must be educated. The 

supervision of these schools, therefore, should be entrusted to right hands, and the pay should command the most competent not 

only, but the best qualified and most experienced men of the State. And if the duties are fitly discharged, the office will be no 

sinecure." 

30

The leading characteristics of the subject of this memoir are industry, perseverance, independence of mind and a most unswerving 

integrity. He believes that honesty is not merely the best policy, but also one of the highest duties of man. Hence he has ever 

repudiated the doctrine, so common with many, that " all's fair in politics." 

Says one, who speaks from personal observation, "I know of his firm and steadfast attachment to principle and morality of a high 

standard (though not a professor of religion, yet a faithful supporter of its institutions ); of his love of the right and hatred 

and condemnation of the wrong, though involving his more immediate relatives and friends; of his strict temperance, for he has been 

practically a 'teetotaler' for many years; of his close attachment to his friends and his earnest desire for the happiness and comfort of 

his kindred; of his frequent and liberal aid to those whom he could assist; of his popular manners, lacking only the taste to make him 

a leader; of his kindness and urbanity at home and in public; his pride in the success of his kindred and his joy at the triumph of 

meritorious effort; of all this, those who know him best can truly bear witness." 

To this we will only add that in 1822 he became a Free and accepted Master Mason, at the Massachusetts Lodge in Boston, 

and has ever proved himself a worthy brother of the craft. He now resides, in dignified retirement, at the beautiful city of Newburgh, 

NY, with somewhat impaired health, but with a desire rather "to wear out than rust out," and a disposition yet to do something for the 

good of mankind. The foregoing engraving of his portrait and autograph will furnish his friends with a memento of his appearance at 

the age of 52 years. 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/d/e/h/Jeffrey-L-Dehart/GENE13-0063.html 

598. DEA. CHARLES CUSHMAN (CHARLES 6 , CHARLES 5 , JOHN 4 , ELEAZOR 3 , THOMAS 2 , ROBERT 1 ) b. 24 Jun 1773 in 

Bennington, VT; d. 10 May 1849 in Warrensville, Cuyahoga, Ohio; m1. MARY UNDERHILL 1794, d/o AUGUSTINE UNDERHILL 

and JERUSHA BLOOMER, b. Jul 1775; d. 29 Mar 1802 in Hartford, Washington, NY; m2. ANN JOHNSON 1804, d. 14 Nov 1843 in 

Warrensville, Cuyahoga, Ohio. 

Children of CHARLES CUSHMAN and MARY UNDERHILL are: 

i. JOHN CUSHMAN, b. 03 Dec 1795, Hartford, Washington, NY. 

ii. AMANDA CUSHMAN, b. 16 Feb 1798, Hartford, Washington, NY; d. 10 Dec 1847, Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio; m. 

HARMON BLACKNER, 1816, Bennington, VT; b. 11 Aug 1793, Rupert, Bennington, VT. 

iii. MARIA CUSHMAN, b. 27 Jan 1800, Hartford, Washington, NY; m. JOHN HICKS, 21 Jun 1820; b. 22 Jan 1797, 

Bennington, VT. 

iv. CHARLES UNDERHILL CUSHMAN, b. 20 Mar 1802, Hartford, Washington, NY; d. 1 Jun 1859, Rhinebeck, Dutchess, NY; 

m. MARY BIRDSALL, Jun 1832; b. 26 Nov 1810, Newburgh, Orange, NY. 

Children of CHARLES CUSHMAN and ANN JOHNSON are: 

v. MARY 8 CUSHMAN, b. 18 Apr 1804, Bennington, VT. 

vi. FANNY CUSHMAN, b. 01 Jun 1806, Bennington, VT; m. GEN. NORMAN BLACKMER. 

vii. DESIAH CUSHMAN, b. 16 Dec 1808, Bennington, VT; m. LEFFINGWELL L. LATHROP. 

viii. SEBRINA CUSHMAN, b. 24 Jan 1810; d. 5 Mar 1810. 

ix. DAVID M. CUSHMAN, b. 18 Jun 1811, Bennington, , VT. 

x. ANN JENNETTE CUSHMAN, b. 20 Jul 1813; m. WILLIAM P. GRAY. 

xi. FREDERICK CUSHMAN, b. 24 Mar 1816; d. 6 May 1816, Bennington, VT. 

----- 

Rev. John Gray 

From the first of October, 1845, the Rev. John Gray was minister of the [Presbyterian] church [in Glens Falls, NY] for nine months, 

to July, 1846. Two years afterward he was preaching in Newburgh, and in the vicinity of that city he died in 1860. 

------ 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/historical/southernnewyork/s_ny_23.htm 

Henry M. Hirschberg, father of Michael Henry Hirschberg, was born 21 Jul 1814, in Poland. He received an academic education in 

his native land. At the age of twenty he went to England, where for six years he was employed as a commercial traveler. In 1841 he 

emigrated to the United States, landing in New Orleans, 13 Nov, of that year, and remaining until the following spring when he 

removed to New York. In that city he secured employment as a clerk in a clothing store, and in 1843 returned to England. 

In 1845 he came once more to the United States, settling this time in Newburg, NY, where he engaged in the clothing business on 

his own account. The enterprise prospered, and until a few years prior to his death Mr. Hirschberg conducted a flourishing 

establishment. He became a man of prominence in the community, was associated in politics with the Democrats and served for 

three years as commissioner of excise, for a portion of that time holding the position of president of the board. In 1875-83 he served 

as supervisor, and was also appointed local civil service commissioner. For twenty-five years, Mr. Hirschberg was one of the trustee 

of the Newburg Savings Bank. In 1854 he was elected a member of Newburg Lodge, F&AM; in 1858 was chosen Master, and in 

1876 was elected Treasurer, holding the latter position to the close of his life. He was for seventeen years president of Congregation 

Beth Jacob. Mr. Hirschberg married, in 1844, in England, Frances Francks, of Newcastle, Staffordshire, and among their children 

was a son, Michael Henry, mentioned below. Mr. Hirschberg died 16 Aug 1886, in Newburg, leaving the memory of an able 

business man and an upright, public-spirited citizen. 

Michael Henry Hirschberg, son of Henry M. and Frances (Francks) Hirschberg, was born 12 Apr 1847, in Newburg, NY. He 

received his education at the Free Academy, graduating in 1862. After his admission to the bar in May, 1868, he began practice in 

his native city, his steady and rapid advancement speedily proving his possession, in full measure, of the essential qualities of a 

successful lawyer. From 1875 to 1878 he was special county judge of Orange County, and in 1889 he was elected district attorney 

31

of that county, serving until 1895. Intense application, profound and compressive knowledge of his profession and unusual facility in 

grasping and even anticipating the points advanced by his adversary made his record a brilliant one and caused his tenure of office 

to be memorial in the legal annals of the county. In 1896 Mr. Hirschberg was elected justice of the supreme court of the State of 

New York, and in 1900 was assigned to the appellate division, second department, Brooklyn. In January, 1904, he was appointed 

presiding justice for a term expiring 31Dec 1910. The qualifications of Judge Hirschberg for his exalted position have never been 

questioned and are universally acknowledged to be of the highest order, chief among them being the judicial mind which he 

possesses in an extraordinary degree. His decisions are remarkable for knowledge of the law, lucidity of expression, depth of 

insight, and vigor and originality of thought. On 10 Feb 1910, Judge Hirschberg received the tribute of a nomination on the 

Republican, Democratic and Independent-League tickets for judge of the supreme court, being subsequently given the further 

tribute of an election. In 1911 he was reappointed by Governor Dix to the appellate division, second department, which office he 

now holds. Judge Hirschberg's professional career, now in its fifth decade, is filled with achievement to a degree not always found in 

records of even fifty years' service on the bench and at the bar, but to a man of his type, in the full maturity of his powers, the future 

always holds promise of greater things to come. In 1894 Judge Hirschberg was state delegate to the constitutional convention. His 

club membership includes the Republican, Manhattan, Lawyers', Hamilton, Brooklyn, Powellton and Newburg City. In everything 

pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community he takes an active interest, and the educational and charitable institutions 

which constitute so vital an element in the life of every city have received the benefit of his influence and co-operation. From 1871 to 

1883 he was a member of the board of education of the City of Newburg, and for several years its president. 

Judge Hirschberg married, 16 Mar 1878, Lizzie McAlles, daughter of Thomas S. and Mary (Robinson) McAlles, of Newburg, and 

they are the parents of children: 

1. Henry, b. 12 Feb 1879. 

2. Stuart McAlles, b. 08 May 1886. 

3. Mary Frances, b. 23 Apr 1887; m. Abner M. Harper. 

4. David Scott, b. 08 Sep 1893. 

Judge Hirschberg and his family are prominent and popular in the social circle of this home city and also in those of New York. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=vIpDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&dq=%22Hudson+River+Lodge+No.+607%22&source= 

bl&ots=v_OHb691J2&sig=PMnUN3btntXRGC3edYqMJzTeXTA&hl=en&ei=4WefTL6iC8T6lwf3qKDICg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=re 

sult&resnum=5&ved=0CCYQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=%22Hudson%20River%20Lodge%20No.%20607%22&f=false page 164 

MICHAEL H. HIRSCHBERG is a native of Newburgh,and was born 12 Apr 1847. The first 

principles of his education were received in the public schools of this city. At the age of ten 

he was sent to Cincinnati, where he attended a public school for one year. During the two 

years following he was a student at a private institution in New York city. Returning to 

Newburgh, he entered the Academy, and was graduated in 1862. Then a year's classical 

course under Hugh S. Banks completed his schooling. Endowed by nature with brilliant 

talents, and with a capacity and eagerness for study, the training of the schoolroom was to 

him but the guideboard showing the way to that higher scholarship to which he has attained 

by unceasing and well-directed private study. 

By some strange mischance the distinguished lawyer of to-day began business life as a 

clerk in a dry goods store in Madison, Indiana. Whether or no he developed into a good 

salesman during the three years thus employed does not appear; but in 1866 we find him in 

his proper sphere, studying law in the office of the Hon. Stephen W. Fullerton in the city of 

his birth. 

In May, 1868, he was admitted to the bar. In March 1869, he formed a partnership with 

David A. Scott, who had recently retired from the office of Surrogate after eight years 

incumbency. It was a happy combination of legal talents which these two men made to 

serve a common purpose. The firm was successful from the beginning; it continued for more 

than twenty years, and was dissolved only by the death of Mr. Scott. 

Without tracing Mr. Hirschberg's every step, or attempting to set a value on a career which has not yet reached its zenith, we may 

yet indicate a few of the milestones he has passed on the way to the place in the world's favor he has already reached. Under the 

training of a Fullerton he rapidly developed into a good lawyer, and at a very early age acquired a considerable practice. When only 

twenty-three years old he was elected to the Board of Education, and was twice re-elected, so that for twelve years he was 

prominently identified with our public school system. For several years he was president of 

the Board. During that period Grammar School No. 2 and the Library building were erected, 

Grammar School No.1 was enlarged, and the colored school abolished. 

Residence of Hon. M. H. Hirschberg — 132 Grand Street. > 

In 1875 he was elected Special County Judge for three years. Since January, 1890, he has 

been District Attorney of Grange County, and during the year and a half that has passed 

since he assumed the duties of that office he has rid the county of a gang of desperadoes, 

and, altogether, has secured forty one convictions from forty-four indictments. 

As a lawyer Mr. Hirschberg has a high place in the estimation of the community. Learned in 

law and general literature, fluent, forceful and eloquent in speech, brilliant and witty in 

repartee, he is capable either of the most profound reasoning, or the most biting sarcasm. 

Well equipped for his profession, he is ready to cross swords with the best, and is fearless 

of any controversy. While to the masses he is best known for his ability as a trial lawyer, and 

32

public speaker, he has had a large general office practice. He has had much to do with the business of estates, and with commercial 

litigation and surrogate matters. As for criminal cases, he has been on one side or the other of the most important trials of his time. 

He was defendant's attorney in the Buck trial for assault with intent to kill, the Karlson-Meeker murder case, the Cossiano murder 

trial, the McCann murder trial, the White murder case, the Russell murder case, and the Myers throat-cutting case. 

As a public speaker he has been heard with pleasure on many important occasions in the county. Besides the honors conferred 

upon him by the Republican party which we have named, he was once nominated for Mayor, and once for Congress, but both 

nominations he declined. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and was one of the committee having in charge 

the recent centennial celebration of the U. S. Supreme Court. He is a Trustee of the Law Library Association, a Director of the 

Associated Charities, a Director of the Highland Bank, and President of the Newburgh Street Railway Company. He was a member 

of the Newburgh Centennial Committee of Five, and was once Master of Newburgh Lodge F&AM. He married Elizabeth McAlles in 

1878, and had four children. 

------ 

Henry O. Heustis 

Newburgh Lodge, No. 309, was instituted July 28th, 1853. The first officers were the Rev. John Gray, Master; Andrew Lawson, 

Senior Warden; Henry O. Heustis, Junior Warden. 

http://listsearches.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/INDEARBO/2006-02/1139045589 

Lawrenceburg Register, Apr 19 1883 

Mr. Henry O. Heustis died at his home in this city on Friday night after a brief illness of pneumonia. Mr. Heustis was a native of 

New York and at the time of his death was 58 years of age. He has for a number of years been connected with both railroads 

running through this city, but for the past two years has served as agent for the American Express Company. He was a faithful 

member of the Masons, Odd Fellows and Good Templars. He leaves three sons and one daughter, all grown. The funeral services 

of the deceased occurred on Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. 

Lawrenceburg Press, Apr 19 1883 

Henry Heustis died at his residence Friday, April 13, at 1:35 pm. He was born in the State of New York Aug 29 1825. Mr Heustis has 

been well known here for many years and has been the American Express Agent at this place for the last two years and was a 

faithful officer. His illness was brief; two sons and a daughter survive him and they have the heartfelt sympathy of this entire 

community in their bereavement. The funeral services were conducted by Revs. Loving, Tinker and Wilson at the Baptist Church 

Sunday afternoon and was largely attended, being in charge of the Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which he was a faithful member. The 

Masonic and I.O.G.T. Lodges, of which he was also a member, were present, the latter in regalia. The saddest feature of Mr. 

Heustis' death is that he was soon to be married to Miss Annie Kiger (Heustis) of this city. The house they were to occupy was being 

prepared for them. 

Henry O. Heustis is the son of Jesse Heustis, a brother of the Oliver and Elias Heustis in the other recently posted obituaries. Jesse 

tarried in NY until about 1856, then moved to Fayette County, Illinois. Henry accompanied Jesse to Illinois, where Henry's son 

Stephen was born, before moving to Dearborn County for the rest of his life. 

Another of Jesse's sons, Townsend Heustis, married Ann Marie Day in Dearborn County. Her family farm neighbored Oliver 

Heustis'. Several of her brothers lived for a time in Fayette County, along with several other Dearborn County families, notably Louis 

Monroe Platt. 

Finally, Annie Kiger (Heustis) mentioned in the obituary, was the divorced wife of William Albert Heustis, one of Henry's cousins (a 

grandson of Oliver.) 

----- 

http://www.hrvh.org/collections/inst-intro.htm?inst=14 

James E. Horton was born 13 Jan 1835. On 24 Oct 1860 he married Sarah S. Hathaway, d/o Odell S. and Helen M. Hathaway in 

the home of the bride's father. Witnesses were her father Odell Hathaway, Davis H. Barclay, and Thomas C. Ring. James was 

employed by Hiram Falls, an importer and dealer in china, glass and earthenware. The business was located at 76 Water Street. In 

the 1862 Newburgh City Directory, James is now listed as the successor to Hiram Falls in this business. Horton lived at 72 Smith 

Street from 1864 to 1865. He made his home at 123 Montgomery Street until c. 1876. In 1867, Horton is listed as the Newburgh City 

Supervisor. It appears that his home was at 172 South Street from 1877 until 1878. Mr. Horton is listed as living in Goshen, Orange 

County, New York in the 1880 census. His occupation is listed as a Crockery Agent. Household members at that time include his 

wife Sarah, along with children George 15, Ida 14, Edith 11, Hiram 10, as well as a daughter Helen, age 8. In the 1900 census, 

James, age 65 and his wife Sarah, age 64, now married for forty years, are listed as residing in Middletown, NY, along with their 

daughter Helen M., age 28. His wife Sarah is listed in the 1910 census as 73 years of age and living in the home of her daughter Ida 

Tremper in Middletown. 

His diaries by be read on line at 

1853 - http://www.hrvh.org/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/newburgh&CISOPTR=466&REC=1 



----- 

33

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/yale-university-class-of-1884/a-history-of-the-span-classsearchtermclassspan-of-eightyfour-yale-coll-hci/page-13-a-history-of-the-span-classsearchtermclassspan-of-eighty-four-yale-coll-hci.shtml 

William H. Hyndman - Lawyer, 56 Second Street, Newburgh, NY , Residence, 8 Liberty Street, W. H., Newburgh 

William Hugh Hyndman was born in Newburgh, NY, 13 Oct 1 861, son of Robert Hyndman and Elizabeth (Gibb) Hyndman, who 

were married in Baltimore, MD., 15 Jun 1853, and had five other children: Sarah J. (Hyndman) Stewart, David J. (d. Newburgh, 21 

Jun 1905), Joseph C., Robert (d. Newburgh, 14 Nov 1904), and Elizabeth G. (d. Newburgh, 23 Mar 1883). His father, Robert 

Hyndman (b. County Antrim, Ireland, 10 Dec 1828; d.. Newburgh, NY, 18 Aug 1906) was a merchant in Newburgh. He was one of 

the organizers of the First United Presbyterian Church of Newburgh, and at the time of his death had been for many years the ruling 

elder of that church. He was the son of Cunningham Hyndman and Sarah (Murdock) Hyndman, of Irish and Scotch antecedents. 

Elizabeth (Gibb) Hyndman (b. County Antrim, Ireland. 12 Oct 1831, d. Newburgh, 10 Aug 1905) was the daughter of David Gibb and 

Fanny (Weir) Gibb, of Irish and Scotch antecedents. 

William Hyndman prepared at Banks' Institute, Newburgh. In college he was a member of Kappa Sigma Epsilon and Psi Upsilon, 

rowed on the class crew two years and the university crew two years, and played on the university football team two years. Since 

May 16, 1889, he has been practicing law. He held the office of city recorder of Newburgh, from January i, 1895, until 1 Jan 1911, 

having been elected four times successively on the Republican ticket. For five years he served in the National Guard of the State of 

New York (1885 to 1890) as a member of the Tenth Separate Company of Newburgh, NY. 

He is a member of the board of trustees of the Calvary Presbyterian Church, and is also a member of Newburgh Lodge, No. 309, 

F&AM; Highland Chapter, No. 52, RAM; Hudson Commandery, Knights Templar, No. 35; Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order 

Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Newburgh Lodge, No. 247, Brotherhood Protective Order of Elks. 

Since his college days Hyndman has acquired a facility in acting as presiding officer, perhaps from his experience as city recorder, 

and winter class dinners at the Yale Club in New York in recent years have had given to them life and spice by his readiness as 

toastmaster. He married in Newburgh, NY, 19 Apr 1904, Bessie Leihton Harden (Newburgh Academy '92), daughter of William 

Homans Marden, an engineer of Newburgh. 

----- 

Captain William Edwin Mapes 

MAPES, WILLIAM E.—Age, 21 years. Enrolled at Goshen, to serve three years [124th NY Vols.], and mustered in as 2Lt, Co. B, 14 

Aug 1862; as 1Lt, 9 Feb 1863; wounded in action, 12 May 1864, at Spotsylvania Court House, Va.: mustered in as Captain, Co. H, 

31 May 1864; wounded in action, 14 Aug 1864, at Strawberry Plains, Va.; discharged for wounds, 15 Dec 1864. 

Commissioned 2Lt, 10 Sep 1862, with rank from 14 Aug 1862, original; 1Lt, 27 Feb 1863, with rank from 8 Feb 1863, vice W. E. 

Wygant resigned; Captain, 17 Dec 1863, with rank from 2 Jul 1863, vice H. S. Murray promoted. 

The Family Record Devoted for 1897 to the SACKETT, the WEYGANT and the MAPES Families, and to Ancestors of their 

Intersecting Lines. 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/charles-h-weygant/the-family-record-gye/page-19-the-family-record-gye.shtml 

William E. Mapes was born at Florida, Orange, NY, 14 Dec 1841. His early education was acquired in the district school, and at the 

Seward Institute, in his native village. On reaching his majority he made known to his parents his firm determination to do his part 

toward putting down the great slave-holders' rebellion, then at its height, and for the preservation of the Union his sires had helped 

to establish. He was persuaded by his less patriotic friends to defer his purpose of enlisting for a short time, but when President 

Lincoln, on 1 Jul 1862, issued his pressing call for 300,000 three years men, young Mapes could no longer be restrained and was 

among the first to apply for and receive permission to recruit for the regiment it was proposed to raise in the County of Orange; and 

when on the 6 Sep following the 124th New York Volunteers, familiarly known as the "Orange Blossoms," left for the seat of war, 

he marched with it as Second Lieutenant of Company B. many of the men of which he had personally enlisted. The history of his 

regiment shows that he participated with credit in the battles of Fredericksburgh, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg, Wapping Heights, 

Sulphur Springs, Culpepper, Kelly's Ford, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburgh, Strawberry Plains, and Deep 

Bottom; that he was promoted to First Lieutenant and to Captain and was brevetted Major; that at the battle of Spottsylvania he 

received a wound which ultimately destroyed an eye, and that at the battle of Deep Bottom, fought 14 Aug 1864, his active and 

gallant service in the field was brought to a close by a Confederate Minnie ball, which so shattered the bone of his right leg that 

amputation at the thigh was necessary. 

“History of the One hundred and twenty-fourth regiment: N. Y. S. V.,” by Charles H. Weygant,1870. page 364 

http://books.google.com/books?id=oZ4vAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA28&dq=%22William+E.+Mapes%22+%22newburgh%22&hl=en&ei=OedTMPxL4L98Ab8udiJDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Mapes%22&f=false 

. . . [at Deep Bottom] the 124th was ordered to advance to the support of a section of the 4th Maine battery which had taken 

position just behind the picket line, and opened on the enemy's works. Just as we reached these guns, a Confederate battery 

began to reply and a rather lively exchange of iron compliments ensued. 

Our batterymen made some grand shots, causing clouds of dust to arise from the works in front, and sometimes apparently from 

right under the enemy's guns. These telling shots elicited from my men shouts of applause. Capt. Mapes especially became very 

much interested and walked up to the rear of one of the pieces which the gunners were about to fire, with the evident intent of 

watching more closely than he could in rear of his company, the effect of the shell when it exploded; but as the commander of the 

gunners shouted "Fire," I heard from the captain a cry indicating intense pain. A sharpshooter's rifle had sent a leaden "call to the 

hospital" through his thigh, splintering the bone, a piece of which, about the size of a minnie ball, was carried through the wound 

and clung to his pants just below the hole made in them by the exit of the bullet. 

34

--- 

We are sorry to learn that Capt. Mapes, of Co. B, 124th Regt., N. Y. S. V., was again wounded in the recent engagement at Deep 

Bottom, Va., and that the wound is of a very serious nature. He was struck by a Minnie Ball, in his right thigh, which shattered the 

bone so that it was found necessary to amputate the limb about four inches above the knee. The operation was successfully 

performed by Dr. Thompson, surgeon of the Regiment, and at last accounts he was doing well, although it will be a long time 

before he can be removed to his home. 

Maimed for life and destined to be a continual sufferer to the end of his days, it would not have been surprising or unusual had he 

given up all hope of achieving success in life, but six years later we find his name in the lists of graduates of Union College. Not long 

after he was elected clerk of Orange County, in which office he served six years. He was then elected county treasurer, and held 

that office also by re-election for another six years, after which he engaged in the real estate business at Goshen; but at last his iron 

constitution gave way and on 14 Dec 1893, on his 52d birthday, he died, leaving surviving him two sons and four daughters. 

----- 

http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000036 

Benjamin Baker Odell, Jr., a Representative from New York; born in Newburgh, Orange, NY, 14 Jan 1854; son of Benjamin Barker 

Odell who was Mayor of Newburgh. He attended the public schools, Newburgh Academy, Bethany (W.Va.) College, and Columbia 

College, New York City; entered upon a commercial career; for ten years represented the seventeenth district on the Republican 

State committee and was chairman of the executive committee; elected as a Republican to the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth 

Congresses (4 Mar 1895-3 Mar 1899); chairman, Committee on 

Accounts (55th Congress); president of the Orange County Traction Co. 

and the Central Hudson Steamboat Co.; elected Governor of New York 

in 1900 and reelected in 1902; president of the chamber of commerce of 

Newburgh, NY; died in Newburgh, NY, on 9 May 1926; interment in 

Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor, Orange, NY. 

http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/orange/bios/1895/odell-benjaminb.txt 

< This was Benjamin B. Odell Jr's residence on Liberty Street just south 

of South Street. He was Governor of New York State from 1901-1904. 

He was born and died in Newburgh. He assisted his father, a venerate 

politician, in his ice business, Muchattoes Lake Ice Company for years. 

He managed Theodore Roosevelt's successful campaign for New York 

Governor in 1898 and as a result was nominated as the Republican 

candidate for New York State Governor in 1900. 

Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York 

Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties. 

Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. 

New York and Chicago; Chapman Publishing Co., 1895 

HON. BENJAMIN B. ODELL, JR., M. C. The services which in the past Mr. Odell has rendered 

his fellow-citizens of Newburgh, and which he is now rendering the people of this district as their 

representative in Congress, entitle him to rank among the eminent men of the state. As an 

honored member of an honorable family, connected through many generations with the history of 

Orange County, he is adding lustre to the name he bears, and in the councils of the nation is 

winning for himself an enviable reputation as a statesman. It is fitting, therefore, in a volume 

dedicated to the influential men of this county, that considerable mention be made of his life and 

public career. 

A life-long resident of Newburgh. Mr. Odell was born here January 14, 1854, being the son of 

Benjamin B. Odell, Sr., the present Mayor of the city. He gained the rudiments of his education in 

the public schools, and after graduating from the academy in 1874, became a student in Beth-any 

College, in Bethany, W. Va. After one year in that institution he entered Columbia College, in New 

York City, where he continued until 1877. While in college he took an active part in athletics and 

in boating, and was offered, but declined, a position in the Columbia University crew of 1875. 

On leaving college Mr. Odell embarked with his father in the ice business, and upon the 

absorption of his father's interest by the Muchattoes Lake Ice Company in 1886, he became the 

Secretary and Treasurer of the new company, which position he has since held. In 1888, in 

connection with other citizens of Newburgh, he bought stock in the Newburgh Electric-light and Power Company, and since then has 

officiated as its President. The Haverstraw Electric-light, Heat and Power Company was organized by him in 1891. 

Socially Mr. Odell is connected with Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. & A. M., of which he has been Master for a number of years. 

Under the administration of Grand Master Vrooman, he became the District Deputy Grand Master for the Tenth Masonic District, 

comprising the counties of Orange, Rockland, Ulster and Sullivan. He is also identified with Highland Chapter, R. A. M.; Hudson 

River Commandery, K. of P.; Acme Lodge, I. O. O. F.; Mt. Olive Encampment; and Canton Woodward, Patriarchs Militant. In social 

affairs he takes a lively interest, being connected with the Orange Lake Club, the Newburgh City Club and the Republican Club of 

the city of Newburgh, and similar organizations in New York City. 

35

Twice married, the first wife of Mr. Odell, who bore the maiden name of Estelle Crist, met her death by drowning in a steamboat 

collision on the Hudson River in 1888. Afterward he was united in marriage with Mrs. Linda C. Traphagen, of Newburgh. 

Nature bestowed upon Mr. Odell a vigorous mind. He is quick to see an emergency, and equally quick to devise means of 

overcoming it. His energy is one of the remarkable traits of his character. To this quality, combined with his large executive ability, is 

due his success in every undertaking with which his name is connected. While he has gained success in business and in his social 

relations, his prominence is due chiefly to his participation in public affairs. Reared in the faith of the Republican party, he saw no 

reason, on arriving at mature years, for changing his political belief; in fact, the history of our country during the past few years has 

made him even a stronger advocate of Republican principles than he was before. He instituted the election district association plan 

at present in use in Newburgh, and brought the twenty-one associations which compose the city into harmonious working order. 

As State Committeeman for his district Mr. Odell rendered efficient service. He was one of the committee to draft the platform of the 

party for the campaign of 1890, and served as Super-visor of the Census for the counties of Orange, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan and 

Delaware. As Chairman of the Executive Committee of the New York State Republican Committee, he gained the confidence of his 

political associates and established a reputation for efficient work in the party. These influences led to his nomination, October 11, 

1894, for Congressman from the Seventeenth District. His popularity was proved by the fact that he was elected to that responsible 

position by a majority of more than five thousand in a district hitherto strongly Democratic, his plurality being larger than any 

candidate the district has ever received. He entered upon the active discharge of the duties of his office with the best wishes of a 

host of friends, and has represented his district in a manner reflecting the highest credit upon himself. A man of foresight and 

profound judgment, firm and immovable in his opinions when once formed, a safe counselor, admirably versed in the principles of 

wise statesmanship, he will undoubtedly achieve even greater success in the future than he has in the past. 

----- 

http://www.straw.ws/jao/pub/jao/8087.htm 

Lendone S. Straw, born: 22 Jan 1825, Hopkinton, Merrimack, NH 

Vessels and Their Passengers that Sailed from Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Philadelphia to California in 1849: Page 

486-489; Bark Suliote, from Belfast, Maine, January 30th: L. S. Straw (this would explain why he does not appear in the household 

of his parents in 1850 in Bangor, Maine) 

1880 census Newburg, Orange County, NY he is age 53 and a dentist; household includes: 

Lendone S. age 53 

Mary P. age 42 

Linda P. age 10 

per History of Hopkinton, NH (C.C. Lord) an obit in the Newburg, NY Journal of August 5, 1884: 

"Dr. Samuel B. Straw, the well known dentist of this city, died last evening, aged 83 years. He was born in Hopkinton, NH and came 

to Newburg about 17 years ago to join his son, Dr. L.S. Straw, who at that time had been a resident for about ten years. In his early 

years Dr. Straw Sr. studied medicine and practised the profession for twelve years before practicing dentistry. At the breaking out of 

the rebellion he joined a Maine regiment in the capacity of surgeon, and served with it until he was discharged. He then offered his 

services to the governor of NY and was appointed a surgeon at the hospital of Lansingburgh, and afterward at Elmira. While a 

resident of Maine he was for a time the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. During his residence in this city he was 

engaged in the profession of dentistry with his son. Dr. Straw was twice married. His first wife was Miss Malinda Colby, of 

Hopkinton, NH, by whom he had three children, only one of whom, Dr. L. S. Straw, is now living. His second wife was Miss Hawkins 

of Lansingburgh, who survives him. The cause of death, aside from infirmities of old age, was bronchial consumption. The funeral 

will take place on Thursday afternoon, from St. Paul's Church; interment in St. George's cemetery. He had been married to Malinda 

Colby (1807-1852). 

----- 

http://books.google.com/books?id=vIpDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA213&lpg=PA213&dq=%22Jonathan+D.+Wilson%22+%22newburgh%22 

&source=bl&ots=v_OHa883P6&sig=2pbPNytlRDv2wsdRmSX- 

GD2RYaE&hl=en&ei=gSyeTISSFYL6lweVpIzoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CCsQ6AEwBw#v=onepage& 

q=%22Jonathan%20D.%20Wilson%22%20%22newburgh%22&f=false page 214. 

Jonathan D. Wilson [Sr.] is a member of one of our leading firms of masons and builders, which 

has in its career of twenty-one years built a considerable number of the houses that constitute the 

City of Newburgh. Mr. Wilson was born in Ohio in 1850, and came to Newburgh with the other 

members of his family in 1857. He learned his trade with Franklin Gerard, and was a journeyman 

at the age of nineteen. He worked one year in New York, and then in 1870 formed a partnership 

with his brother, Tilden H. [see below], in this city. They have erected some of our most prominent 

buildings, notably the Academy of Music, School No. 6, the Jewish Synagogue, Trinity parsonage, 

and the Schaefer, Turner, Dales and Carson business buildings, and many handsome private 

residences, in all about three hundred buildings. Many of these they erected on their own account; 

South Miller Street was almost entirely built up by them. Mr. Wilson is an important factor in the 

local Democratic party, has represented his district in numerous conventions, and was a member 

of the Board of Assessors for six years. He is an Odd Fellow and a Free Mason, and was Master 

of Newburgh Lodge, F&AM, during the years 1884 and 1885. He married Kate A. Todd, of this 

city, in 1874, and has one son [see next biographical sketch]. 

----- 

36

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/state/historyofnewyorkstate/bio/pt9.html 

Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr. 

Deputy Attorney-General Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr., of Newburgh, holds an office of increasing influence and activity in the legal 

interests of the State, his gradations from general practitioner and district attorney having been accompanied with well-affirmed 

proofs of his practical gifts in relation to those comprehensive matters that have to do with his profession both as a law advocate 

and in official place. He has upon all occasions honored his calling, and has the highest respect of his associates and constituency, 

and in civic and community matters his counsel and presence are welcome factors in the progress of Newburgh. 

Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr., was born 12 Jun 1875, at Newburgh, a son of Jonathan D. Wilson [Sr.] [q.v.], who was born 8 May 1850, in 

Delaware, Ohio, and of Catherine A. (Todd) Wilson, who was born in 1853, in Paterson, NJ, and died 4 Feb 1920, daughter of 

William and Mary Todd. Jonathan D. Wilson, Sr., a son of George Wilson, who was born in Hastings, England, and of Priscilla 

(Selmes) Wilson, who was born in France, was for many years president of the Newburgh Board of Education, and was a contractor 

and builder, now retired. He was mayor of Newburgh for ten years. He married Catherine A. Todd, in 1874. 

Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr., attending the Newburgh public schools, was graduated at Newburgh High School in 1891, and, after taking 

a course at Sigler's Preparatory School, was graduated at Columbia College, in 1898, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He 

matriculated at the Law School of New York University in 1900. In Jun 1907, he appointed assistant district attorney, and served six 

years. He served as district attorney from 1913 to 1915, and again from 1919 to 1925; and from Jan 1925, to the present, Mr. 

Wilson has held the office of deputy attorney-general. A staunch Republican in his political views, he is chairman of the County 

Republican Committee. 

I fraternal matters, Mr. Wilson is affiliated with Newburgh Lodge, No. 309, F&AM, of which he is a Past Master; Highland Chapter, 

Royal Arch Masons; the Commandery, Knight Templar; Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and 

Newburgh Lodge, No. 247, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a Past Exalted Ruler; Independent Order of Odd 

Fellows; and Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Newburgh City Club; Newburgh Wheelmen; and Powelton Golf Club. 

His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Jonathan D. Wilson, Jr., married, 6 Apr 1904, at Newburgh, Edith Van Buren, who was born in Galeville, and was graduated at 

Newburgh High School in 1903, daughter of John Van Buren, who had been retired from business activities for thirty years, and of 

Sarah (Gale) Van Buren, whose ancestors founded the town of Galeville. They had one daughter, Catherine Van Buren Wilson, who 

was born 8 Jan 1905. 

----- 

http://books.google.com/books?id=vIpDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA213&lpg=PA213&dq=%22Tilden+H.+Wilson%22&source=bl&ots=v_OH 

a785O6&sig=y4ty7SVY4Fii4lNQ1OnsT_ASqs&hl=en&ei=LwaeTMT9CMLflgfUrKTvAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBYQ 

6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Tilden%20H.%20Wilson%22&f=false page 213. 

Tilden H. Wilson was born1846 in Delaware County, Ohio. The family moved to Newburgh in 1857, 

and Tilden attended Mr. Cavan’s private school and the public schools. In 1862 he went into the army, 

and when he returned engaged with Frank Gerard to learn the mason trade. He served four years, and 

for two years following worked at his trade in New York City. Returning to Newburgh he formed a 

partnership with his brother, as masons and builders, that has continued ever since. Their operations in 

real estate on their own account have been large, notably in South Miller Street, where most of the 

houses, thirty or thirty-five in number, were erected for themselves. Tilden H. Wilson is also a man of 

influence in the councils of the Democratic party, and has rendered efficient service in its behalf. He was 

a member of the Board of Alms House Commissioners in 1883-86, the first Inspector of Buildings, and 

has been one of the Board of Water Commissioners since 1889. He is a stockholder and trustee of the 

Academy of Music, a member of Chapman Hose Company, of the Board of Trade, of Acme Lodge of 

Odd Fellows, and has been through all the chairs in Newburgh Lodge of Free Masons. 

Hudson River Lodge No. 309/607, Newburgh, Orange, New York 


consolidated from merger of Hudson River No. 607 and Newburgh No. 309. 

“A Masonic Portrait of the Empire State,” 2002. page 170 

Hiram Lodge is the first Lodge of record in the city of Newburgh, instututed 26 May 1806, and moving to different locations within the 

city during its existence. 14 Sep 1824 Lafayette was welcomed in Newburgh by the Craft. In 1845 the charter was surrendered. 

Newburgh Lodge No. 309 was instituted 28 Jul 1853. On 19 Jul 1866 Hudson River Lodge no. 607 was instituted, and on 6 June 

196 these two Lodge merged to form Hudson River Lodge No. 309. 

Ref: History of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, Free and Accepted Masons, Newburgh, NY, from January 11, 1866 to June 19, 1896 

(1896) 428 pages, at http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030289585 as copy of which is in the digital archives of OMDHS. 

37

Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, Port Jervis, Orange, New York 


“A Masonic Portrait of the Empire State,” 2002. page 175: 

First Public Meeting 9 Dec 1853 

First Master 

Alfred Barkley 

Meeting Places: 

1855-59 Heller Building 

1859-69 the Mondon, St. John and Company Building 

1869-82 the Pobe and Stewart Building 

1882-1975 first owned building, the Farnum Building 

1972- present Building; the former Junior Mechanics Hall 

1855 Masonic Register 

PORT JERVIS LODGE, NO. 328. Port Jervis, Orange County. 

Meets on Second and Fourth Fridays each month. 

Date of Charter, June 21st, 1854. 

John M. Heller, Master, 

James Vanfleet, Senior Warden, 

Wm. H. Stewart, Junior Warden, 

Charles Hardenbergh, Secretary, 

Orvlll J. Brown, Treasurer, 

J. H. Norton, Senior Deacon, 

Thomas Walsh, Junior Deacon, 

J. H. Irvine, Steward. 

T. J. Ridgeway, Steward 

PAST MASTERS. 

Alfred Barkley, 

Stephen St. John, 

H. L. West, 

John D. Cole. 

MEMBERS. 

J. W. Anthony. 

J. P. Belden, 

D. R. Belknap, 

W. S. Bennet, 

P. D. Bristol, 

W. H. Bristol, 

M. Bross, 

George Bruce, 

A. Conger, 

A. W. Decker, 

J. Decker, 

J. Dennis, 

S. O. Dimmick, 

Wm. Schrier, 

A. C. Van Wormer, 

Thomas Fay, 

Elias Fraleigh, 

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/j/o/n/Donna-L-Jones-NY/FILE/0002text.txt 

K. Furguson, 

Abner Griffiths, 

B. S. Hall, 

James Hedden, 

J. H. Irvine, 

Silas C. Lum, 

Silas A. Martaine, 

Samuel Martinus, 

Charles McElrath, 

O. H. Mott, 

Alvin Pease, 

Elias Peck, 

E. P. Pinchot, 

L. Swartz, 

W. M. Vail, 

J. C. Westfall, 

Alex. Wilson, 

Harry L. Caskey born 1877 and died 1932. He married Blanche Carley and they had one son, Harry L. Caskey born 1904, married 

1929 Bernice G. Brewster, d/o Myron T. Brewster of Lake Placid, NY and granddaughter of Jackson Brewtser, a direct descendent 

of William Brewster who came on the Mayflower. Harry L. Caskey was Past Master of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328 F&AM and 

District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the Orange and Rockland District 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/historical/SouthernNewYork2/sny2_pt119.htm 

Moses Depuy, son of Elias and Helen (Broadhead) Depuy, was born at Woodbourne , NY , 28 Jan 1840 , died at Port Jervis, 

Orange , NY, 15 Jul 1907 . He worked on his father's farm in boyhood, also helping to cut logs in the winter and being employed in 

the mill in the summer. In 1861 he went to Port Jervis, where he worked for his brother, Ten Eyck Depuy, in a sash and blind 

factory. Five years later he and Frank Broadhead purchased the business, and in two years more he bought out his partner. In 1881 

he sold his lumber interests, entered into the coal business and was located on what is now the present site of the Erie station. He 

also dealt in lumber, clearing woods by contract, furnishing wood to brick yards and ties to railroads. In these lines he prospered 

until he retired in 1898. He was a member of Ustayantha Lodge, No. 143, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Port Jervis Lodge, 

No. 328, F&AM, of Neversink Chapter, No. 186, Royal Arch Masons, of Delaware Commandery, No. 44, Knights Templar. He was 

an active Democrat in politics, being at one time president of the Deerpark Democratic Club. He held the offices of president of the 

village twice; trustee of the village; member of the board of education six years, being president for one year. Frequently he was 

sent as a delegate to political conventions. He and his family attended the Presbyterian Church. 

He married (first), in 1859, Margaret Westbrook, of Sullivan County, New York, (second) Mary Van InWegen, daughter of James 

and Catharine (Van InWegen) Ketchum, of Oakland Valley , Sullivan, NY, where her father was a lumber merchant. Children: 1. 

Minnie Catharine. 2. Ketchum Moses, 

http://books.google.com/books?id=TccLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA123&lpg=PA123&dq=%22Port+Jervis+Lodge+No.+328%22&source=bl 

&ots=fm8RVCxglg&sig=_3_XqVlT4Y_RfLqbkET7LH0wwq0&hl=en&ei=xWOeTOHGC8L_lger2vTiCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=res 

ult&resnum=10&ved=0CDkQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22Port%20Jervis%20Lodge%20No.%20328%22&f=false page 123. 

John M. Heller, son of John (2) Heller and his first wife, was born in Bushkill, PA, 4 Nov 1806, died at Port Jervis, NY, 30 Mar 1857. 

He was a carriage manufacturer, first located at Bushkill, then at Milford, PA, finally settling in Port Jervis, where his factory was 

located on Front street, on the site now occupied by the Peck Hardware Company. He was energetic, thrifty, prosperous and a most 

excellent citizen. He was a charter member of Port Jervis Lodge, No. 328, F&AM. He married (first) Margaret Winfield. Children: 

George Potter, b. 22 Aug 1829, d. 10 May 1880; Harvey Royce, b. 21 Nov 1830, lost at sea on steamer "San Francisco," 24 Dec 

1853; John Wallace, b. 18 Oct 1832, d. 23 Dec 1871; Margaret (twin),b. 18 Oct 1832, d. 8 Nov 1882. 

He married (second), 16 Feb 1833, Nancy Newman, b. 9 Jun 1801, d. 13 Dec 1883, daughter of Ira and Mary (Bross) Newman. 

----- 

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Obituary Feb 3, 1905 Port Jervis Gazette 

A. Lundelius Dead - The Well-known Artist and Photographer of Port Jervis - Was Born in Stockholm and Came to This Country 

When 18 Years of Age - A Hard Worker, an Inventive Genius and a Superior Artist. 

August Lundelius died at &:30 o'clock last night at his home, No. 45 Sussex Street of neurosis, aged 44 years. He had been in 

failing health for a year or more, but until within a few weeks had been able to be at his place of business at No. 78 Pike Street. 

Mr. Lundelius was born in Stockholm, Sweden, 7 Jan 1861 and was a son of Carl Lundelius and Anna Sophia Soederqvist. When 

about 18 years of age he came to America, staying in Brooklyn, L.I., for a few years. In Sweden he had studied the art of 

photography, and this he continued after his arrival in America, finding employment in Brooklyn. 

In the winter of 1885 he came to Port Jervis, and on the 22 Feb of that year, Washington's birthday, he opened a photographic 

gallery at No. 78 Pike Street. These rooms he occupied as a studio to the time of his death. Here he studied and worked, and 

developed the art which he loved so well. New features were introduced, and this gallery became one of the best known in this part 

of the state. The name "Lundelius" attached to a picture was a guarantee of fine work. His studio grew in popularity, and Mr. 

Lundelius endeavored to keep pace with the growing demands of the public by unceasing toil, long hours and hard work. Vacations 

that he needed were never taken, and his only recreation was the hours with his family or with the societies of which he was a 

member. It is believed this too close confinement had much to do in sapping the life functions and laying the foundation for the 

illness which finally proved fatal. 

In his art he displayed many traits of genius. He was constantly working on some idea to advance the art of photography. One of the 

results of his genius was a ‘Kodack,’ on which he secured letters patent, and which is being extensively manufactured and sold. 

On October 20th, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Sherman, daughter of Hiram B. Sherman, of 87 Franklin Street, Port 

Jervis. She survives him, as also do his three children: Alice, aged 15, Stella, aged 14 and August, aged 3 years. He is also 

survived by his aged parents in Stockholm, Sweden; by one sister, Nanny, wife of Hugo Norlander of Stamford, Conn., and by two 

brothers, Charles Lundelius, of Niagara Falls; and Thor Lundelius, residence unknown. 

Deceased was a member of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F&AM, of Mount William Lodge No. 195, K. of P., and Port Jervis Lodge 

No. 645, B.P.O.E. The funeral took place at his late home No. 45 Sussex Street. The services were in charge of the lodge of Elks, 

and the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias also participated. Interment was in Laurel Grove. 

http://www.google.com/patents?id=WoRdAAAAEBAJ&printsec=drawing&zoom=4#v=onepage&q&f=false 

39

http://books.google.com/books?id=nklGAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA290&lpg=PA290&dq=%22Lundelius%22+%22camera%22&source=bl&o 

ts=ggaLV- 

X_6g&sig=awCqt8h1S7Q22lg3Y4euZVzz1x8&hl=en&ei=cnGeTKnmKcP_lge66eiDCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10 

&ved=0CDoQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=%22Lundelius%22%20%22camera%22&f=false page 290 

A. Lundelius, Artist and Photographer, No. 134 Pike Street,— As a practical artist and photographer, Mr. A. Lundellus has been 

established in Port Jervis for the past four years, coming as he did from one of the best studios in the city, and during that time has 

ever maintained the highest standard of excellence, and his business has grown to be one of importance, the young artist rapidly 

winning name and fame in consequence of the beauty of his work. His gallery is fine and centrally located on the ground floor at No. 

124 Pike Street, having a large show window displaying many samples of his work, all admirably arranged—is elegantly fitted up 

and furnished with all the best instruments and materials known to the art, and is without a doubt the best in the county. Mr. 

Lundelius conducts every branch of the business, and is capable of taking any size photographs direct in the camera from the 

40

smallest up to life-size—he being one of the few who can do the latter. He executes portraits in crayons, lndia ink, and water-colors 

himself, consequently is not an artist by name alone—at prices which are the lowest compatible with superior work. One of the many 

reasons his success is due to is, posing the subject in an easy and natural position. Mr. Lundelius seems to have mastered this as 

well as all other branches of his profession. His reputation for unrivalled work in all departments of the artist-photographer's line is 

unsurpassed and well deserved. Lundelius gives his close attention to the needs of his many patrons, and his labor cannot be 

excelled for truthful delineation, nature, expression, and harmony of effects. 

---- 

William Andrews Parshall 

http://books.google.com/books?id=allEAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1- 

PA270&dq=%22Port+Jervis+Lodge+No.+328%22&hl=en&ei=EnSeTKyIGoH98AaHtbWUAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resn 

um=6&ved=0CEcQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=%22Port%20Jervis%20Lodge%20No.%20328% 

22&f=false page 

---- 

WILLIAM ANDREWS Parshall, (Caleb6 David6 David* Jonathan3 David2 James1) b. Walden, 

Orange Co., NY, 9 Dec 1865; m. Port Jervis, NY, 1 Jun 1893, Christine, dau. Lewis E. and 

Florence (Corwin) Senger (b. Port Jervis, NY, 3 May 1868). Child: Walter Corwin8 b. Port 

Jervis, NY, 19 Jul 1895. 

William Andrews Parshall graduated from the Port Jervis (NY) Academy in 1883, and from the 

Academic Dept., of Yale University, in 1889. He then entered the Albany Law School, from 

which he was graduated in 1889. In 1890, he was admitted to the bar and has since practiced 

his profession in Port Jervis. On 1 Oct 1890, he formed a co-partnership with Hon. O. P. 

Howell and R. E. Schofield, Esq., under the style of Howell, Parshall & Schofield, from which 

he withdrew in Sep 1893, to become local attorney for the Erie Railroad Co. He has served 

one term as Town Clerk of Deerpark, and seven terms as corporation counsel for the Village 

of Port Jervis. He is now attorney for the New York, Lake Erie & Western R. R., the Port 

Jervis, Monticello and New York R. R., and several local corporations, including the National 

Bank of Port Jervis, of which he is also a director. He has been Master of Port Jervis Lodge, 

No. 328, F&AM; High Priest of Neversink Lodge, No. 186, R. A. M.; Commander of Delaware 

Commandery, No. 44, Knights Templar, and is now District Deputy Grand Master of the 

Thirteenth Masonic District of the State of New York. 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sponholz/obits1918.html 

From the April, 1918 Issue of Erie Railroad Magazine: 

CHARLES DANNHAUER - After a continuous service of fifty-one years with the Erie railroad, in whose Mechanical department he 

was employed, Charles Dannhauer has passed away. Deceased was born in Alsace, France; came to this country in 1863, and 

entered the employ of the Erie in 1865 as machinist in the Port Jervis shops. In 1884 he was transferred to Huntington shops, and 

employed as machinist there up to the time he was pensioned, which was in 1915. The body was brought to Port Jervis for burial. 

Mr. Dannhauer was a member of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F&AM. 

From the March, 1918 Issue of Erie Railroad Magazine: 

WALTER ELLIS - The Port Jervis Union printed a report of the death of Walter Ellis, employed as freight conductor by the Erie, the 

cause of which was believed to have been acute indigestion. It occurred at a time when he was on duty, and as his train was 

entering the tunnel at Otisville, NY. He was 62 years of age and was of English birth. He came to Port Jervis when a young man, 

and had since been in the service of the Erie. He was a member of the Reformed church, the Dutch Arms, Port Jervis Lodge No. 

328, F&AM; Division 62, 0.R.C. of Port Jervis, and the Railroad Square club of Jersey City. He is survived by his widow, five 

daughters, one sister and one brother. 

http://www.funeralplan.com/grayparker/Obituaries?id=109848 

William J. Skinner Jr. of Port Jervis, NY a retired meter supervisor for Orange and Rockland Utilities and Lifelong resident of the 

area, died Tuesday, 9 Oct 2007 at Milford Senior Care & Rehabilitation Center. He was 91. He was born 4 Jul 1916 in Sparrowbush, 

NY, the son of the late William J. and the late Pearl L. Emery Skinner, Sr. Bill was married earlier in life to the Ursula Brown Skinner; 

she died 20 Nov 1984. He later married Betty March Duffy Skinner, who survived him. 

Growing up in Sparrowbush, he attended the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church and was a Life Member of the Sparrowbush 

Fire Dept. A 1936 Graduate of Port Jervis High School, he was an Army veteran of WW II, he served as a 1st Sgt and was awarded 

the Bronze Star for meritorious service and participated in five campaigns, he was a Life member of the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post 

No. 161; member of the 29th Div. Association of WW II; member of the Battle of the Bulge Assoc. 

He was a Life member and Past Master of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F & AM; Neversink Chapter No. 186, Royal Arch Masons; 

Life Member, Past Exalted Ruler and Past District Deputy of Elk´s Lodge No. 645; he was also a life member of the Port Jervis 

Ambulance Corp and member of the Minisink Valley Historical Society. 

He was survived by his wife of 21 years, Betty Skinner at home; a daughter, Joann S. Rogers and her husband James of Laguna 

Niguel, CA; grandson, William J. Rogers and his wife, Sabrina of Frisco, Tx; great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Rogers of Frisco, TX; 

step-daughter, Ann M. Romeo and her husband, Jim of Milford, PA; step-son, Frank D. Duffy and his wife, Kay of Sanger, TX; step- 

41

grandchildren, Shane, Jennifer and Rebecca Gore of Milford, Frank Duffy of Dallas, TX And Patty Duffy of Little Elm, TX, J.R. and 

Carol Duffy of Lake Wallenpack, PA, Bonnie Clark of Cherry Hill, NJ and Julie Kohn of Mountainside, NJ; also several nieces and 

nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Francis “Pete” Skinner and 2 sisters, Martha Kent and Joan Kent. Burial was at Pine 

Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. 

Hoffman Lodge No. 412, Middletown , Orange, New York 

Warrant - 16 Jun 1857 210 

Prev. No. 300, 1817; see also Mount Moriah 189 

Ref. “A Masonic Portrait of the Empire State,” 2002. page 210. 

“A History of Hoffman Lodge No. 412 – The First 150 Years” may be read at: 

http://www.hoffmanlodge412.org/HistoryOfHoffmanLodgeByAlDenninger.pdf 

“Master Builders of Middletown: Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F&AM” by Seese, 

Mildred Parker & Ethel Blanchard Gage. 1957. 

Alexander Wilson, 1856-1858; 1862- 

1868; DDGM - 1861-64 

Silas R. Martine, 1859 [prev. SW of 

Goshen Lodge] 

Joshua Draper, 1860 

John G. Wilkin, 1861 

Albert H. Corwin, 1869-1871 

Moses D. Stivers, 1872 

Willis L. Bagley, 1873-1876; DDGM - 

1880 

Moses H. Van Keuren, 1877-78 

Theron N. Little, 1879-1882 

Charles V. Puff, 1881 

Amos D. Seaman, 1883-1884 

Samuel G. Beyea, 1885-1886 

Samuel M. Boyd, 1887-1890 

John A. Wallace, 1891-1892 

Wilbur M. Combs, 1893-1894; DDGM - 

1895 

Julius F. Korn, 1895 

Henry C. Corwin, 1896 

Ira L. Case, 1897-1898 

Jeremiah, E. Barnes, 1899-1900 

Eugene B. Quick, 1901 

William H. Biggin, 1902 

Moses A. Stivers, 1903 

Isodor Budwig, 1904-1905 

Nathan D. Mills, 1906-1907; DDGM 1911 

John H. Galloway, 1908 

Burton L. La Mont, 1909 

Delbert D. Townsend, 1910; AGL 1911 

Fred B. Williams, 1911 

Warren J. Adams, 1912 

John Bright, 1913; DDGM 1921 

J. Harry Ward, 1914 

Harry T. Crist, 1915 

Irving W. Davey, 1916; AGL 1921 

J. Noble Wood, 1917 

Charles H. Pickard, 1918 

Fred S. Rogers, 1919 

Charles E. Taylor, 1920 

Masters 

Frank T. Chambers, 1921; AGL 1930 

Harmon F. Mentley, 1922 

Thomas C. Rogers, 1923 

Walter J. Seeley, 1924 

John M. Gaynor, 1925; DDGM 1930 

Harold W. Mailler, 1926 

Howard W. Weale, 1927 

Rainey S. Taylor, 1928 

Fred J. Hodge, 1929 

William B. Cornelius, 1930 

Franklin H. Kramer, 1931; DDGM 1946 

Edward White, 1932 

John H. Arfmann, 1933 

R. Edgar Clarke, 1934 

Janes E. Lyon, 1935 

Edward T. Van Gorder, 1936 

E. Laverne Peck, 1937 

Clarence E. Worden, 1938 

Philip Van Keuren, 1939 

Charles H. Borland, 1940 

Clarence E. Wilson, 1941 

Charles W. Hess, 1942 

George J. Tischner, 1943 

Harold M. Birdsall, 1944 

Alton F. Bradner, 1945; AGL 1955; GSB 

1964 

Earl W. Jacobson, 1946 

Stuart L. Wright, 1947 

Frank M. Sears, 1948 

James E. Evans, 1949 

Elwood A. Thorn, 1950 

Richard M. Gregory, 1951 

Richard H. Morse, 1952 

Clarence V. Seeley, 1953; DDGM 1957 

Russell S. Gowdey, 1954 

Raymond E. Sherwood, 1955 

Joseph A. Groh, 1956 

Edwin L. Starbuck, 1957 

Robert Taylor, 1958 

Henry A. Itzla, 1959 

William Speirs, 1960; AGL 1968-1969; 

DDGM, 1972 

Meyer Miller, 1961 

Rodney Martin, Jr., 1962 

Samuel Warycka, 1963 * 

Ralph C. Haynes, 1964 

William H. Reed, 1965 * 

Martin Ercoline, 1966 

Laurence Tweksbury, 1967 

Jacob Schloss, 1968 

Robert S. Murray, 1969 

Alexander M. Hogg, 1970 

Roy I. Hutchings, 1971 

Frederick M. Baker, 1972 

Kermit W. Lewis, 1973 

Richard A. Hutchings, 1974 * 

Charles E. Stewart, Sr., 1975 * 

John Gordon Smith, 1976; DDGM 1981 

Franklin W. Redner, 1977 * 

Albert Bruno, 1978 * 

Milton L. Kuhlman, 1979 

R. Barry McPhillips, 1980 

George P. Tingus, 1981 

Allan D. Ackerson, 1982 * 

Dean W. Connell, 1983 * 

William C. Robacker, 1984 * 

Charles W. Smith, 1985 * DDGM 

Paul G. DiMaggio, 1986 * 

John N. Nattress, 1987 * 

William C. Cuddy, 1988 * 

Bernard M. Levy, 1989; 1997 * 

Rudey S. Levey, 1990 

Charles D. Vandemark, 1992 * 

Richard A. Heip, 1993 * 

Don L. Bates IV, 1994; 1999 * 

Harrison W. Keesler, 1995 * 

Richard G. Bull, 1996; 1998 

William J. Fitzhenry, 2000 - 2005* 

Alfred H. Denninger, 2005-2006 * 

Eugene McGill, 2006-2008 * 

http://archive.recordonline.com/archive/2002/09/29/obituaries.html 

FREDERICK MARTIN BAKER SR. Otisville, N.Y. Frederick Martin Baker Sr., a retired plumber of Local Union 373 in Mountaindale 

and a resident of Otisville since 1920, died Friday, 27 Sep 2002 in Levindale Geriatric Center, Baltimore, Md., after a long illness. He 

was 89. The son of the late Cornelius and Grace Dunn Baker Sr., he was born January 2, 1913 in Wallington, N.J. He was a 50-year 

member and Past Master of Hoffman Lodge No. 412 F & AM, in Middletown; Midland Chapter No.240; thrice potent master of 

Middletown Lodge of Perfection; director of the Fellowcraft Club of Hoffman Lodge, and he received the Dedicated Service Award 

from Grand Lodge; 32nd Degree Mason in the Council Chapter Consistory Valley of Binghamton; Shrine Cyprus Chapel, Albany; 

Orange County Shriners' Club; chairman of the advisory board for the Middletown Assembly No. 16 Order of Rainbow; past patron 

of Order of Eastern Star Queen Esther Chapter No. 163 in Middletown. 

42

He was also a member of the Otisville-Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church; member and past member of the Otisville Fire Company; 15- 

year member and past president of the Board of Education of the Otisville Union Free School; past trustee of the Village of Otisville; 

over 50-year member of Plumber's Union Local 373; as well as a 47-year member and past president of the Black Brook Rod and 

Gun Club. 

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Carlys Cutlip Baker at home; three sons, Raymond Baker and his wife, Betsey, of Cold 

Springs, Earl Baker and his wife, Geneva, of Otisville, and Frederick Baker Jr., and his wife, Deborah, of Otisville; three daughters, 

Freda Clawson and her husband, Robert, of Otisville, Darlene Allen and her husband, Gerald, of Ferndale, and Saundra Hansen 

and her husband, Hans, of Port Jervis; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was 

predeceased by three brothers, Cornelius Baker Jr., Howard Baker, and Bruce Baker; and sister, Alma Palmer. Burial will be in the 

Mt. Hope Plains Cemetery, Otisville. 

----- 

http://books.google.com/books?id=Pjv_DkWD83wC&pg=PA141&lpg=PA141&dq=%22Hoffman+Lodge+No.+412%22&source=bl&ot 

s=5uvbG-A- 

Vs&sig=OFrTfTMsqRtqDBTqUWOgb_cVMiw&hl=en&ei=EreeTK3OLcTflgfYvcnsAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ve 

d=0CBYQ6AEwADgU#v=onepage&q=%22Hoffman%20Lodge%20No.%20412%22&f=false page 141, 

William Clemson, son of William Clemson (2), was born at Penn's Mills, Warwickshire, England, 27 May 1821. He received a 

thorough elementary training in the schools of his native town, but was apprenticed at the age of fourteen to the wire drawing trade 

in which his father was an expert, and which at that time was one of the most remunerative in all England. He mastered the art of 

fine wire drawing but was ambitious for a larger career than that promised an English operative or mechanic, and in Mar 1844, he 

left his native land for America. He located first at West Cambridge, MA, but later worked for several months at his trade in New 

York City. Returning to West Cambridge he accepted a position in the saw manufacturing plant of Welch & Griffiths at Arlington, 

where he was employed during the next four years, leaving this firm to start in business on his own account. 

He formed a partnership with Joseph Woodrough, under the firm name of Woodrough & Clemson, to manufacture saws. Both were 

good mechanics and knew the art of saw making, but their capital was limited to their humble savings from daily wages and at first 

they had a struggle to make headway. The firm was strengthened financially by the admission of Richard W. Henshaw, and the 

name became Henshaw, Woodrough & Clemson. From the small shop in West Cambridge, the business was moved in 1852 to 

Woburn, where it occupied the old factory of the Goodyear Rubber Company. A year later Mr. Woodrough withdrew from the firm 

and the name became Henshaw & Clemson. Mr. Clemson inherited much mechanical skill and had an aptitude for research and 

invention. Many nights, after working in the shop all day, he toiled over his experimental work until after midnight. He was constantly 

studying, elaborating and developing ideas on machinery that had suggested themselves to his busy brain. His first invention of 

practical usefulness was an apparatus for simultaneously flattening and tempering saws, and after using it in his shop for seven 

years, he had it patented. Some idea of the value of this device may be gained from the fact that it saves nine-tenths of the labor 

required by the old method of flattening by hand. Two years later he patented a grinding machine which was equally valuable in 

economizing labor and also in producing better work. He continued to invent and patent devices and machines for making saws 

better and more cheaply and for improving the saws themselves. In 1860 his work had become so well and favorably known to the 

trade that a proposition was made to him to become a member of the firm of E. P. Wheeler and E. M. Madden, the owners of the 

Mohegan Saw Works at Middletown, NY, after the retirement from the firm of Mr. Bakewell. The offer was accepted and until 1871 

the business was continued under the firm name of Wheeler, Madden & Clemson. Then the business was incorporated under the 

title of Wheeler, Madden & Clemson Manufacturing Co. When Mr. Madden died his share of the business was bought by Mr. 

Clemson, who in 1886 turned it over to his sons, George N. and Richard W. Clemson. Mr. Clemson was modest, unassuming and 

never sought prominence socially or politically. He was a Republican, but the only office he ever accepted was on the board of 

trustees of Middletown, where he served the municipality faithfully several years. He died 12 Jan 1890. He attended the Protestant 

Episcopal church; was a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, Free Masons, of Middletown. 

He married (first) at West Cambridge. 3 Aug 1844, Amelia Wright. She died in 1885. She was the daughter of Joshua and Margaret 

Wright, of England. Children: 1. Francis William, 2. George Nathan, b. 1 Jun 1854. 3. Maria Amelia. b. 11 Jul 1856. m. William W. 

Taylor. 4. Richard Walter, b. 16 May 1858. 5. Lillian Louise, m. Jesse Bird. The child of William Clemson and his second wife 

(married 22 Feb 1887, Esther Smith, daughter of Jacob F. Smith, of Middletown) was: 6. William. 

43

WILLIAM CLEMSON US Pat. 257657 - O 

WILLIAM CLEMSON ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN HANDLES FOR SAWS US Pat. 135628 

... WILLIAM CLEMSON ... WILLIAM CLEMSON ... 

Among William Clemson Patents are the following 

WILLIAM US Pat. 75734 

WILLIAM.CLEMSON, OP MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK. .Letters Patent No. . . . 

WILLIAM CLEMSOE US Pat. 281837 - Filed May 1, 1883 - 

Application filed May 1, 1883. (Model.) To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown, . . . 

IMPROVEMENT IN SAW-HANDLES US Pat. RE7078 - Filed Mar 31, 1876 - THE WHEELER 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE WHEELER, MADDEN & CLEMSON 

MANUFACTURING COMPANY. IMPROVEMENT IN SAW-HANDLES. ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN HANDLES FOR CROSSCUT-SAWS US Pat. 91716 - 

tates Jat^trt WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK. ... To all whom it may concern : Be it known that I, WILLIAM 

CLEMSON, of Middle- town, in the county 

APPARATUS FOR TEMPERING AND FLATTENING SAWS US Pat. 11857 - 

To all whom, it may concern : Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Boston, in the county of ... WILLIAM CLEMSON. 

Witnesses : GEO. W. MINNS, KW HENSHAW. . ; 

IMPROVEMENT IN HANDLES FOR CROSS-CUT SAWS US Pat. 130980 - 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YOKE. IMPROVEMENT IN HANDLES FOR CROSS-CUT SAWS. ... I, WILLIAM 

CLEMSON, of Middletown,' in the county of Orange, ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN CROSSCUT-SAWS US Pat. 118198 - 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW TOEK. IMPROVEMENT IN CROSSCUT-SAWS. ... To all whom it may concern: 

Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, ... 

44

IMPROVEMENT IN SAWS US Pat. 57088 - 

Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown, in the county of Orange and State of New York, have invented a new and 

Improved Mode of Securing Teeth ... 

MECHANICAL MOVEMENT US Pat. 308653 - Filed Sep 30, 1884 - 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK. MECHANICAL MOVEMENT. ... To all whom it may concern: Be it known 

that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON. of Middletown, ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN ATTACHING HANDLES TO CROSS-CUT SAWS US Pat. 129102 - 

I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown, in the county of Orange, in the State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in 

the Mode of Attaching Handles to ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN SAW-FRAMES US Pat. 159562 - Filed Jan 16, 1875 - 

To all whom it may concern: - Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown , . . . 

IMPROVEMENT IN BUCK-SAW FRAMES US Pat. 135408 - 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF ... 

PTTQ P A T US Pat. 257920 - Filed Feb 11, 1783 - THE WHEELEE 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OP MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK, ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN SAW-SWAGES US Pat. 101099 - 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK. Letters Patent No. 101099, dated March , 1870. IMPROVEMENT IN SAW- 

SWAGES. The Schedule referred to in these Letters ... 

VELOCIPEDE US Pat. 324536 - 

... Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown, in the county of Orange and State of New York, have invented certain 

new and 5 useful Improvements ... 

PETERS US Pat. 304504 - Filed May 7, 1884 - 

... it may concern: Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown, in the county of Orange and State of ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN APPARATUS FOR TEMPERING SAWS US Pat. 150289 - Filed Apr 15, 1874 - 

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE, WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK. IMPROVEMENT IN APPARATUS 

FOR TEMPERING SAWS. part of Letters Patent No. ... 

IMPROVEMENT IN SAW-GAUGES US Pat. 101229 - 

WILLIAM CLEMSON, OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK. Letters Patent No. 101229, dated March , 1870. IMPROVEMENT IN SAW- 

GAUGES. The Schedule referred to in these Letters ... 

TEMPERING SAWS US Pat. 29671 - To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown,. . . 

SAW-SET US Pat. 29670 - ... WILLIAM CLEMSON, . . . 

IMPROVEMENT IN BACK-SAWS US Pat. 119967 - 

119967 To all -whom it may concern: Be it known that I, WILLIAM CLEMSON, of Middletown, . . . 

---- 

< Dr. Joshua Draper. Ranch, Skull Valley, Arizona 

May 02, 1901 - Dr. Joshua Draper died very suddenly at his home in Skull valley on Wednesday 

morning, May 1. Deceased was 79 years old and resided with a son on a ranch at the above place. 

He went out on Wednesday morning to milk and had just completed the work of milking a cow when 

he was noticed to get up and set down against a fence. On going to him he was found to be dead. 

Death coming almost instantaneously and without any warning. Heart disease was the cause of 

death. In addition to the son mentioned he has a son, E. B. Draper, in Prescott, and mother S. S. 

Draper who resides in San Bernardino. California. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the 

residence of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Draper on Mt. Vernon Avenue, East Prescott. 

http://www.hoffmanlodge412.org/tour3.htm 

Hoffman Lodge boasts something quite unusual in its Trophy Room - a 

mummified Lion's Paw! In 1860, Joshua Draper was the third Master of 

Hoffman No. 412. He had a hat factory called "Wilcox & Draper" on the 

corner of Railroad Avenue and Grove Street in Middletown (no longer 

standing.) During the financial panic of the 1870's, Draper went west, where a son had already moved, 

but he continued his Hoffman Lodge membership. Times were such that he was not able to pay his dues; 

instead, he offered the skeleton of a California lion's paw, which the lodge gracefully accepted and still 

has among its keepsakes. 

The inscription reads: The Lion's Paw - Fore Paw of an American Mountain Lion. Killed a mile from the 

home of Past Master Dr. Joshua Draper near Prescott, Arizona, by a Hualipai (Wallapi) Indian. This 

animal measured 8 feet from nose to tip of tail and 5 1/2 feet from one forefoot to the other over the 

shoulders. Presented to Hoffman Lodge No. 412 F & A M by Dr. Joshua Draper, September 1887. 

45

----- 

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/historical/SouthernNewYork2/sny2_pt87.htm 

Edgar Evans, son of Oliver and Melissa (Pratt) Evans, was born at Dover Plains, 3 Feb 1842. After finishing in the distinct school at 

that place he attended the high school at Ithaca, New York. For several years he worked on farms with his father; in 1862 he bought 

a farm of 120 acres, and engaged for eight years in vegetable growing and cattle raising. In 1870, selling he farm, he entered the 

employ of the Erie Railroad. Remaining with this road for twenty years, he rose to the rank of conductor on the milk and baggage 

train, at that time the most important train on the road. he gave up railroad work and bought a farm of 130 acres in the town of 

Mount Hope, Orange, NY. In 1906, he retired from active business and bought a home at Bloomingburg, Sullivan, NY. He was 

always an active Democrat, and held the offices of excise commissioner for twenty years, and of collector in Mount Hope for four 

years. He was a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, of Middletown, and of Bloomingburg Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. He m1 

20 Nov 1862, Matilda Smith, b. 23 Jul 1838 d/o William Smith. Her father was a farmer at Montgomery County, NY; m2 5 Mar 1902, 

Mary Etta (Harding) Smith, b. 10 Feb 1842, d/o Henry O. and Rebecca (Ferris) Harding. Her father was a farmer in Sullivan County, 

NY. Children, all by first marriage: 1. John Ketcham [below] 2. Mary, b. 2 Sep 1866. 3. Floretta B., b. 20 Feb 1869. 4. Elizabeth 

Smith, b. 18 Jul 1871, m. George Palmer, and lived at Mount Hope. 5. Emiline, b. 24 Jan 1875, m. George B. Smith, and lived at 

Otisville, NY. 6. Theodora, b. 19 Jun 1878. 

John Ketcham Evans, son of Edgar and Matilda (Smith) Evans [above], was born at Otisville, Orange, NY, 20 Jun 1864. He 

attended the district school and graduated in 1880 from Otisville Academy. For the next four years he worked as clerk in various 

stores. From 1884 to 1893 he conducted a mercantile business at Howell's Depot, Orange County, NY. In 1893 he removed to 

Bloomingburg, and opened a store carrying a full line of dry goods and notions, groceries, shoes, clothing, crockery, flour and feed, 

lumber, coal, grass seed, wagons and sleighs, house furnishings, hardware, farming implements, harness, robes and whips, 

glassware, woodenware and silverware, watches and jewelry, stationery, postcards, souvenirs, etc. He served for one year as town 

clerk of Wallkill, Orange, NY. In 1908 he was nominated for assemblyman from Sullivan County, but was defeated by forty-five 

votes. In 1911 he was the only Democrat on the county ticket who survived the Republican headslide, receiving a plurality of 583 

votes. As a legislator he initiated and succeeded in having passed a number of bills, among them being one appropriating 

$1,200,000 to build what is known as Route No. 4, now chapter 238 of the laws of New York State of 1910, and one pertaining to 

the Delaware River Boulevard from Port Jervis to Hancock, chapter 260, laws of 1910. He is a member of the Hoffman Lodge, No. 

412, F&AM; Middletown Chapter, No. 240, RAM; Cyprus Commandery, No. 66, KT; Mecca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; 

Middletown Shriners' Association; in Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree, and is a life member of the four Scottish rite 

bodies comprising the Consistory of New York; is a member of Launcelot Lodge, No. 269, Knights of Pythias; Mamakating Camp, 

No. 10, 194, Modern Woodmen of America, and Bloomingburg Grange, No. 1,971, Patrons of Husbandry. 

He married, 18 May 1887, Jennie Beakes, b. 25 Nov 1867,d/o William Thompson and Sarah (Norris) Shearer. Her father had a farm 

of 160 acres at Bloomingburg. Children: 1. Sadie Shearer, b. 2 Jun 1888. 2. Florence Madeline, b. in Oct 1893. 

http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000930 

Moses Dunning Stivers, a Representative from New York; born near Beemerville, Sussex, 

NJ, 30 Dec 1828; attended common and private schools and Mount Retirement Seminary in 

Wantage, Sussex County, NJ. He moved with his father to Ridgebury, NY, in 1845 and 

completed his education; taught school; engaged in mercantile pursuits in Ridgebury and 

later in Middletown, NY, 1855-1864; clerk of Orange County 1864-1867 and resided in 

Goshen, NY; returned to Middletown and became proprietor of the Orange County Press in 

1868 and was also one of the proprietors and editors of the Middletown Daily Press; 

appointed by President Grant as United States collector of internal revenue for the 11th 

district of New York in 1869 and served until 1883; delegate to the Republican National 

Convention in 1880; engaged in banking; unsuccessful Republican candidate for election in 

1884 to the 49th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Lewis Beach and for 

election in 1886 to the 50th Congress; elected as a Republican to the 51st Congress (4 Mar 

1889-3 Mar 1891); was not a candidate for renomination in 1890; engaged in banking; died in 

Middletown, NY, 2 Feb 1895; interment in Hillside Cemetery. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=exElAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1- 

PA51&dq=%22Moses+D.+Stivers%22&hl=en&ei=sZWeTKvZIcL78AaM3JSMDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved= 

0CEkQ6AEwBzgK#v=onepage&q=%22Moses%20D.%20Stivers%22&f=false page 52 

Moses Dunning Stivers was born near Beemerville, Sussex, NJ, 30 Dec 1828. He received his education in the district schools of 

his neighborhood, at the select school of Prof. Edward A. Stiles, near Deckertown, NJ, at a select school at Beemerville, NJ, and at 

the Academy at Ridgebury, NY. After leaving school, he worked upon his father's farm in the summer; during the winter for the next 

ten years he taught school. He was married 26 Sep 1855, to Mary Elizabeth Stewart, of Wawayanda, Orange County. He kept a 

country store at Ridgebury two years thereafter. In the spring of 1859 he removed to Middletown, where he entered into partnership 

with Wm. Evans in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Evans & Stivers. He remained in this business until 1864, when 

he was elected County Clerk of Orange County. In Mar 1868, he purchased the Orange County Press establishment at Middletown. 

Although with no practical knowledge of the printing business, nor experience as a journalist. Mr. Stivers met with success in his 

new vocation. The paper was enlarged and in various ways improved; and from a circulation of only a few hundred copies, it 

speedily secured a circulation equal to if not exceeding the circulation of any weekly paper in the county. In Dec 1869, Albert 

Kessinger, of Rome, NY, became associated with him in the business Mr. Kessinger died in Aug 1872, and to facilitate the 

settlement of the firm's affairs Mr. Stivers sold the establishment. In the meantime, the Press had been made a tri-weekly. 

46

In the summer of 1873 Mr. Stivers made an extended tour of Europe, first having repurchased a two-thirds' interest in the 

Middletown Press, and admitted John W. Slauson to an equal partnership. 

On his return from abroad in Sep 1873, Mr. Stivers resumed the editorship of the paper, it having been made a daily. In 1880 he 

sold his interest to C. J. Boyd. In Aug 1882, Mr. Stivers again became connected with the Press by the repurchase of a third 

interest, the firm becoming Stivers, Slauson & Boyd, and sold to his partners each a third interest in the Gothic Hall property, 

whereby they each became equal owners of the business and real estate. This partnership continued until the spring of 1891, when 

Mr. Stivers sold to his partners his interest in the concern and quit the newspaper business. 

Mr. Stivers always took a lively interest in political matters. He was a Free Soil Democrat in 1848. In 1852, he cast his first vote for 

President for Franklin Pierce. He was an ardent anti-slavery Democrat during the Kansas troubles, and when the preliminary steps 

were taken in 1855 to organize the Republican party, was one of the very first to assist in that organization. He was frequently 

chosen as a delegate to the various local and State conventions, and once to the national convention of his party. He was elected 

Town Superintendent of Schools for the town of Wawayanda, and was the first Republican candidate for the office of School 

Commissioner in his district. He was appointed Postmaster at Ridgebury under President Pierce, but owing to his outspoken Free 

Soil sentiments, was removed. In 1862, he was the Republican candidate for Assembly in the second district of Orange County 

against Hon. Charles S. Woodward of Mount Hope. He led his ticket in the strong Democratic district, but was defeated. In the fall of 

1864 he was elected Clerk of Orange County, and was renominated in 1808. He was defeated by a few votes. In October, 1869, he 

was appointed by President Grant Collector of United States Internal Revenue for the Eleventh District of New York, comprising at 

that time the counties of Orange and Sullivan, and afterwards Ulster and Greene. He held this office until it was consolidated with 

the Albany district in 1882. At the end of his term he received from the Internal Revenue Department a complimentary letter for the 

fidelity with which he had executed his trust. 

Mr. Stivers was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1880, and supported James G. Blaine as the 

presidential candidate until the name of Garfield was put before the convention, when he with others voted for him. In 1886 he was 

made the choice by acclamation of his party as its candidate for Representative in Congress from the fifteenth district. He accepted 

the nomination only on condition that he should not be expected to contribute one cent except for the strict expenses of his canvass. 

The district was Democratic, but Mr. Stivers reduced the usual Democratic majority of 1,500 to less than 500. He received the 

largest vote ever given a Republican candidate in the district. In 1888 he was again against his wishes made the Republican 

candidate for Representative in Congress. Mr. Stivers was elected. He positively declined a renomination in 1890. 

Mr. Stivers was for a time a director of the Middletown, Unionville, and Water Gap Railroad Company, and of the Port Jervis, 

Monticello, and New York Railroad Company; a trustee of the Hillside Cemetery: a trustee for many years of the Middletown 

Savings Bank; one of the organizers and a director of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' National Bank of Middletown, and one of 

the originators, and, during its period of organization, treasurer of the Orange County Trust and Safe Deposit Company, of which he 

was president from 1892 up to the time of his death. 

Mr. Stivers was, with a few other Middletown gentlemen, instrumental in having the State Homopathic Insane Asylum located at 

Middletown, and from its organization he was a trustee and the secretary of the board. He was one of the original members of Eagle 

Engine Company, which was organized in 1859, and he was a long time its foreman, and for several years and at the time of his 

death its president. He was a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F&AM, and in 1871-72 Master of the Lodge. He was a 

member of Midland Chapter, No. 240, Royal Arch Masons; a member of Middletown Lodge, No. 112, I. O. O. F., and of Ivanhoe 

Lodge, No. 2,10.3, Knights of Honor. 

For some time he was an official of the Orange County Agricultural Society, and was for several years one of its vice-presidents. In 

1890 Mr. Stivers, who was among the oldest of its pupils, was elected president of the Mount Retirement Alumni Association, and 

was reelected in 1891-94, and continued to hold that honorary position. Mr. Stivers had been for many years and was at the time of 

his death a member of the Middletown Club. He was a regular attendant of the services at the First Presbyterian Church, and for 

several years was a member of its Board of Trustees. 

He died suddenly, February 2, 1894, while sitting in the office of the newspaper his sons had founded, a death which sent a shock 

through the community such as no other death had done for years. He left five children. Two of his sons, Lewis Stewart Stivers and 

John Dunning Stivers [see below], are editors and publishers of the Middletown Times. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=l3FIAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA127&lpg=PA127&dq=%22Moses+D.+Stivers%22&source=bl&ots=f4NnE 

7EDsZ&sig=PGWP7uuR8FaOhYGcFgOA8Xa52TE&hl=en&ei=I5KeTNeaI4SdlgfFioXeCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum 

=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=%22Moses%20D.%20Stivers%22&f=false page 127. 

John Dunning Stivers, Republican, who represents the 25th Senatorial District (Orange and Sullivan counties), was born August 

30, 1861, in Middletown, N. Y. He is a son of the late Moses D. Stivers and Mary Elizabeth Stewart. He was educated in the 

/public schools of Middletown, in Walkill Academy of that city, and in 1877 graduated from Peekskill Military Academy. 

He entered the business office of the then Middletown Press, and later became the city editor. His father was elected member of the 

Fifty-first Congress, and the subject of this sketch temporarily retired from newspaper work to become secretary to his father in 

Washington. It was during this period that Thomas B. Reed was speaker of the House and William McKinley was Republican leader. 

On Mr. Stivers' return from Washington he became identified with the Middletown Daily and Semi-Weekly Times (now the Times- 

Press) as its editor, which position he still holds, and is President of the Stivers Printing Company, the owners. 

Together with his brother, the late Lewis S. Stivers, he promoted and built the Times Building, corner King and Centre streets in 

Middletown, which is one of the finest buildings in the city of Middletown. In it the Times-Press, a modern and up-to-date newspaper 

establishment, has its home. 

47

He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trust Company, succeeding his father, who was president of the 

institution. In 1908, Mr. Stivers was married to Miss Louise M. Greene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Greene, of Middletown. 

They have a daughter, Janet Louise, and a son, Moses Dunning, named for his paternal grandfather, the late Hon. M. D. Stivers. 

Mr. Stivers is a member of Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, of Middletown, having been a volunteer fireman for thirty 

years. He was one of the organizers of the 24th Separate Company, now Company I of the First Regiment, and was instrumental 

with others in the erection of the State armory. He was a lieutenant of the company for a number of years; also an officer of the 

battalion staff and president of the 24th Veterans' Association. He was for several years a member of the Board of Managers of the 

Middletown State Hospital by appointment of Governor Morton and reappointment by Governor Roosevelt and secretary to the 

Board. As a member of the Visiting Committee he took a great deal of interest in the welfare of the institution. 

He is a member of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F&AM; Lancelot Lodge, No. 169, Knights of Pythias; Old Orchard Club, a social 

organization; Middletown Lodge, No. 1097, B. P. O. E., of Middletown; Walkill Council, No. 92, Jr. O. U. A. M.; Empire Aerie, No. 

544, F. O. E.; Middletown Maennerchor; Middletown Chamber of Commerce; Orange County Golf Club; Middletown Automobile 

Club, and the City Club, Newburgh. 

Mr. Stivers has been a delegate to the Republican State Convention a number of times. He has been particularly close to the 

farmers, who have always found his paper generously filled with material of interest to the farming and agricultural interests. Mr. 

Stivers served three terms in the Assembly, and has been a Senator since 1912. 

----- 

Major Moses A. Stivers, Medical Corps, Commanding Field Hospital Company No. 105. S. O. 49 [27th Division] 

For was cited for meritorious service in operating day and night under shell fire at Main Dressing Station at Villers Faucon, France, 

during the battle of the Hindenburg Line, France, September 29-30, and at Fremont, France, on October 11 and 12, 1918, during 

engagements subsequent to the battle of Le Selle River, under similar conditions. 

Bro. Stivers married Lillian Chapman Hammond 23 May 1901. He was at one time in the printing business with the above Stivers 

family, as Secretary and Treasurer. 

----- 

Nelson Walter Thompson; b. 21 Aug 1876, Detroit, Michigan; son of Lewis F. Thompson and Sarah L . Barton; ed. Grammar High 

Schools at Detroit , Mich.; Univ. of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; grad. Med. Univ. of Michigan, Homoeopathic Dept.. June, 1901; lic. 

Michigan, 1901; New York, 1905; Bachelor of Science, 1899: Doctor of Medicine, 1901; Pres. of Graduating Class, 1901; mem. of 

Delta Upsilon and Alpha Sigma Frat., Post-Grad. at Univ. of Michigan; Student for one year at Homoeopathic Hosp., Univ. of Mich.; 

Asst . Phys. at Middletown State Homoeo. Hosp., 1912; Consultant to Middletown Tuberculosis Disp.: First Lieut . in the Ordnance 

Dept. of the National Guard of the State of New York; mem. American Inst, of Homoeo., N. Y. State Homoeo. Med. Soc., Med. Soc . 

of the State of New York; Middletown Med. Club; Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, F&AM; Midland Chapter. No. 240, RAM; Cyprus 

Commandery, No. 67, KT; Mecca Temple, AAONMS; Homoeopathic; Mental. Residence and Office at Middletown State 

Homoeopathic Hospital; 

---- 

http://books.google.com/books?id=u2RmDyMYVDkC&pg=PA242&lpg=PA242&dq=%22Hoffman+Lodge+No.+412%22&source=bl& 

ots=Vyu75OE7eP&sig=FI6EXXTsyWrAjqew4P9YcEV9myw&hl=en&ei=LLeTLLlE8LflgfRrKTvAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CDEQ6AEwCTge#v=onepage&q=%22Hoffman%20Lod 

ge%20No.%20412%22&f=false page 242. 

J. P. Vanderbeek [Vanderbeck] b. 8 Aug 1846 in Bergen (now part of Jersey City). He entered the army soon after the breaking 

out of the Civil War, and passed through many severe engagements without a scratch. He left home for Maryland in 1861, being 

then but 15 years of age, and on 4 Feb 1862 enlisted in E Co., Sickles’ Brigade, 74th Regt, NY Volunteers, 2d Division, 3d Army 

Corps. He took part in the Siege of Yorktown, battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Seven Days’ Fight, Gaines’ Mill, White Oak 

Swamp, Malvern Hill, Bristow Station, Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg. He was honorably discharged at Falmouth, VA, 4 Mar 

1863 after serving 13 months, being physically incapacitated for further service. His height upon entering the army was only four 

feet, and during this brief period two feet were added to his stature. 

VANDERBECK , JACOB P.—Age, 16 years. Enlisted, 1 Feb 1862, at Liverpool Point, MD [74th NY Inf. Vols.], to serve three 

years; mustered in as musician, Co. E, 18 Feb1862; discharged for disability, 1 Mar 1863. 

On his return he served two years with Cobb & Field, machinists, Jersey City; 3 years in the machine shops of N. J. Central R. R. 

After this he worked for a time on a patent saw, and came near losing his arm by a serious wound. 

He bought out a tobacco business in Middletown, NY, in 1869. After carrying on this business for five years, he came to Jersey City 

run and engine for L I. Vanderbeek – his uncle – for two years, and then in the employ of the N. J. Central R. R. Co. for 2 ½ years. 

While residing in Orange county in 1871 he married Mary Elizabeth Knapp of Goshen. In 1880 he returned to Orange county and 

ran his wife’s farm for two years, after which he came to Jersey City and bought out his brother, who was then running a milk 

business. In this he was successful. 

Bro. Vanderbeek was made a Mason in Hoffman Lodge No. 412, Middletown, NY, in 1871. He subsequently demitted and affiliated 

with Amity Lodge No. 103, Jersey City, where he served as JMS, SMC, JD; as JW in 1881 and SW in 1882. He demitted from 

there in 1885 and affiliated with Zeredatha Lodge No. 131, Jersey City Heights, and in Dec 1887 was elected JW for the ensuing 

year. 

48

He was a member of G. Van Houten Post No. 3, GAR, Dept. of NJ, where he served as Quartermaster and Senior Vice- 

Commander. He was also a member of Bergen Council, Royal Arcanum; of the Local Branch No. 125, Iron Hall, and the Cooperative 

Life and Accident Association of the U.S. 

Warwick Lodge No. 544, Warwick, Orange, New York 

Organized 01 Oct 1863 

Petition 05 Oct 1863 

Endorsed by Goshen Lodge No. 365 

First Meeting 01 Jan 1864, under Dispensation 

Warrant 19 Jul 1864 

Meetings Met in homes or businesses of Brothers until 1923 when the Lodge purchased the building where they still meet. 

Dedicated 24 May 1928, upon renovation of building. 

Building sold 1991, with Warwick Lodge holding the mortgage; they currently rent the third floor meeting room. 

Relics a sword; a scabbard worn by an aide to General Washington; the inscribed silver jewel worn by the last Senior 

Warden of St. John’s Lodge No. 21; no further details given regarding names or places regarding these relics. 

Ref. “A Masonic Portrait of the Empire State,” 2002. page 268 

http://warwicknewyorklocalhistory.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html 

George Frederick Ketchum 

G. F. Ketchum's Funeral Service Thursday at House 

Veteran Newspaper Man, Founded Dispatch in 1885 

LIVED TO ENJOY 86 YEARS 

During the early hours of Monday morning, George F. Kethcum, one of Orange County's oldest 

and most known newspaper men, died at his home, 10 Linden Place. In June of 1885 he 

established this newspaper, The Warwick Valley Dispatch, and continued as its editor and owner, 

except during the years 1889 - 94 when he was in partnership with the late Isaac W. Litchfield. 

After Mr. Litchfield's retirement from the partnership Mr. Ketchum's ownership continued until1917 

when, because of pressure of other business, he turned the turned the paper over to his daughter 

Florence L. Ketchum its present owner. 

Mr. Ketchum was a son of Elizabeth Strange Wright and George W. Ketchum of Brooklyn and he 

was born 23 Sep 1856. When a young lad the family moved to Bellvale and he attended the one 

room school, meeting there an auburn curly headed lass, Squire Samuel Wilson's daughter, 

Grace Evelyn, whom he married 6 Jun 1876. He had taken a red apple to school for the teacher, 

but the lass got the apple! Later he was a pupil of Warwick Institute and attended Williams. 

His love of printer's ink started when he was a devil in the Warwick Advertiser, then owned by Daniel Welling. Later he was a printer 

in the composing rooms of the New York Times and the Harper's magazine. Warwick Valley was dear to his heart, and when the 

opportunity came for the establishment of a second weekly paper in Warwick he came back here from Brooklyn where he and his 

wife and children had lived on Cambridge Place. 

In Warwick the pattern of his vivid personality will long be remembered. His brilliant mind and retentive memory established a 

leadership civic, educational, historical, literary and political circles. Dogged always by a frail constitution he learned early in life to 

protect it and as one old friend expressed it, "fought every inch of the way," living to old age of 86. "Borrowed time" he called it. 

The Warwick Valley with its beautiful little vale, Bellvale, ("Bellvale agin" the world) were cherished in his heart and their interests 

paramount. Since 1922 Mr. Ketchum's time was devoted to real estate and insurance, his G. F. Ketchum Agency being in the 

Dispatch Building, in the office of the Dispatch. There he could still hear the hum of the presses and his keenest enjoyment centered 

in his weekly column. "Weekend Chat," which were his contributions to this paper. His column covered a wide range of subjects and 

it was the most widely read and the best in the paper. 

He was one of the oldest members of the Warwick Lodge No. 544, F&AM; he helped organize the Warwick Valley Telephone 

Company and was one of its directors; a trustee of Union Free School District No. 12 for ten years and its president for two; 

honorary member of Excelsior Hose Company No. 1 and a former president; a charter member of the Fortnightly Club, a member of 

Warwick Grange No. 948, a member of Greenwood Forrest Tall Cedars of Lebanon, a trustee of the Warwick Building Association, 

a member of Forester Fish and Game Association, and president of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick. 

He was a life long Democrat, an ardent New Dearer and had enjoyed the acquaintance and friendship of many leading political men 

of his day. For twenty-five years he was chairman of the Democratic Committee of Orange County. He was twice postmaster of 

Warwick, serving three terms. He was Deputy State Superintendent of Elections for Orange and Sullivan Counties and confidential 

representative of the governor in the Highway Department when the old macadam state road was built between Warwick and 

Greenwood Lake. Both of these were one term only, during the time when William Sulzer was governor. 

Through all those busy years he always had time for his family, neighbors and friends. The children of his neighborhood called him 

"Uncle George" and regarded him as a pal. Many experienced their first camping days with him, or discovered what fun it was to 

fish, or learned about birds, or went hiking ... for these with horseback riding were his outdoor hobbies. 

His wife died April 24, 192(?), their children were the late Dr. Jane K. Banes who died 4 Jan 1936, and Florence L. Ketchum of 

Warwick. Burial was in the family plot in Warwick Cemetery. 

49

http://www.angelfire.com/space/marsfamilyhistory/Jesse_ChildrenStephenMarsGen.htm 

Jesse Durland Mars b. 7 Sep 1880 in Bellvale, Orange, NY; d. 9 Jun 1951; m. 10 Dec 1907 in Florida, NY, Estelle Otis , b. 22 Dec 

1878 in Chester, Orange, NY; d. 29 Dec 1962, d/o Josiah Otis and Elizabeth Wickham Bertolf Otis of Orange County, NY. Jesse 

attended the S.S. Seward Institute and the medical school of the University of Michigan. He established a very successful medical 

practice in Florida, NY. He did not have children. Interned in Warwick Cemetery, Warwick, NY. 

Headley,Russel. HISTORY OF ORANGE COUNTY NEW YORK. Van Deusen and Elms, Middletown, New York, 1908. Page 895. 

"JESSE DURLAND MARS, a successful medical practitioner, and one of the youngest in this profession in the county, was born 7 

Sep 1880, at Bellvale, Orange, NY His parents, when the boy was still at an early age, removed to Florida, NY. He first attended 

school at the Florida Academy, later entering the S.S. Seward Institute, from which he graduated in 1898. The two years following 

were spent in teaching in order to prepare himself financially for college. In the fall of 1900 the young man entered the medical 

department of the University of Michigan. He always maintained a high average in his medical course and at his graduation in June, 

1904, stood among the first in a class of one hundred. He successfully competed for an internship in the University Hospital at Ann 

Arbor, Mich., and spent the year 1904-1905 in that capacity. In order to further round out his medical knowledge and experience a 

six-months' course in the Metropolitan Hospital in New York City was entered upon. Later on he was resident physician in the 

Jamaica hospital, at Jamaica, Long Island. 

At the beginning of the year 1906 Dr. Mars returned to Florida, where he had spent his youth, and began the practice of his chosen 

profession. He soon identified himself with the Orange County Medical Society, the New York Medical Society, and the American 

Medical Association , in all of which he is actively interested. 

His father, Stephen Mars, was born in Germany in 1843. When twenty-two years of age he came to America, located in Orange 

County, and engaged in farming. In 1872 he married Annie Mary DeGraw, a native of Orange County. Eight children were born to 

this couple, Jesse D., the subject of this sketch, being the fifth. 

On 10 Dec 1907, Dr. Mars married Estelle Otis, the second youngest daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth W. Otis. The Otis family is 

among the earliest residents of Orange County, the ancestors of Mrs. Mars having come over in the Mayflower." 

HISTORY OF THE VALLEY OF THE HUDSON, RIVER OF DESTINY, 1609-1930. Volume IV, The S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., Chicago, 

1931. Page 283.... 

"JESSE D. MARS, M.D. Dr. Jesse D. Mars, who has been engaged in the general practice of medicine at Florida, Orange County, 

since 1905, has built up a large and important practice and has earned a wide reputation for his ability in his profession. He was 

born on 7 Sep 1880, in Bellvale, Orange, NY, and is a son of Stephen and Anna (DeGraw) Mars. His father was born in Germany 

and came to the United States in young manhood, and in 1867 came to the town of Warwick and devoted his life to farming pursuits, 

and his death occurred here in Florida in 1928. The mother was born in Greenwood Lake, NY, and her death occurred in 1926. To 

these parents were born eight children, of whom five are deceased, the survivors being, Stephen, who resides in Washingtonville, 

NY; Mary, who is the wife of Joseph L. Jacoby and lives in Michigan, and Jesse D., of this review. 

Jesse D. received his education in the public schools and in Seward Institute, and then matriculated in the medical school of the 

University of Michigan, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1904. He served one year as interne 

in the University of Michigan hospital and six months in the Manhattan and Jamaica hospitals, of New York city. He then located in 

Florida, where he has ministered to the physical ills of the people with very gratifying results. Dr. Mars was united in marriage to 

Miss Estelle Otis, a daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Bertholf) Otis, an old pioneer family of Orange county. Otisville is named in 

honor of this family. In his political views Dr. Mars is a republican and his religious connection is with the Presbyterian Church, of 

which he is a trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a trustee of Warwick Lodge, No. 544, F. & A.M., of which he 

was Master in 1925 and of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Middletown, and the Rotary 

Club of Warwick He is a director of the Florida National Bank. He maintains professional affiliation with the Orange County Medical 

Society and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the staff of Elizabeth A. Horton Hospital at Middletown and the 

Goshen Emergency Hospital. He is a man of genial and kindly manner and during the years of his residence in this community he 

has to a marked degree commanded the confidence and respect of the people." 

http://books.google.com/books?id=gn0aAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA155&dq=%22warwick+lodge+no.+544%22&hl=en&ei=1FqfTNymLsH38 

Abs3PD0DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22warwick%20lodge%20no.%2 

0544%22&f=false 

John Sayer, president of the Warwick Savings Bank [1917], was born at Greenwood Lake, NY, 4 Jan 1845; entered the railway 

service August 1862, as station agent of the Warwick Valley Railroad (now the Lehigh & Hudson River Railway) at Stone Bridge, 

NY, acting as such for two years; was graduated from Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, NY, in June 1866; again entered 

the railway service in June 1867, since which time he has been consecutively station agent at Warwick, New York; 1875 to 1884, 

general freight and passenger agent; 1878 to 1885, assistant treasurer; 1885 to December 1902, treasurer and general passenger 

agent; December 1902, to date, secretary and treasurer, being employed over fifty years on the same railway; was elected 

Treasurer of Warwick Lodge No. 544 F&AM, in December 1870, and with the exception of two years (during one of which he was 

Senior Warden of same lodge) has served ever since, covering a period of 42 years. Mr. Sayer is a trustee of the Warwick 

Cemetery Association, having served as such since November 1910. 


Edwin “Ned” M. Strong, Jr. of Naples, FL, formerly of Warwick, died Friday, 10 Nov 2006 in Naples, Fla. He was 81. The son of 

the late Edwin M. and Helen Teed Strong, he was born on 3 Oct 1925 in Warwick. A Veteran, Mr. Strong served in the US Navy 

during World War II. Ned was a retired funeral director and was the former owner of the Strong Funeral Home in Warwick and 

Greenwood Lake. He was a member of St. Monica's Church in Naples, Fla. He was a Past Master of the Warwick Lodge 544, 

F&AM, a Past Patron of the Warwick Lodge Order of the Eastern Star as well as a Past Commander of the Warwick Legion. He was 

50

a former member of the Raymond Hose Co. and of the Warwick V.F.W. as well as having served as a Past President of the Orange 

and Rockland Funeral Director's Association. 

Survivors include his wife, Helen M. Strong at home; his son, E. Gordon Strong and his wife, Karla of Beaver Creek, Ohio; and his 

daughter, Linda Mary Strong of Warwick. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Katherine Strong of Beaver Creek, Ohio; and his 

sister, Hazel Morris of Newark, Del. Graveside services were at the Warwick Cemetery in Warwick. 


Garrett F. "Van" VanDien of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Warwick, NY, died 5 Dec 2003. He was born in New York City on 6 Jan 

1915. Garrett was a farmer, a carpenter, a cabinet maker and a residential building contractor. He was Building Inspector for the 

Town of Warwick from '67 to '73. He was a Veteran of WWII where he served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery. He was Master of 

Warwick Lodge No. 544, F&AM, in 1952, and was District Deputy Grand Master for the Orange-Rockland District in 1969. He 

was predeceased by his wife, Edith. Survivors include his daughter Janet Friedle of Glendale, AZ; his son, Walter of San Diego, CA; 

six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Garret was a true gentle man, and will be greatly missed. His ashes will be 

interred at Warwick Cemetery on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 11 a.m. following a Masonic Service. 

Hudson River Lodge No. 607, Newburgh, Orange, New York 

Warrant 19 Jun 1866; David A. Scott, Master [Surrogate of Orange county, for 1864, 1865, and 1866] 

Merged with Newburgh No. 309, 6 Jun 1996 to become Hudson River No. 309 

Ref. History of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, Free and Accepted Masons, Newburgh, NY, from January 11, 1866 to June 19, 1896 

with an appendix ... by Charles H. Halstead, which may be read on line at 

http://openlibrary.org/books/OL24183651M/History_of_Hudson_River_Lodge_no._607_free_and_accepted_masons_Newburgh_NY 

._from_January_11_1866_to_June_19_1896 , or at http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030289585 a digital copy of which is in 

the archives of the OMDHS. 

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/10,000_famous_freemasons/Volume_1_A_to_D.htm 

Augustus W. Bennet Lawyer, congressman. b. 7 Oct 1897 in New York City. Graduated from Amherst and Columbia Universities. 

Admitted to NY bar in 1921 and practiced since in Newburgh, NY. Member of the 79th Congress (1945-47) from 29th NY district. 

Served in Navy Air Corps in WW1. A past District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. Member of Hudson River 

Lodge No. 607, Newburgh, N.Y., serving as master in 1930. Member of Highland Chapter, R.A.M. No. 52, Newburgh and Tall 

Cedars of Lebanon. 

http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000367 

Augustus Witschief Bennet, (son of William Stiles Bennet below), a Representative from New York; born in New York City 7 Oct 

1897; attended the public schools of New York City and Washington, DC, and was graduated from Amherst (Mass.) College in 

1918; during the First World War served in the United States Naval Reserve Flying Corps with the rating of chief quartermaster from 

8 Jun 1918, to 19 Jan 1919; was graduated from the Columbia University Law School at New York City in 1921; was admitted to the 

bar the same year and commenced practice in Newburgh, NY; United States referee in bankruptcy 1923-1944; elected as a 

Republican to the 79th Congress (3 Jan 1945-3 Jan 1947); unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1946; resumed the practice 

of law; resided in Laguna Hills, Calif. until his death in Concord, MA, on 5 Jun 1983; cremated; ashes interred at Cedar Hills 

Mausoleum, Newburgh, NY. 

< William Stiles Bennet (photo at left; father of Augustus W. Bennet above) Lawyer, 

congressman. b. Port Jervis, N.Y., 9 Nov 1870. Member of 59th to 61st Congresses (1905- 

11) from 17th N.Y. district and 64th Congress (1915-17) from 23rd N.Y. district. Declined 

appointment as U.S. District Judge in 1906. Assistant treasurer of the United States in 1911; 

appraiser of Port of New York in 1912; assistant attorney general of U.S. in 1929; delegate to 

state constitutional convention in 1938; member of the U.S. Immigration Commission 1907- 

10. He moved to Chicago in 1920 as vice president and general counsel of Edward Hines 

lumber interests, returning to New York City in 1933 where he resumed practice. Mason 

[Lodge name or number not stated] and 32° AASR. 

Red Book: 

William S. Bennet, Republican, who represents the Twenty-first district of New York in the 

Assembly, was born in Port Jervis, Orange county. NY, 9 Nov 1870. He is descended from or 

related to all the pioneer families of the Delaware Valley, and several of his ancestors held 

important commands during the Revolutionary War. His grandfather, James Bennet, who at 

one time represented an Orange county district in the Assembly, was associated with William 

H. Seward in the formation of the Republican party in this State. 

When fifteen years of age Mr. Bennet left the Port Jervis Union School and started as the junior clerk in a dry goods store in his 

native village. Later he was a reporter on the Port Jervis "Gazette." At the age of eighteen he commenced the study of law, and was 

graduated with the class of 1892 from the Albany Law School, having in May. 1802. been admitted to the bar. Mr. Bennet had the 

unusual honor of being both the class and faculty orator of his class. 

In the Harrison campaign of 1892 Mr. Bennet was secretary of the Deer Park Republican Club, and participated actively in the 

campaign. In the sessions of 1892 and 1893 Mr. Bennet was official reporter of . the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Going to 

New York city in 1893, he at once engaged in the practice of law, and also entered actively into Republican politics. 

51

Mr. Bonnet was married 30 Jun 1896 to Miss Gertrude Witschief. He is a member of the West Side and Riverside Republican 

clubs, the Republican Club of the city of New York and the Albany Club of Albany. 

In 1900 Mr. Bennet was nominated for Assemblyman by the Republicans of his district, and received 10,702 votes to 7,207 votes 

cast for John P. O'Brien, Democrat. In 1901 Mr. Bennet was appointed a member of the following Committees: Codes, Banks. 

Mr. Bennet was renominated in 1901 by the Republican party. He was also nominated by the Citizens' Union, and his candidacy 

was indorsed by the German-American Reform Union, Greater New- York Democracy, German-American Municipal League, Young 

Men's Independent First Voters, German-American League, German-American Republican Central Committee and Manhattan 

Democracy. He received 11,616 votes to 5.906 votes cast for Hermans Mendelsohn, Tammany. The plurality of 5,710 thus received 

by Mr. Bennet was the largest plurality received by any Assemblyman elected in 1901. Speaker Nixon, in 1902, appointed Mr. 

Bennet a member of the following Assembly Committees: Judiciary. Banks. Charitable and Religious Societies. 

http://files.usgwarchives.net/ny/orange/bios/1895/chadwick-james.txt 

“Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York . . .” Chapman Publishing Co., 1895 

James Chadwick, a very liberal and enterprising business man of Newburgh, is President of the extensive bleachery here, of which 

his brother Joseph is Treasurer. This is one of the largest and best equipped establishments of the kind in the country, and the 

benefit which this industry has conferred upon the city it would be impossible to estimate. Mr. Chadwick is a member of the Board of 

Trade of both Newburgh and New York City. Our subject was born 22 Jan 1830, in Heywood, Lancashire, England, where his 

ancestors had resided since 1558. His grandfather, John Chadwick, was a farmer and stock-dealer, and also was the owner of coal 

lands, which reverted to his son Thomas, father of our subject. 

The latter, who died in 1885, at the age of eighty-one years, was a devoted member of the Church of England, and possessed the 

esteem of all who had dealings with him. His marriage united him with Elizabeth B., daughter of Thomas Mills, who was an 

extensive dealer in cattle, and was a landed proprietor in Rochdale, Lancashire. In politics he was a Conservative. Mrs. Chadwick 

died in 1883, aged seventy-nine years. The old English home is occupied by her daughter Elizabeth, now the wife of William Smith. 

James and Joseph Chadwick are the only members of the family in America. Their brother Thomas M., and brother-in-law, William 

Smith, are in partnership with James and Joseph Chadwick in the Boarshaw Bleachery, Dye and Print Works at Middleton, near 

Manchester, England. 

The education of James Chadwick was completed in Townhead Academy, of Rochdale, England. Choosing a manufacturing career, 

he learned cotton spinning in the factory of a relative, and served for three years and a-half at the trade. After further qualifying 

himself in a bleaching and dyeing establishment, he came to America, in 1859, and soon secured a position in the Boiling Spring 

Bleachery, near Rutherford, NJ. In 1867 he entered into partnership with his brother Joseph and George Wylie, leasing the Boiling 

Spring Works, but in a short time Mr. Wylie died, and it soon became evident that greater facilities than Rutherford afforded would 

be necessary, and in 1871 the site of the present establishment was purchased. The building, which was then used for a flouringmill, 

was remodeled and enlarged, and at present there are seven separate structures, with a total floor space of about 100,000 

square feet. Building No. 1 is three stories in height and 60x200 feet ; No. 2, 60x90, three stories, with additions; No. 3, 60x50, three 

stories; No. 4, one story, 60x200; and No. 5, a two-story building, is 50x80 feet. Muchattoes Lake is utilized and the outlets of 

Quassaick River, while they have as a reserve power Orange Lake, six miles away. The outlet farm, which controls the outlet of the 

water at Orange Lake, is owned by six mill-owners on the creek, and Mr. Chadwick is a committee of one in charge of the farm. 

Steam as well as water is used as motive power. The steam engines furnish four hundred and fifty horse-power, and the waterwheels 

one hundred and forty horse-power. The added advantages of railroad and water communications are of great value to the 

concern. One million, 250,000 gallons of pure spring water are daily used in the bleaching process, and two hundred and forty 

hands are employed. The present capacity of the works is over one hundred and sixty thousand yards daily, a specialty being made 

of bleached canton flannel. The output of this class of goods here is more than one-half of the whole production in this country. The 

firm has a New York office at No. 115 Worth Street. 

The marriage of James Chadwick united him with Mary Ellen Hughes, of Philadelphia. They have a beautiful home at No. 182 

Grand Street, where all of the surroundings bespeak the refinement and culture of the residents. They have two adopted children, 

Mamie A. Holt and Willie Pierson. Mr. Chadwick is a Warden of St. George's Church. Politically he is a Republican, and fraternally 

belongs to Hudson River Lodge No. 607, F. & A. M. He is a Director in the Newburgh National Bank, is a member of the City Club, 

and is also President of Lawson Hose Company No. 5. 

----- 

George H. Clark 

http://books.google.com/books?id=vIpDAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&dq=%22Hudson+River+Lodge+No.+607%22&source= 

bl&ots=v_OHb691J2&sig=PMnUN3btntXRGC3edYqMJzTeXTA&hl=en&ei=4WefTL6iC8T6lwf3qKDICg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=re 

sult&resnum=5&ved=0CCYQ6AEwBDgK#v=onepage&q=%22Hudson%20River%20Lodge%20No.%20607%22&f=false page 165. 

George H. Clark was the eldest son of the late George Clark, the first Mayor of Newburgh. He was born in the City of New York 17 

Mar 1843. About 1854 he removed, with his father's family, to a farm at Coldenham, in this county. Removing to Newburgh he 

entered the law office of Hon. Thomas George, while yet a boy, but afterward prepared for college and took a classical course at 

Princeton, from which he was graduated. He was also graduated from the Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar of this 

State, at the latter city in the Spring of 1865. Returning home he entered the law office of Hon. S. W. Fullerton, in this city, but soon 

afterward, in 1866, commenced the practice of law on his own account. From that time until his death he occupied the offices Nos. 7 

and 8 in the Law Building, where the measure of success which attended his practice gave convincing proof of his talent and ability. 

He was Corporation Counsel during the administration of Mayor Abram S. Cassedy, and was attorney for the Board of Alms House 

Commissioners for the City and Town of Newburgh. 

52

He was one of the founders of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association in 1870; he had been a trustee 

since its incorporation in October 1870, he was treasurer of the Board at the time of his death, and 

he took an active interest in the care, management and control of the cemetery grounds. He was 

prominent in the Masonic fraternity—the only secret society with which he was identified. In early 

life he was advanced to the degrees of Knighthood, but at the time of his death he was a member 

and one of nine Past Masters in Hudson River Lodge, No. 607. His death created the first 

vacancy in the circle of Past Masters. He was a Republican in politics, and for many years was a 

familiar personage at the conventions of his party. He was a religious man, a Calvinist in faith, and 

one of a long line in his family of stanch supporters of the Presbyterian Church. 

Death came to him in the prime of life on 21 May 1888. Mr. Clark was a man of pronounced 

opinions and prejudices. His convictions were realities. It was therefore necessary to read his life 

between the lines. His mind was full of high principles, and he set himself to the rigid discharge of 

all duties in life. But he could and did feel deeply for others, and helped them on the pathway of life. 

He thus endeared himself to a large circle of friends by silent, helpful ministries of which the world 

knew nothing. Such is a fair and temperate record, of a successful, but not brilliant career. Upon a 

beautiful knoll in Woodlawn, touched early and late by the rising and setting sun, he and his 

revered father sleep side by side 

----- 

http://www.hrvh.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/newburgh&CISOPTR=190&CISOBOX=1&REC=4 

Frank Estabrook 

This photograph depicts the residences of Miss Lillie O. Estabrook and Frank Estabrook, 

located at 202 and 204 Montgomery Street in Newburgh, NY. An older woman is seated 

on the porch with a younger woman standing by her side and holding a small child; 

seated on the lawn is a man with a older child on his lap. The man may be Frank 

Estabrook holding his son, Harry, and the younger woman may be his wife, Miss Waring, 

holding her daughter, Marguerita. The other half of the house was the residence of Lillie 

Estabrook, Frank's sister, who was the city librarian for many years. The house was 

designed by Frank E. Estabrook. 

Estabrook's work included the Broadway School and the Liberty St. School in Newburgh 

and the Unionville School in East Coldenham, NY. Public buildings included the Town 

Hall in Walden, NY, and the George and John R. Hunt Memorial Building erected in 1915- 

1917 by the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Ellenville, NY According to his 

obituary (Newburgh Daily News, May 25, 1918), Estabrook also designed the Infants' 

Home at Mount Loretto, Long Island, and drew up plans for the dock and buildings of the 

Central-Hudson Steamboat Company. In conjunction with New York architects, he 

prepared the plans for the Newburgh Y.M.C.A. building, and of the extension of St. Luke's 

Hospital. Private homes were designed by Frank Estabrook for notable Newburgh 

residents including Captain George Woolsey and Dr. Charles Townsend. 

Estabrook also had a sister named Hattie C. Deyo of Mount Vernon. He was the son of Charles (also 

a city librarian) and Susan Marshall Estabrook. A member of Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, F&AM, 

Estabrook was one of the organizers of the Rotary Club. He was 

instrumental in the formation of the Dutch Arms of the American 

Reformed Church. 

Liberty Street School [Public School No. 6], was designed by 

renowned regional architect Frank Estabrook in 1891 > 

< Broadway School, 294-306 Broadway - Opened Jan 1910, it cost $138,808.00, or 21 cents a 

cubic foot. Designed by architect Frank E. Estabrook. 


Joseph H. Rose, youngest son of John C. Rose, and Phoebe Myers, was born at new Hamburg, NY, 2 Sep 1865. He was 

educated in the public schools of Haverstraw, and at the Mountain Institute, Haverstraw. He became associated with his father early 

in life in the brick business and this continued until the death of his father in 1896, when he succeeded him as president of the firm. 

He continued in this capacity until the year 1903, when he retired from active business life. Mr. was a director of the Newburg 

National Bank. He was a member of the City and Powelton clubs; Hudson River Lodge, No. 607, F&AM; Highland Chapter, No. 

52, RAM; Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, Newburg; and the Elks, No. 247. Mr. Rose married, 13 Jun 1891, Mabel, d/o Samuel 

Corwin, of Marlboro, NY. Child, Joseph H. Jr. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=p8A8AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA124&dq=%22david+a.+scott%22+%22montgomery%22&hl=en&ei=PmK 

fTKnOPMK88gb_nalv&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22david%20a.%20scott 

%22%20%22montgomery%22&f=false page 124. 

David A[lexander] Scott, of the city of Newburgh, Orange county, died suddenly at his summer home, on Indian Lake in the 

Adirondacks, on 24 Aug 1890, in the 66th year of his age. Mr. Scott was born in the town of Montgomery, Orange county, 18 Aug 

1825, the son of James Scott. He was a graduate of Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. After his admission to the practice of the 

53

law he formed a partnership with the late Judge John J. Monell, practicing at the city of Newburgh. In 1859 he was elected surrogate 

of Orange county, and was re-elected in 1863. After the termination of his incumbency of that office he formed a partnership with M. 

H. Hirschberg in 1869, under the firm name of Scott & Hirschberg, and continued in general practice to the time of his death. He was 

also for many years, and at the time of his death, a member of the board of education of the city of Newburgh. 

Mr. Scott was an exceptionally excellent surrogate. He possessed great industry and patience in the mastery of detail, the purest of 

equitable instincts in the determination of conflicting claims, a broad legal mind, and absolute personal probity. He was moreover a 

remarkable accountant, and during the eight years of his service as surrogate prepared most of the accounts and all the decrees 

pertaining to the business of the office with his own hand. In his general practice he was called upon to take charge of considerable 

difficult and important litigation, and always acquitted himself with fidelity and success. He also acted as referee in many of the more 

important cases litigated in Orange and the adjoining counties. He was a man of extensive literary and classical culture, genial and 

sociable in his nature, of inflexible moral and religious habits and temperament, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him as a 

friend, a citizen and a lawyer. He was married 1867, children: William and James 

Wallkill Lodge No. 627, Walden, Orange, NY 

Dispensation 10 Oct 1866 

First Meeting 07 Dec 1866, in the village of Montgomery, formerly known as Wards Bridge. 

Warrant 24 Jun 1867 

Meeting places 18 Jun 1878; removed to the Village of Walden 

02 Jul 1878; Fowler Building on Main Street; ‘where rooms had been secured’ 

18 Feb 1925; moved to its ‘present location’ [place not stated in ref. below . . .J . . .] [62 Main Street Walden, NY] 

Ref. “A Masonic Portrait of the Empire State,” 2002. page 298 

Standard Lodge No. 711, Monroe, Orange, New York 

Warrant ca 1782 

Cornerstone Lodge 231 later became Standard 711, which later reverted to its original name, becoming today’s Cornerstone 711. 


Horace G. Bush, son of Peter B. Bush and Harriet Ford, was born in the town of Monroe, Orange, NY, 13 Mar 1863, and is now 

living on the homestead in Harriman, Orange, NY. He received his education in the district school of Orange County, and then 

assisted his father in his agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he undertook the active management of the farm, which he still 

continues, doing a highly prosperous dairy, fruit and general farming business. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the 

Presbyterian Church. During 1906 and 1907 he was the Republican supervisor for the town of Monroe, and formerly a member of 

the board of education of Harriman. He is a member of Standard Lodge, No. 711, F&AM, of the town of Monroe. He married, 

January 27, 1897, Mary T., born in Monroe, August 31, 1874, daughter of Asahel and Sarah (Thompson) Smith, of the town of 

Monroe. Children: 1. Florence, died in infancy. 2. Peter B., b. 21 Aug 1901. 3. Horace S., 22 Aug 1903. 4. Charles A., 22 Aug 1912. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=PkEuAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA226&dq=%22Standard+Lodge+No.+711&hl=e 

n&ei=1pOfTJPdDcP98Abrncm9Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg#v= 

onepage&q=%22Standard%20Lodge%20No.%20711&f=false page 221 

Rev. Fields Hermance, D. D., was born in Napanock, Ulster, NY. His father was the Rev. J. P. Hermance, 

a Methodist preacher, who joined the New York Conference in 1846. Fields was educated by private tutors 

in the public schools, and in Mebraham Academy, Mebraham, MA, and joined the New York Conference in 

1878. Bro. Hermance was raised in Standard Lodge No. 711, Chester, NY, but is now a member of York 

Lodge No. 197, New York City. He was appointed a Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain by Most Worshipful 

S. Nelson Sawyer, Grand Master. 

Cornerstone Lodge No. 711, Monroe, Orange, New York 

Cornerstone Lodge 231 later became Standard 711, which later reverted to its original name, becoming 

today’s Cornerstone 711. 

see Cornerstone Lodge No. 231 above. 

Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721, Mountainville / Cornwall, Orange, New York 

09 Sep 1815, Grand Lodge issued a warrant for Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 247, During its first 11 years, this Lodge initiated 92 

candidates. 08 Jun 1832, No. 247 forfeited this warrant. 

Warrant 14 Jun 1872 328 

This Lodge worked in Canterbury (now Cornwall) until 29 Mar 1883 and 

removed to Willisville (now Cornwall-on-Hudson); where it met on the top 

floor of the Week’s Building.. 

June 1924 the Lodge moved to the Cornwall Press Building in Cornwall. 

August 1985 removed to the Mountainville Grange Hall. 3 Jun 1996 this 

community landmark was added to the National Register of Historic 

54

Places. The Mountainville Grange Hall is located on NY 32 just south of the hamlet of Mountainville in the town of Cornwall, Orange, 

NY. Built in 1904, the Grange sold it in 1984 to the Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721, and renamed the Cornwall Masonic Temple. 

See also Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 247 above . . . 

Over the years it has provided many valuable services to the community through its service projects and charitable works. Three 

District Deputy Grand Masters and twelve other Grand Lodge officers have hailed from Jerusalem Temple Lodge. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountainville_Grange_Hall 

While the Masonic lodge has made some renovations, such as improving the kitchen and meeting spaces, the original character of 

the building has generally been preserved. It is still used today by Jerusalem Temple Lodge and its appendant Order of the Eastern 

Star chapter. On 3 Jun 1996 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places . . . 

Ralph W. Thompson, Master, was District Deputy Grand Master of the Thirteenth Masonic District of New York [ca 1917]. 

Mr. Cooley is a Mason and a Past Master of Lorillard Lodge, No. 858, F. & AM; a member of Eureka Chapter, No. 287, RAM ; and 

a member of Hudson River Commandery, No. 35, KT, of Newburgh. 

http://www.joycetice.com/obitcemb/leonarobit.htm 

Robert Bailey, 80, of Columbia Cross Roads, RD 2, died 17 Jun 1985 at the Troy Community Hospital. Mr. Bailey was born 11 Sep 

1904 in Leona, PA, the son of Nathan Bailey and Sophrona Leonard. He was a member of the Tuxedo United Methodist Church in 

Tuxedo Park, NY and a member and Past Master of the Lorillard Lodge Number 858 F&AM in Tuxedo, NY. He owned a Sunoco 

station for many years in Sloatsburg, NY. Mr. Bailey was survived by his wife, Virginia Bailey; step-daughters, Mrs. Robert (Betty) 

Mullins of North Fort Meyers, FL, Mrs. Carmine (Grace) DeSimone of Waterboro, ME, Mrs. Harry (Carol) Torchio, Pine Bush, NY; 12 

grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Loretta Smith, Panama City, Fl; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Mr. 

Bailey was held by members of the Trojan Masonic Lodge No. 206, F&AM at the Vickery Funeral Home in Troy on June 19. Burial 

was in Evergreen Cemetery, Leona. –Troy Gazette-Register. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=lY1YAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA359&dq=%22Jerusalem+Temple+Lodge+No.+721%22&hl=en&ei=7tGf 

TMueLoP88AbqpvzODw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22Jerusalem%20Te 

mple%20Lodge%20No.%20721%22&f=false page 359. 

Henry Van Duzer, son of John S. Van Duzer and Phoebe Eliza Davis; b. 15 Aug 1835; m 20 Sep 1860, Catherine Coeks; b. 23 Feb 

1840, d/o Isaac Coeks and Martha Van Duzer, d/o Henry Van Duzer. Mr. Van Duzer took an active part in the affairs of the 

community in which he lived. He was made a Freemason in Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721, Cornwall, NY, 27 May 1872, and 

since 1873 was a Justice of the Peace for 31 years, being re-elected to that office in 1909. He was also United States Loan 

Commissioner for many years until 1911, when he removed to Newburgh. He resided at Idlewild, Orange, NY, where he had a farm 

on a portion of the old Andrew Nicholls patent. 

Children: 

i Henry J., b. 15 Apr 1864; m. Apr 1890, Mollie Tomlinson 

ii Frances C, b. 07 Aug 1870; unm. 

iii Albertina, b 22Jun 1880; m. 12 Jun 1905, Morgan S. Elmer of Central Valley, Orange, NY. 

Lorillard Lodge No. 858, Tuxedo, Orange, New York 

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nygreen2/alexander_lamouree.htm 

Alexander Lamouree, a successful pharmacist of Southeastern New York, has since 1915 been a member of the firm of Paret & 

Lamouree, Inc., conducting two of the finest drug stores in the state, one at Tuxedo Park and one at Suffern. He was born in 

Palenville, Greene, NY, 24 Jan 1888, a son of Luman Lamouree and Anna Haley. The father, who was an agriculturist by 

occupation, also manifested an active interest in civic affairs and for many years served as a member of the school board. He died 

in 1926, being survived by his wife, who resided in Saugerties, NY. Mr. and Mrs. Luman Lamouree were the parents of six children: 

55

Adelaide, who was the widow of Owen Turtle and was a school teacher in New York city; John, who engaged in the drug business 

in partnership with his brother Alexander; Emma, who was the wife of James Reilly and lived in Catskill, NY; Adelbert, who was 

killed in action in France during the world war; Henry, who married Lillian Myer and served as supervisor of Saugerties, NY; and 

Alexander of this review. 

Alexander acquired a public school education and subsequently entered the College of Pharmacy of Columbia University, for which 

he was graduated with the degree of Ph. G. in 1910. He was employed as a druggist during the succeeding five years and then in 

1915 embarked in business on his own account in association with his brother John and another partner under the firm style of 

Paret & Lamouree, Inc. As stated above, they conducted two of the finest drug stores in the state of New York, one in Tuxedo Park 

and one at Suffern, carrying an extensive stock of drugs and druggists’ sundries and enjoying an enviable reputation as enterprising, 

reliable and progressive merchants. 

In December 1921 Alexander Lamouree married Catherine Fitzpatrick, d/o Andrew Fitzpatrick and Hester Green. In the maternal 

line Mrs. Lamouree is descended from a family that was established in New York prior to the Revolutionary war, in which the Greens 

were active participants. Mr. and Mrs. Lamouree are the parents of one child, Renee H. born in 1923. 

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Lamouree has supported the men and measures of the republican party, 

believing its principles most conducive to good government. In May 1917 he enlisted for service in the World war as a private in the 

Medical Corps and after 21 months spent in France was honorably discharged in April 1919, as a first-class sergeant. He was a 

member of the American Legion and fraternally with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, with Lorillard Lodge, No. 

858, F. & A. M., and to the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Kindly and courteous in his social relations, he has long enjoyed to marked 

degree the confidence and esteem of the entire community. 

West Point Lodge No. 877, Highland Falls, Orange, New York 

Dispensation 9 Aug 1909 

Warrant 1910 

An offshoot of the Philipstown Lodge No. 236 [Cold Spring, NY] is West Point Lodge, No. 877, at Highland Falls, organized in 1910. 

The organization of this Lodge was brought about by the members of Philipstown Lodge living on the west side of the Hudson River, 

who, during the winter season found great difficulty in crossing the river to attend the meetings of the Lodge. Most of the charter 

members of the new Lodge were members of Philipstown Lodge, and when the new Lodge was constituted, June 30, 1910, a large 

delegation from Philipstown Lodge attended the ceremonies. 

The birth of West Point Lodge is of historical interest as it illustrates the disadvantages of having the jurisdiction of one Lodge 

embracing territory upon each side of a river which for several months of the year is difficult to cross owing to floating ice, making 

navigation dangerous. 

This unfortunate condition occasioned a long controversy, the creation of the new Lodge being agitated for nearly thirty years, but 

finally an amicable division of territory was arranged, and the two Lodges are working harmoniously together. 

http://www.westpoint877.org/about 

West Point Lodge No. 877 has its geographical roots in Revolutionary times as by perusal of narratives of the period we learn 

that Generals Washington, Patterson and Putnam, Colonels Tupper, Hull and others participated in the deliberations of 

Washington Lodge. This body met, among other places, at West Point, New Windsor and Garrison. Thus the settlement then 

known as Swimstown, later Buttermilk Falls, then Highland Falls, became identified with Revolutionary and Masonic history. 

It is not until 1869 that records of the Masonic movement again appear in this community, now named Buttermilk Falls. Although 

no permanent organization resulted we learn that a group held meetings and rehearsals of degree work, composed of: 

James Denton, 

Charles H. Fitchett, 

Theodore Lloyd. 

George M. Sinclair 

William Speller, 

Darius Truesdell, 

Another impulse was given to the movement during the period 1875-76 when a number of instructional meetings were held in 

the old Star Hotel on Schneider Avenue. Among the craftsmen of that day were 

John B. Brosseau, 

James Denton, 

Ezek C. Carpenter, 

Joseph Cook, 

William Faurot, 

Charles H. Fitchett, 

Franz Groshans, 

Rev. Marvin R. Lent, 

____ Lunsman, 

Rev. Joseph Mellett 

Andrew Munro, 

Dr. John Munro, 

Michael Schneider, 

William Saunders, 

G. M. Sinclair, 

William Speller, 

David G. Warwick, 

John Worthington. 

Active steps were taken to form "West Point Lodge" but failing to obtain the consents of all of the neighboring Lodges the 

movement did not bear fruit. 

A determined representation was made to Grand Lodge in 1884 to obtain a dispensation for a Lodge to be known as Mohegan 

Lodge by: 

John B. Brosseau 

Joseph Cook, 

Jerome Denna 

Timothy Driscoll, 

Jacob Foster, 

Franz Groshans, 

John Kreutz, 

Thomas P. Scott, 

Again owing to the lack of consents from all Lodges affected, the movement was halted. During the 1890's there were Masonic 

stirrings but no definite result was obtained. 

56

The victory march finally started in 1908 when having obtained the approval of all Lodges affected: Standard No. 711, Monroe; 

Courtlandt No. 34; Peekskill; Phillipstown No. 236, Cold Spring; Jerusalem Temple No. 721, Cornwall; Lorillard No. 858, Tuxedo; 

and Stony Point No. 313, Haverstraw, the founding fathers of West Point Lodge petitioned Grand Lodge. 

Disaster almost struck in December 1908 when the petitioners were confronted with information from Grand Lodge that further 

investigation would be required. Fortunately, the petitioners satisfied General Lodge and the dispensation dated August 9, 1909 

was granted. The effort of forty years had been crowned with success. 

To these first officers and members of West Point Lodge we of the present day owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. They 

worked, wrote letters, held conferences with Grand Lodge officers, held numerous meetings, and spent lavishly of their time and 

money to obtain the precious dispensation. 

2010 marks the 100th year anniversary of the West Point Lodge No. 877. The lodge will be hosting a reception, lunch and 

refreshments from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at the West Point Lodge, 314 Main St., Highland Falls, NY 10928 on Saturday June 5th, 2010. 

A public Lodge Rededication Ceremony will immediately follow in the lodge at 2:30 pm. We will depart the lodge at 5:00 pm for 5:30 

pm boarding for a cruise on the Hudson River departing South Dock at West Point, NY. Food and refreshments will be served. The 

cruise will go from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Price is $15.00 per person or $25.00 for couples. 

Orestis (Rusty) Mamalis Past Master of West Point Lodge 877, and Secretary. 

Gen. Omar Nelson Bradley 

Omar N. Bradley General of the Army (5-star). b. 12 Feb 1893 at 

Clark, Mo. Graduated from West Point in 1915; Infantry School, 1925; 

Command and General Staff School, 1929; and Army War College, 

1934. He has since received honorary LL.B. and other degrees from 

20 institutions of higher learning. Advanced from 2Lt in 1915 to 

Brigadier General, 1941; Major General, 1942; Lieut. General, 1943; 

General, 1945 and General of the Army, 1950. In WWII he 

commanded the 2nd Corps in the Northern Tunisian and Sicilian 

campaigns; the 1st U.S. Army in the Normandy campaign and the 

12th Army Group in France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg and 

Germany. He was Chief of Staff, U.S. Army 1948-49 and Chairman 

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1949-53. In 1945-47 he was Administrator 

of Veterans Affairs. Since 1953 he has been Chairman of the Board 

of Bulova Research and Development Labs., Inc. He was raised in 

West Point Lodge No. 877, Highland Falls, NY, in 1923. 

Further biographical information may be seen at Appendix III 


LeRoy R. Cooper of Fort Montgomery, a retired supervisor of transportation for the Army Athletic Association at the United States 

Military Academy, West Point, and lifetime resident of the area, died Thursday, 7 Feb 2002, at his home. He was 78. The son of the 

late Roscoe W. Cooper and Harriet Mae Dowling, he was born 21 Oct 1923, in Hillburn. He was married to the late Kathryn R. 

Squires. He was a member and Past Master of West Point Lodge No. 877, F&AM of Highland Falls, a member of the 97th 

Quartermaster Division Association, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. Survivors include one son, 

Raymond G. Cooper of Central Valley; one daughter, Karen M. Smith of Fort Montgomery; one brother, John Cooper of 

Connecticut; six sisters, June Heffner of Newburgh, Shirley Bauer of Kentucky, Louise Di Vesti of Newburgh, Leona Tweedy of 

California, Barbara Hill of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Margaret Cooper of Washingtonville; three grandchildren, Matthew R. Cooper, 

Allison M. Smith, and Robby T. Smith, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mildred Babcock and 

Arlene Ford. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, February 11, at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., 

Highland Falls. There was a Masonic service. Burial was at Hillside Cemetery, Peekskill. 

----- 

Gen. Matthew Bunker Ridgeway - Full General and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, 1953-55. b. 3 Mar 

1895 in Ft. Monroe, Va. Graduate of U.S. Military Academy in 1917 and advanced through grades to 

full General in 1951. He was nicknamed “Old Iron Tits.” He served as technical adviser to the 

governor general of the Philippines, 1932-33; Assistant Chief of Staff of 6th Corps Area, 1935-36; 

same for 2nd Army, 1936; Assistant Chief of Staff of Fourth Army, 1937-39; on War Dept. general 

staff, 1939-42; Assistant Division Commander of 82nd Infantry Division, 1942; Commanding General 

of the 82nd Airborne Division, in Sicily, Italy, Normandy, 1942-44; Commander of 18th Airborne 

Corps in Belgium, France, Germany, 194445; senior U.S. Army member of military staff, United 

Nations, 1946-48; Chairman of Inter-American Defense Board, 1946-48; Commander in Chief of 

Caribbean Command, 1948-49; Deputy Army Chief of Staff and Commanding General of the 8th 

Army in Korea, 1950-51; Commander in Chief of Far East Command; Commander in Chief of United 

Nations Command and Supreme Commander for Allied powers, 1951-52. Now retired. Became a 

member of West Point Lodge No. 877 (New York), receiving degrees on April 3,17, and May 1, 

1924. Received 32° AASR (SJ) at Tokyo, Japan in October, 1951. 

Further biographical information may be seen at Appendix IV 

57

Gen. Joseph Warren Stillwell (1883-1946) U.S. Army. b. 19 Mar 1883 in Florida. Graduate of 

U.S. Military Academy in 1904; rose through grades to major general in 1940, lieutenant general in 

1942, and full general in 1944. He was nicknamed "Vinegar Joe." After a term in the Philippines, 

he was an instructor at West Point, 1906-10 and 1913-17. It was during this last tour of duty that 

he became a member of West Point Lodge No. 877, June 1, 1916. In WWI was with general 

headquarters, A.E.F., as assistant chief of staff, 4th -Corps. After studying the Chinese language 

at the U. of Calif., he spent three years in Peking, and another three years in Tientsin. In WWII he 

was appointed commander of the 5th and 6th Chinese Armies in Burma by Chiang Kai-Shek, and 

was commanding general of U.S. forces in China-Burma-India Theater, 1942-44. In 1945 he was 

appointed commander of the U.S. ground forces and in 1945 commander of the 10th Army in the 

Pacific Theater. d. 12 Oct 1946. 

Further biographical information may be seen at Appendix V 

Woodbury Lodge No. 993, Central Valley, Orange, New York 

Warrant 1922 

http://files.usgwarchives.org/pa/huntingdon/obits/huntingdonobits14.txt 

Samuel Abraham Bowen, 72, of Three Springs R.D.2, died Monday, Jan. 12, 1981 in Altoona Hospital, where he had been a 

patient the past month. He was born in Prince Frederick, Md. on 27 Sep 1908, a son of Nathaniel Bowen and Gertrude Monnett. He 

was united in marriage with Viola JACKA of Three Springs R.D. on 25 Dec 1948 at Baltimore, MD. His wife of Three Springs R.D. 2 

survives, along with these children: THANIEL of Annapolis, Md.; Mrs. Ellsworth (MILLICENT) ELLENBURGER of Baltimore, Md.; 

Mrs. Ruth HORSEMAN of Prince Frederick, Md.; Robert Bowen of Baltimore, Md. William Bowen of Baltimore, Md. a step-son, Larry 

HARKER of Mount Union. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, and these sisters and brothers: Edna Bowen 

of Prince Frederick, Md.; Mrs. Mary STRAUGHAN and Mrs. Jane WRIGHT, both of Baltimore, Md.; Howard Bowen and Joseph 

Bowen, both of Prince Frederick, MD. He belonged to Woodbury Lodge No. 993, F & AM of Woodbury, NY; to Middletown Lodge 

of Perfection, Middletown, NY; Otseningo Consistory of Binghamton, NY; to Shirleysburg Grange No. 119 and Madden-Wennick 

American Legion Post No. 518, Orbisonia. A heavy equipment operator, Mr. Bowen belonged to International Union of Operating 

Engineers, Local No. 825. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the U.S. Army. Interment will be made in Jordan 

Cemetery, Orbisonia R.D. 

Kerem Lodge No. 1074, Newburgh, Orange, New York 

Warrant ca 1926 


David Copans - Among the recent additions to the professional circles of the city of Newburgh is David Copans, who opened law 

offices there in July 1926, immediately following his admission tot he New York State Bar. He is one of Newburgh's own sons, born 

there on 17 Apr 1902, son of Henry and Theresa Copans. His parents were both of European blood, coming to America in 

childhood, the father from Leeds, England, the mother from Warsaw, Poland. For forty years previous to his death, which occurred 

on February 10, 1922, Henry Copans was a well-known figure in Newburgh, where he had been engaged successfully in the real 

estate and insurance business. 

David Copans attended the local public schools, graduating from the Newburgh High School in 1920. He matriculated at New York 

University and there completed his freshman and sophomore years, completing his college course at Rutgers College, in 1922. He 

professional degree was obtained from Fordham University, where he was made a Bachelor of Laws in 1925. During the three years 

of his connection with this university, Mr. Copans took an active part in the athletic life, playing "end" on the freshman football teach 

and being a member of the track team of the university. Fraternally, Mr. Copans has identified himself with Newburgh Lodge, No. 

247, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and with Kerem Lodge, No. 1074, F&AM. He is a member of Omicron Alpha Mu 

College Fraternity, and the Newburgh Wheelmen. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

Rockland County 

Rockland Lodge No. 301, Haverstraw, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 4 Dec 1818 

Surrendered 3 Jun 1824 

In June, 1903, Stony Point Lodge No. 301 celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in an appropriate manner. A prized relic in possession of 

the Lodge is the warrant of Rockland Lodge, No. 301, organized in 1817. 

The petition for this Lodge, which is without date, is signed by the following: 

G[eorge]. S. Allison. John T. Smith. Benjamin C. Smith. James Townsend. E[penutus] Wheeler. 

Abraham Marks. John DeNoyelles. Augustus Henry. William H. Brewster. 


JOHN T. SMITH, Master. 

ABRAHAM MARKS, Senior Warden. 

EPINETUS WHEELER, Junior Warden. 

58

Indorsed on the petition is the following: "Read in G. L. Dec. 3, 5817, and the prayer granted. Warrant issued Dec. 4, No. 301." 

The Lodge was constituted and the officers installed by Archibald Smith, a past Master of Corner-Stone Lodge, No. 231 (now 

extinct), January 1, 1818. 

The by-laws of the Lodge contain some peculiar features, the following are excerpts: 

"Art. 11. Every member of this Lodge shall pay twenty-five cents per month Lodge dues whether absent or present. 

"Art. 15. No Brother shall be compelled to contribute for any refreshments had in the Lodge, but the same shall come out of the 

funds of the Lodge, but a tax may at any time be imposed by a majority upon every member for the purpose of defraying the 

necessary current expenses of the same. 

"Art. 25. All differences between the brethren must be left to the arbitration of the Lodge." 

For some unexplained reason the Lodge did not prosper, "differences between the brethren" soon appeared which apparently could 

not be settled by "arbitration of the Lodge" as will be noted by the following: 

"TO THE R.’. W.’. GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: 

"The undersigned, having been appointed a committee in behalf of the W.’. Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Rockland Lodge, 

No. 301, beg leave to state that the annexed documents are the returns of said Lodge, up to the time of their having held any 

meetings as such, and contain the amount of dues owing to the Grand Lodge by every member belonging thereto, as will appear by 

reference to the registry returns. 

"Enclosed is also the warrant of said Lodge, which the members thereof have deemed most advisable to surrender up (for the 

present) under the existing dissensions which exist among the Masonic brethren of theirs as well as other Lodges. 

"Bro. James D. L. Montayne, one of the Committee referred to above, will pay over the amount, and is authorized to take the 

necessary vouchers. 

"B. COE, JUN, 

“JAMES D. L. MONTAYNE, 

"PETER A. COE, 

"Committee. 

"I fully approve of the within. - JOHN T. SMITH, W.’. M.’. 

"Haverstraw, June 3, 1824." 

Indorsed upon the letter is the following: Read in G. L. June 4, 1824, and the prayer granted. 

This action led to considerable controversy, and in November, 1824, an effort was made by some of the members to revive the 

warrant. A petition was prepared to which was attached a long list of names and forwarded to the Grand Secretary. 

On December 30, 1824, a letter was written to the Grand Secretary by W. H. Duryee, a member of the Lodge, making inquiry 

concerning the matter. Indorsed upon the letter is the following: 

"Rec'd. Jan. 1825 and answered same day that the warrant would not be returned to him as the petitioners' names were mostly 

unauthorized. " 

Among the letters on file is one addressed .to the Grand Master, stating that unless the warrant was restored a warrant would be 

obtained from the "Country Grand Lodge." There is no evidence to be found to show that any attempt was made to carry out this 

threat and no further effort was made to secure the return of the warrant. 

On June 4, 1886, the Grand Lodge granted the request of Stony Point Lodge to have possession of the old warrant as a relic. 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/leonard-allison-morrison/the-history-of-the-alison-or-allison-family-in-europe-and-americaad-1135-to-rro/page-30-the-history-of-the-alison-or-allison-family-in-europe-and-america-ad-1135-to-rro.shtml 

George Suffern Allison, (Peter,5 Joseph,4 John,3 John,2 Lawrence,1). b. in New York, NY, 15 Jan 1792; d. 27 Aug 1884; m. 28 

Oct 1818, Hannah Brewster, d/o Jonas and Mary (Burns) Brewster, of Haverstraw, Rockland, NY. She was b. 13 Jul 1794; d. in 

Haverstraw, 2 Sep 1867. 

Mr. Allison passed his early life in the city of New York. In the last war with Great Britain he took an active part, and in 1812 was an 

officer in Colonel Washburn's regiment, and was stationed at Sandy Hook. When hostilities had ceased he removed to Haverstraw 

upon the invitation of his grandmother, who was occupying the old Allison homestead, which had been left to her by her husband. 

Soon afterward she purchased land in North Haverstraw, now Stony Point, where his residence stood, occupied by his, son 

Brewster J. Allison [see map below], in 1892. This land was owned by Wandell Mace, who was anxious to sell and move to what 

was then the "West," now the central part of the state of New York, "where 100 acres of good land could be bought for fifty dollars." 

The first business of Mr. Allison was to keep a small store and furnishing goods needed in a country neighborhood. By marriage and 

by purchase he became the owner of a large tract of timber land, and he connected with his mercantile business that of wood and 

lumber. He afterward purchased a tract of farm land adjoining his homestead, and carried on quite an extensive farm in connection 

with his other enterprises. 

59

The brick-making business soon 

gave George a wider field for 

the exercise of his powers, and 

this, with the rapid advance in 

the value of real estate, 

increased his wealth to such an 

extent that he became one of 

the wealthiest men of the 

county. In 1829 he was elected 

a member of the assembly of 

New York, and reelected in 

1830. He took a deep and active 

interest in the military 

profession, and was a colonel 

and afterward a brigadiergeneral 

of the militia of 

Rockland county, N. J. He also 

became judge of the court of 

common pleas. 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/leonard-allison-morrison/the-history-of-the-alison-or-allison-family-in-europe-and-americaad-1135-to-rro/page-29-the-history-of-the-alison-or-allison-family-in-europe-and-america-ad-1135-to-rro.shtml 

Epenetus Wheeler b. ca 1791/92; m. 18 Feb 1820 in New York City Caroline Allison, d/o Peter Allison, merchant of NYC. They 

resided in New York City [where he was a merchant] and later in Haverstraw, NY [where he was Postmaster in 1817]; then removed 

to Illinois, where he was a farmer. He d. in Ogle county, IL, May 9, 1868, aged 76 years. 

Children (order of birth unknown). Note: Margueretta and Caroline attended the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies in 1836. 

i. Marguerette Wheeler, b. New York, NY; m. Rev. Mr. Hopper. Res. New York, N. Y. 

ii. Caroline ‘Carrie’ Wheeler, b. New York, NY; m. Henry Garner. Res. Haverstraw, N. Y. 

iii. Alfred Wheeler. 

In 1849 he went to California and became a noted lawyer and judge in that state. 

iv. Augustus W. 

Woodlawn Cemetery, aka Brodie's Grove, Ogle Co., IL 

Wheeler Epenetus b. 1791; d. 1869; Civil War Vet * 

Wheeler Caroline Allison b. 1798; d. 1888 

60

* Note: War of 1812 Service; per Heitman’s Register, listed as “Epinetus Wheeler”: NY. 2 Lt 2 NY Volunteers, 1 Feb 1813; 1 Lt, 46th 

Infantry 21 Apr 1814 [first constituted 30 March 1814]; Hon discharged 15 Jun 1815 

http://books.google.com/books?id=RnQBAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA687&dq=%22wheeler,+EPiNETUS%22&hl=en&ei=0pOgTIn9NsKC8gbq5WhDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22wheeler%2C%20EPiNETUS%22&f=false 

page 687. 

Stony Point Lodge No. 313, Haverstraw, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 17 Jun 1853 171 

Successor of Rockland No. 301, 4 Dec 1817; surrendered 3 Jun 1824; warrant granted to Lodge as a relic, 4 Jun 1886 



Stony Point Lodge was organized during the spring of 1853. The petition, which is without date, is signed by the following: 

Henry Christie. Sampson Marks. Edward DeNoyelles. James D. Swartout. A. S. Richmond. 

John Hunting. Abraham Marks. G[eorge] S. Allison. A. P. Stevens. Edward Payson. 

The petition was recommended by Eureka Lodge, No. 243. 


HENRY CHRISTIE, Master. 

JOHN HUNTING, Senior Warden. 

SAMPSON MARKS, Junior Warden. 

The warrant issued June 17, 1853, named the same officers as were nominated by the petitioners. 

The first recorded meeting of the Lodge was held June 24, 1853. 

The minutes are as follows: 

"At a regular meeting of this Lodge, held in their rooms, June 24, 1853, were present, 

Sampson Marks, S.’. W.’. A. H. Richmond. S. Swartout. Edward Payson. 

"Visitors, 

R.’. W.’. W. H. Underhill, R.’. W.’. Walter Hicks, 

R.’. W.’. G. W. S. Jones, John Baker, 

R.’. W.’. J. W. Cowen, Frith. 

R.’. W.’. S. G. Stewart, 

"The Lodge being duly constituted the following officers were installed in due form by the deputation from Grand Lodge: 

Henry Christie, as W.’. M.’., by proxy W. Hicks; 

John Hunting, as S. W., by proxy .A. H. Richmond; 

Sampson Marks, J.’. W.'. 

"Moved and seconded that the by-laws of Darcy Lodge, No. 187, be adopted until other by-laws are made. 

"Moved and seconded that Bros. Marks, Richmond, and Payson be a committee to draft a set of by-laws for the government of 

this Lodge. 

"The following candidates were then proposed by Bro. Richmond: 

George E. DeNoyelles. 

John I. Cole. 

Dan R. Weed. 

George S. Myers. 

Benjamin J. Gardner. 

William Wiles. 

Meltier Nye. 

John Disbrow. 

Edward Pye. 

William Call. 

Matthew Gurnee. 

"Moved and, seconded that Brothers Marks, Payson, and Richmond be a committee to inquire into the character of the 

candidates proposed and report at the next meeting. 

"Moved and seconded that this Lodge now adjourn to meet on the 5th day of July. 

"No further business 'appearing, the Lodge closed in harmony. 

"EDWARD PAYSON, Sec'ty. 

"Receipts $55.00." 

The first meeting place of the Lodge was on Third Street, where it remained until 1880, when it moved into its present quarters, 

corner of Main and Fourth Streets; these rooms were dedicated by R.’. W.’. HORACE S. TAYLOR, Deputy Grand Master, June 17, 

1880. 

The Lodge laid the corner-stone of the Public School building at Haverstraw, April 14, 1884, the ceremonies being conducted by 

the Master, John D. Norris. It was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, NY, May 21, 1891, and the 

dedication of same October 5, 1892. It furnished a reception room in the Home at its own expense. 

In June, 1903, it celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in an appropriate manner. A prized relic in possession of the Lodge is the 

warrant of Rockland Lodge, No. 301, organized in 1817. 

The petition for this Lodge, which is without date, is signed by the following: 

G[earge] S. Allison. John T. Smith. Benjamin C. Smith. James Townsend. E. Wheeler. 

Abraham Marks. John DeNoyelles. Augustus Henry. William H. Brewster. 


JOHN T. SMITH, Master. 

ABRAHAM MARKS, Senior Warden. 

EPINETUS WHEELER, Junior Warden. 

61

Indorsed on the petition is the following: "Read in G. L. Dec. 3, 5817, and the prayer granted. Warrant issued Dec. 4, No. 301." 

The Lodge was constituted and the officers installed by Archibald Smith, a past Master of Corner-Stone Lodge, No. 231 (now 

extinct), January 1, 1818. 

The by-laws of the Lodge contain some peculiar features, the following are excerpts: 

"Art. 11. Every member of this Lodge shall pay twenty-five cents per month Lodge dues whether absent or present. 

"Art. 15. No Brother shall be compelled to contribute for any refreshments had in the Lodge, but the same shall come out of the 

funds of the Lodge, but a tax may at any time be imposed by a majority upon every member for the purpose of defraying the 

necessary current expenses of the same. 

"Art. 25. All differences between the brethren must be left to the arbitration of the Lodge." 

For some unexplained reason the Lodge did not prosper, "differences between the brethren" soon appeared which apparently could 

not be settled by "arbitration of the Lodge" as will be noted by the following: 

"TO THE R.’. W.’. GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: 

"The undersigned, having been appointed a committee in behalf of the W.’. Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Rockland Lodge, 

No. 301, beg leave to state that the annexed documents are the returns of said Lodge, up to the time of their having held any 

meetings as such, and contain the amount of dues owing to the Grand Lodge by every member belonging thereto, as will appear by 

reference to the registry returns. 

"Enclosed is also the warrant of said Lodge, which the members thereof have deemed most advisable to surrender up (for the 

present) under the existing dissensions which exist among the Masonic brethren of theirs as well as other Lodges. 

"Bro. James D. L. Montayne, one of the Committee referred to above, will pay over the amount, and is authorized to take the 

necessary vouchers. 

"B. COE, JUN, 

“JAMES D. L. MONTAYNE, 

"PETER A. COE, 

"Committee. 

"I fully approve of the within. - JOHN T. SMITH, W.’. M.’. 

"Haverstraw, June 3, 1824." 

Indorsed upon the letter is the following: Read in G. L. June 4, 1824, and the prayer granted. 

This action led to considerable controversy, and in November, 1824, an effort was made by some of the members to revive the 

warrant. A petition was prepared to which was attached a long list of names and forwarded to the Grand Secretary. 

On December 30, 1824, a letter was written to the Grand Secretary by W. H. Duryee, a member of the Lodge, making inquiry 

concerning the matter. Indorsed upon the letter is the following: 

"Rec'd. Jan. 1825 and answered same day that the warrant would not be returned to him as the petitioners' names were mostly 

unauthorized. " 

Among the letters on file is one addressed .to the Grand Master, stating that unless the warrant was restored a warrant would be 

obtained from the "Country Grand Lodge." There is no evidence to be found to show that any attempt was made to carry out this 

threat and no further effort was made to secure the return of the warrant. 

On June 4, 1886, the Grand Lodge granted the request of Stony Point Lodge to have possession of the old warrant as a relic. 


Edward Pye, County Judge. 

John H. Stephens, Sheriff. 

Spencer Wood, School Commissioner. 

A[ndrew]. Edward Suffern, County Judge. 

James Creney, Jr., County Judge. 

Daniel C. Springsteen, Sheriff. 

Matthew D. Bogart, County Treasurer. 

Cyrus M. Crum, County Clerk. 

Alonzo Wheeler, County Judge. 

Charles B. Benson, Sheriff. 

Irving Brown, Assemblyman. 

Richard W. Oldfield, Postmaster. 

Garret Z. Snider, District Attorney. 

Oscar E. Reynolds, Supervisor. 

George W. Weyant, County Judge. 

Richard A. VerValen, Supervisor. 

Alexander Rose, Supervisor. 

George E. Knapp, School Commissioner. 

William McCauley, Jr., County Judge. 

Josiah Felter, Supervisor. 

Stephen G. Newman, Postmaster. 

Isaac M. Purdy, County Treasurer. 

Alfred V. H. Crark, Supervisor. 

Walter G. Hamilton, County Treasurer. 

Fred S. Weyant, Sheriff. 

Frank DeNoyelles, Assemblyman. 

Ray H. Brinkerhoff, Supervisor. 

Gouverneur M. Carnochan, Assemblyman. 

William L. Bulson, Supervisor. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

A. Edward Suffern, District Deputy Grand Master. 

Richard W. Oldfield, District Deputy Grand Master, Chief Commissioner of Appeals. 

1853. Henry Christie. 

1854. John Hunting. 

1855. Joseph P. Brower. 

1856. Edward Pye. 

1857. John I. Cole. 

1858. William Call. 

1859. George S. Oldfield. 

MASTERS. 



1862. William H. Wiles. 



1865. Stephen G. Newman. 

1866. L. V. E. Robinson. 

William A. Masker, Grand Chaplain. 



1869. Charles H. Briggs. 

1870. A. Edward Suffern. 




62

1874. Ornimal W. Parsons. 


1876. Alonzo Wheeler. 



1879. Luther O. Markham. 





1884. John D. Norris. 

1885. John D. Norris. 

1886. Irving Brown. 

1887. Irving Brown. 

Edward Pye 

1888. Hart B. Hargreaves. 

1889. Richard W. Oldfield. 


1891. William T. Purdy. 

1892. William T. Purdy. 

1893. Charles K. Baum. 

1894. Charles K. Baum. 

1895. Charles I. Springsteen. 

1896. Charles I. Springsteen. 

1897. Hiram W. Babcock. 

1898. Hiram W. Babcock. 

1899. Norman B. Bayley. 

1900. Norman B. Bayley. 


1902. Charles H. Zundel. 

1903. Charles H. Zundel. 

1904. William A. i\1asker. 


1906. William B. Cavel. 


1908. James C. Dick. 

1909. J. Howard Crosby. 

1910. John McNee. 

1911. John McNee. . 

1912. Frank DeNoyelles. 

1913. Frank DeNoyelles. 

PYE, EDWARD—Age, 37 years. Enrolled [95th NY Infantry Volunteers], 1 Oct 1861, at Haverstraw, to serve three years; mustered 

in as captain, Co. F, 15 Oct 1861; as major, 7 Mar 1862; as colonel, 29 Dec 1863; wounded in action, 2 Jun 1864, and died of his 

wounds, 12 Jun 1864, at Cold Harbor, VA. Not commissioned captain; commissioned major, 29 Apr 1862, with rank from 6 Mar 

1862, original; colonel, 24 Dec 1863, with rank from 9 Oct 1863, vice Col. George H. Biddle, resigned. 

The regiment was engaged also at the battle of the North Anna, May 24th, and at Bethesda Church (near Cold Harbor) May 30- 

June 2. In the fighting at the latter place Colonel Pye, of the Ninety-fifth, was mortally wounded, dying ten days later of his injuries. In 

his death the regiment sustained a serious loss, as he was a gallant and efficient officer. 

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?GRid=10564420&page=gr 

Col. Edward Pye b. 5 Sep 1823; d. 11 Jun 1864. Civil War Union Army Officer. He was commissioned 

as Captain and commander of Company F, 95th New York Volunteer Infantry on 15 Oct 1861. 

Promoted first to Major (6 Mar 1862) then Colonel and commander of the unit (9 Oct 1863), he 

commanded the regiment at the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg when Colonel George H. Biddle went 

down with a wound that ultimately forced the end of his field service. Colonel Pye led his troops through 

General Ulysses S. Grant's Spring 1864 Overland Campaign, and participated in the ill-fated Union 

charge at the Battle of Cold Harbor, VA, on 2 Jun 1864. Severely wounded in the neck in the charge, he 

lingered for a number of days before succumbing to his injuries 

---- 

Lines Written in Memory of Colonel Edward Pye, 

Who Died June 11th, 1864, from Wounds received in his Country's Services. 

Hearts of oak! in battle tried, 

Nobly striving side by side, 

Our liberties to save! 

Lo! in sympathy sincere 

To each martyr-patriot's bier 

We give the tributary tear— 

All honor to the brave! 

We shall miss a noble form 

Passed in battle's wildest storm 

Untimely from our view; 

Wrapped in glory's mantle bright, 

He has vanished from our sight, 

Piermont, June, 1864. SIGMA. 

While we mourn the parting light, 

And weep the patriot true! 

Yet we will not count him lost, 

Here his memory lingers most, 

Where most our tears are shed; 

Stately step and kindling eye, 

Thoughts heroic, free-born, high, 

O! to us he cannot die! 

For us he is not dead! 

Let us think of him as one 

To Freedom's very birth-place gone, 

And blest in His embrace 

Who, from His throne of light above, 

Looks on th' oppressed of earth with love, 

And kindles hero-hearts to move, 

And suffer for their race! 

Years may pass, and still shall we, 

Dwellers in a land all free, 

Remember him with pride! 

And oft in summer twilight gray, 

Pause at his silent grave and say, 

" He nobly gave his life away, 

In Freedom's cause he died!" 

http://www.patriotfiles.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23464 

“Charge it is” replied Major Edward Pye of Haverstraw to a suggestion by Rufus Dawes of the 6th 

Wisconsin. With that answer, the 95th New York Volunteers were to go down in history along with the 

6th Wisconsin and 84th New York as the three Union regiments that attacked Davis? Mississippi 

Brigade in the unfinished railroad cut at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. This audacious act bought more 

time for the battered Union forces as they desperately hung on during the first day of the battle waiting 

for re-enforcements for their outnumbered army. 

< Fast-forward one hundred and thirty-six years to a quiet section of Oak Hill Cemetery. There stands 

a battered red sandstone marker with its entire inscription completely eroded, lost for all time. It is the 

marker for Edward Pye, one time lawyer and judge in Haverstraw who put everything aside and 

volunteered to aid his country in time of need. He was an able officer revered by his men and the 

town from which he came. Throughout the war, there are constant references to him in the Rockland 

County Messenger indicating the depths of feelings toward this lawyer turned citizen soldier. There 

were even editorials in the local paper urging him to resign his commission and run for office. 

It is a shame that a man so esteemed, so revered in his time leaves no physical evidence behind of 

his existence. There was an Edward Pye G.A.R. Post established in his memory after the war. In fact 

it is that Post flag that is one of the two flags the county is attempting to preserve for future 

63

generations of Rocklanders. Misses Demarest and Vervalen were responsible for raising the money for the flags. When presented 

with the banners, Pye was overcome with emotion. “He pledged the company to defend it and either bring it back with them or leave 

their poor carcasses with it in the battle.” 

Edward Pye was elected county judge in 1855 and served one term. Judge Pye was a man of fair ability as a lawyer, and as judge 

performed all of the duties of the office most acceptably. During the civil war he entered the army and became colonel of the 95th 

Regiment New York Volunteers. He died June 12th, 1864, of wounds received in the battle of Cold Harbor. 

Judge Pye was succeeded in the office by Andrew E. Suffern, of Haverstraw, who continued in the office until his death, on the 16th 

day of March, 1881. 

----- 

Judge Andrew Edward Suffern will probably always stand forth as one of the most brilliant personalities Rockland county has ever 

produced. He was graduated from the University of New York, studied law, and resided and practiced in Haverstraw during the 

remainder of his life. In 1853 he became district attorney, which position he held at the time he was elected county judge. He was for 

several years chief of the Commission of Appeals of the Grand Lodge of F&AM in this State, and was an authority on Masonic 

law and procedure. 

----- 

George W. Weiant [Weyant] was born in Stony Point, New York, in the year 1844. He began the practice of law in Haverstraw in 

the year 1870, where he continued to reside and practice until his death in 1895. He was one of the strongest characters in many 

respects that ever entered upon a professional and public career in this county. He graduated from the State Normal School at 

Albany with honors. He was well and intimately known by almost the entire adult population of two towns at the very beginning of his 

professional career. As a judge he was universally commended. While off the bench he was most affable and kind; when engaged 

in the discharge of the judicial prerogative, he was wholly unapproachable, apparently forgetful of the friendly and social relations in 

which at other times he delighted, possessing the extraordinary faculty of shutting out of thought and consideration everything 

extraneous to the matter in hand, remembering only that it was his duty to judge between friend and foe alike, or rather to forget for 

the time being who was friend and who was foe. His death was universally lamented. His widow and two sons resided at the 

homestead where he died. 

----- 

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/frank-bertangue-green/the-history-of-rockland-county-eer/page-47-the-history-of-rocklandcounty-eer.shtml 

William H. Wiles, of A[lfred]. M. & W[illiam]. H. Wiles, manufacturers of brick making machinery at Stony Point, N. Y., died April 20 

[1897], aged 75 years. Before engaging with his brother in the manufacture of machinery Mr. Wiles had been making wagons and 

carriages at Haverstraw. 

In the spring of 1845, John I. Wiles moved from Orange county to Grassy Point with his family, and opened a shop for the purpose 

of doing business in the shape of blacksmith or wheelwright work. On the death of John I. Wiles, in 1851,the business, which even 

then had become profitable, was carried on till 1855 under the name of F. J. & A, M. Wiles, and from that time till 1861 under the 

name of F. J. Wiles & Co. Since 1861 the business has been managed by A. M. & W. H. Wiles. As business increased new works 

were added. In 1871, a foundry was built and 

started, and at the present time this branch of industry, which began in such a humble way, gives employment to many score men 

and is used in manufacturing machinery for flour and saw mills and brick-making. 

Alfred M. Wwiles, born in London, England, 13 Jan 1829. His father was John J. Wiles, and his mother Ann M. Eames; she was 

born 3 Feb 1796. The brothers and sisters are Joseph K., Wm. H., Frederick J., Elizabeth, Emma S. and Harriet. Mr. Wiles married 

Catherine Blauvelt, d/o Jacob Blauvelt, 26 Nov 1853. The children are Rhoda A., Edwin L. and Maggie. Mr. Wiles is popularly known 

as the head of the firm known as A. M. & W. H. Wiles. Their manufactory is without a peer in their line. 

W. H. WILES, of the firm of A. M. & W. H. Wiles, is a brother of Alfred M., whose birth and ancestry will explain his. Mr. Wiles is a 

genius and well read, as is his brother Alfred. In the year 1850, Aug. 11, Wm. Wiles married Mary E. Fredrick, d/o Jacob Fredrick. 

Wawayanda Lodge No. 315, Piermont, Rockland, New York 

WARRANT: The warrant in possession of the Lodge is dated July 1, 1853. 



The petition for Wawayanda Lodge is without date and signed by the following: 

Elias Coles Noe. Levi F. Ward. Ebenezer G. Bennett. John R. Baker. Frederick G. Devoe. 

John .Randel. David B. Parson. R. H. Blake. John W. Lozier. 

The petition was recommended by Piatt Lodge, No. 194; also by Solomon’s Lodge, No. 198, at a meeting held 15 Jun 1853. 


DAVID B. PARSON, Master. 

R. H. BLAKE, Senior Warden. 

EBENEZER G. BENNETT, Junior Warden. 

On February 18, 1853, a dispensation was issued by R.’. W.’. JOSEPH D. EVANS, Deputy Grand Master, and on June 20, 1853, by 

order of the Grand Lodge it was continued to June 1, 1853. 

Indorsed upon the dispensation is the following: 

"Returned July 1, 1853, and charter granted same day." 

The first meeting under the dispensation was held February 23, 1853. The Lodge was constituted and its officers installed by R.’. 

64

W.’. A. COLO VELONI, Grand Lecturer, July 1, 1853. 

The Lodge was represented at the laying of the corner-stone of the Home at Utica, May 21, 1891, and the dedication of same 

October 5, 1892. 


William Hutton, Sheriff. J. M. Hasbrouck, County Treasurer. James S. Haring, Assemblyman. 

Frank Comesky, District Attorney. F. G. Grimme, Assemblyman. 

MASTERS. 

1853. David B. Parson. 

1854. Robert H. Blake. 

1855. Robert E. Falkenburgh. 

1856. Ebenezer G. Bennett. 

1857. James W. Denton. 

1858. James W. Denton. 

1859. Samuel N. Wilkens. 

1860. Samuel N. Wilkens. 

1861. John Van Orden, Jr. 



1864. John W. Hutton. 

1865. Adrian D. Onderdonk. 

1866. Adrian D. Onderdonk. 


1868. Isaac H. Spencer. 


1870. James S. Haring. 

1871. Henry W. Gesner. 

1872. Henry W. Gesner. 

1873. George Dickey. 

1874. George Dickey. 

1875. Elihu G. Tucker. 

1876. Elihu G. Tucker. 

1877. William Hutton. 




1881. Isaac E. Gillies. 


1883. Elbert G. Cook. 




1887. John C. Walsh. 

1888. John C. Walsh. 

1889. Henry P. Stamford. 

1890. Henry P. Stamford. 

1891. Fred W. Bauer. 

1892. Fred W. Bauer. 

1893. John C. Heyn. 

1894. John C. Heyn. 

Masonic Register – 1855 

1895. Peter P. Waring. 

1896. Peter P. Waring. 

1897. Wesley A. Kipp. 


1899. Edward S. Ralston. 

1900. Edward S. Ralston. 



1903. William B. Jewell. 

1904. William B. Jewell. 


1906. 1. Spencer Graham. 

1907. John W. Sanson. 



1910. Asheton S. Boyd. 

1911. Asheton S. Boyd. 

1912. John W. Sansom. 

1913. Samuel A. Brown. 

WAWAYANDA LODGE, NO. 315. 

Piermont, Rockland Co .- Date of Charter, June 30, 1853. 

Robert E. Falkenburg, Master, 

Levi F. Ward, Senior Warden 

James W. Denton, Junior Warden 

J. W. Robertson, Treasurer 

Past Master - R. H. Blake 

Thos. J. B. House, Secretary 

S. N. Wilkins, Senior Deacon 

R. Y. Davis, Junior Deacon 

J. Brown, Steward 

____ Weymer, Chaplain 

J. V. B. Johnson, Marshal 

R. J. Hannaford, Tiler 

Members 

John Baker, 

Penoyer Baker, 

E. Gilbert Bennett, 

Hosea Brown. 

W. W. Campbell, 

Wm. N. Craw, 

Jarvis Duryea, 

W. H. Felter, 

Peter S. Felter, 

W. V. L. Flagg, 

Marvin Fowler, 

Samuel Griffith, 

George Hallett, 

James S. Humphrey, 

James M. Johnson, 

Warren F. Kendall, 

John Lazier, 

David H. Mansell, 

Silas A. Miller, 

H. B. Murray, 

E. C. Noe, 

A. Parrish, 

D. B. Parsons, 

Wm. Perry, 

James Phillips, 

A. C. Radcliffe, 

John Randall, 

Wm. E. Richardson, 

E. E. Roberts, 

Sumner Sturtevant, 

Geo. C. Taylor, 

J. H. Van.Wart, 

J. V. B. Vorhies, 

John Watson, 

Abram Weymer, 

Jacob Weymer, 

NOE, ELIAS C.—Age, 43 years. Enlisted [119th NY Inf. Vols.], August 21, 1862, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in 

as private, Co. F, September 4, 1862; discharged for disability, December 2, 1862. 

Ramapo Lodge No. 589, Pearl River, Rockland, New York 

Instituted 1 Jun 1865 

Charles E. Suffern, WM; S. M. Hungerford, SW; George M. Crane, JW; R. F. Galloway, Treasurer; Daniel Sherwood, Secretary; 

W. D. Furman, SD; Stephen A. Ronk, JD; John W. Crum, SMC; John H. Wannamaker, JMC; Peter Sines, Tyler; 

A. R. Leport and W. T. Howard. 

George William Miatt - Patent Lawyer, 5 Beekman Street, New York City; residence Suffern, Rockland County. Born in England, 

Aug. 29, 1851 Educated at New York University Law School ('82). (Married.) President Ramapo Building and Loan Association and 

master Ramapo Lodge No. 589, F&AM. 


Ralph Benjamin Ward - In the development and progress of New York State, the part taken by the network of modern, improved 

highways has been one of the most important factors in furthering the prosperity of the entire commonwealth, and in the commercial 

history of the State, one of the most prominent men in road-building is Ralph Benjamin Ward, of Suffern. Mr. Ward, although still a 

young man, has already achieved a position of importance in the realm of business as secretary and treasurer of the Ward Road & 

65

Mason Supply Company, which is one of the largest concerns of its kind in the State, and the foremost contracting organization in 

this county. His career has been one of constant advance by reason of his unflagging energy and determination to succeed, coupled 

with a sincere regard for the rights of others and business principles of the highest type, his ambition never faltering even though he 

has to overcome many difficulties. 

Mr. Ward was born in Suffern, 7 Nov 1892, son of Charles H. and Lizzie (Roe) Ward. Charles H. Ward was engaged for many years 

in mercantile affairs and is now living retired in Suffern. 

Ralph Benjamin Ward was educated in the public schools of Suffern, and later completed a course in bookkeeping at the Packard 

Business School. He began his active career by working at a stone crusher for the Ramapo Trap Rock Company and he continued 

in this work for eight years, acquiring a splendid foundation for his future business life and familiarizing himself thoroughly with road 

building materials and the various details of this industry. In 1916, Mr. Ward decided to engage in business independently, and 

accordingly, he organized the firm of Ward Brothers, for the handling of road materials and the conduct of general contracting. The 

enterprise was a success from the start and, in 1922, the firm was incorporated as the Ward Road & Mason Supply Company, with 

Mr. Ward as secretary and treasurer. The demands for the products of this concern have grown to large proportions and the 

company now utilizes fifty motor-trucks in the operation of their extensive interests, furnishing materials and supplies for most of the 

roads built in Rockland and conducting a contracting business which has gained a reputation for absolute dependability and 

durability of all its projects. Mr. Ward is a prominent factor in the financial life of this community, being a director of the Ramapo 

Trust Company of Spring Valley. In the civic and fraternal activities of his community, he takes a constructive interest and is a 

popular member of the Ramapo Lodge, No. 589, F&AM. His political adherence is given to the Republican Party, in the affairs of 

which he takes an active part, particularly with regard to all campaigns in the interest of public welfare and advancement. 

Ralph Benjamin Ward married 18 Mar 1922, at Suffern, Grace Edwina Huene, daughter of Edward and Ida (Spillman) Huene. 

Naurashank Lodge No. 589, Pearl River Rockland, New York 

see also No. 939; aka Nauraushaun 

Rockland Lodge No. 723, Nyack, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 4 Jun 1873 

Consolidated with Naurashank No. 939 to become Naurashank No. 723, 12 May 1987 

Rockland Lodge, No. 723, F. & A. M., held its first communication 10 Jul 1872. 

The first officers were: Charles H. Wessels, WM; Charles H. Meeker, SW; T. Blanch Smith, JW; J. H. Blauvelt, Treasurer; George H. 

Cook, Secretary; Stephen De Clark, Tyler. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=iNIUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1128&lpg=PA1128&dq=%22Rockland+Lodge+No.+723%22&source=bl 

&ots=XdsUywrpZc&sig=UCD6jAnGxvSVtImMjZzXl8gdoA&hl=en&ei=qX6iTMTaCsaqlAe90pHDBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCUQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q 

=%22Rockland%20Lodge%20No.%20723%22&f=false page 1128 

William Porter Bugbee, youngest child of William F. Bugbee and Mary E. Foster), was born 15 Jul 1863, in Boston. He was 

educated in the public schools of that city, graduating at the English high school when about eighteen years old. He then entered the 

employ of the Stero & Type Company, wholesale dry goods dealers, and was subsequently connected with the Lexington Print 

Works at Springdale, M. For over nine years he resided at Stoughton, MA, then removed to Nyack, NY, to take a position with the 

Peerless Finishing Company. This he resigned to engage in the sale of sporting goods, stationery and similar articles in Nyack. 

Politically a Republican, he has endeavored to foster the public interests, and served as president of the village of Nyack in 1909-11. 

He is a past chancellor of Lodge No. 385, Knights of Pythias, of Nyack, in which order he has served as district deputy and 

representative to the grand lodge of the state. He is a Past Master of Rockland Lodge No. 723, F&AM; Past High Priest of 

Rockland Chapter No. 204, RAM, and a member of St. John's Commandery No. 1, KT. Mr. Bugbee was treasurer of the Business 

Men's Club, of Nyack. He married, 1898, in Waynesboro, PA, Lillian Edith Overcash, b. 9 Aug 1872, in that place, d/o Reuben and 

Catherine A. (Spielman) Overcash, of Franklin county, PA. 

----- 

Edward H. Cole 

http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA15&dq=%22Rockland%20Lodge%20no.%20723%22&ei=QIuiTKHeH4L68Aa1zpjkBA&ct=res 

ult&id=fKsaAAAAYAAJ&output=text 

Edward H. Cole was born in Plattsburg, NY, 13 Oct 1847, and died of cerebral apoplexy in Saginaw, Michigan, 9 Nov 1915, in the 

69th year of his age. When a lad of thirteen, his father, a lawyer, removed to Albany, and a little later to Brooklyn, where young Cole 

began his preparation for college at the Polytechnic Institute. Owing to ill health, however, he was compelled to drop all study and to 

seek a change of climate in the West, where, with health improved, he completed his college preparatory course at Beloit, 

Wisconsin, and was admitted to Beloit College in July, 1865. 

After his return home, Cole attended Williams College commencement, then held the last week of July, and was so favorably 

impressed that he decided to remain East and take his course at Williams instead of at Beloit. Illness prevented him from entering 

upon his college duties until January, 1866, when he took his place in the Class of 1869, and was graduated with that class in June, 

1869. He roomed first at 8 Old West College, and later, over the store of C. H. Mather. 

Upon leaving college, Mr. Cole planned to become a civil engineer. Prevented from doing so by a combination of circumstances, he 

acceded to his father's wishes by taking up the study of law with his father in New York city, in December, 1869. He was admitted to 

66

the New York bar in February, 1872, and entered at once upon the practice of his profession at Nyack, New York, the family having 

moved to that place some years previous. 

----- 

With the exception of the two years 1879 and 1880, during which period he was secretary 

of a New York furnace company, Mr. Cole continued in successful law practice at Nyack 

for nearly twenty years. During that time he was called upon to fill many positions of honor 

and trust in that community. As clerk of the village of Nyack, member of the Board of 

Education and its secretary, secretary of the Water Board and of the Cemetery Board, he 

showed good business ability and excellent judgment. 

In Nov 1879, Mr. Cole married Miss Caroline P. Chamberlin of Nyack, and in the 

succeeding years one daughter and three sons were added to his household, to multiply 

his family joys and responsibilities. A few years later, Mrs. Cole's health became impaired, 

and in 1901 it seemed best to leave Nyack and to seek new occupation elsewhere. For 

three years Mr. Cole was busily employed in writing and editing various bibliographies for 

"The Historians' History of the World." Two years more were spent in preparing an index of 

that work, when, in 1908, he was invited to take charge of the business of a wealthy citizen 

of Saginaw, Michigan. This invitation was accepted, and he removed with his family to 

Saginaw, where he entered at once upon his duties as private secretary of the Hon. Ezra 

Rust, and continued as such until his death in 1915. 

Mr. Cole was at the time of his death a member of the First Presbyterian Church of 

Saginaw. He was also a member of Rockland Lodge No. 723, F&AM, of Nyack; of Joppa 

Chapter No. 63, Royal Arch Masons, of Saginaw; and of the Bay City Consistory, Scottish 

Rite. 

Mr. Cole was survived by his wife and by three sons: Edward H., of Seattle; Harold, of 

Detroit, Michigan; and Emerson, of Rockford, Illinois. His only daughter, Gertrude, married 

Mr. A. W. Q. Birtwell, and died at her home in Chicago in June 1915. 

Dr. D. DeGraff. who has been in the drug business in Nyack for 25 years, has given up his establishment there, and will take up his 

residence with his daughter, Mrs. J. Wesley VanDervoort, No. 45 South Twelfth street, Mount Vernon, NY. Dr. DeGraff has many 

friends in Nyack who will regret his departure from town, not only because of his business relations but because of his other 

associations formed here. He has for years been one of the most zealous and active members of Rockland Lodge, No. 723, 

F&AM, serving a long term as Secretary of that Lodge. He has also been at the head of the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty 

to Children and to Animals, and has done much good work in each. 

----- 

Henry Pardee Kilby, s James and Edith (Van Etien)bNyackNJ Nov 18 1900. BA Bard Coll 1923. Psi Upsilon, prep Nyack HS; Amh 

1919-22. James Kilby Inc real estate and insurance, secy 1923-36, sec, treas and partner 1936-; now owner The Henry Kilby 

Agency insurance and real estate Nyack NY. Volunteer OPA bd offr; blood bank capt. Notary public, member YMCA; president 

Rockland Co Ins Agents Assn. Part Master Rockland Lodge No 723. Lions Club (past pres), m Dec 13 1924 Mary Dorothy dr John 

Long. NYC. br John V (Amh 1920). res Wydendown Rd Upper Nyack; bus 145 Main St Nyack NY. 

----- 

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/10,000_famous_freemasons/Volume_4_Q_to_Z.htm 

Arthur S. Tompkins (1865-1938) Justice, Supreme Court of New York, 1906-35; U.S. Congressman to 56th-57th Congresses, 

1899-1903 from NY. b. 26 Aug 1865 in Schoharie Co., NY. Admitted to the bar and practiced at Nyack in 1887. Was appointed to 

the appellate division of the supreme court in 1930 and retired by legal age limit. Raised in Enterprise Lodge No. 228, N.Y.C. on 

Dec. 8, 1891, he affiliated with Rockland Lodge No. 723, Nyack, N.Y. on May 22, 1893 and was Master of same in 1897. A past 

District Deputy Grand Master, and from 1922-23, was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. He was also Past Grand 

Master of the Odd Fellows of New York and a member of the Grand Forum of the Elks. d. Jan. 20, 1938. 

Arthur Sidney Tompkins, Grand Master 1922-23 (b. 26 Aug 1865 - d. 20 Jan 1938) 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_S._Tompkins 

Arthur Sidney Tompkins was a US Representative from New York. Born in Middleburg, NY, the son of 

Sindey Brooks Tompkins * (b. 22 Jun 1830; d. 9 Apr 1901and his second wife (1864) Mary H. Yokum 

(b. 1 Mar 1834), moved with his parents to West Nyack, NY, in 1866. He attended the public schools of 

Clarkstown and Nyack until 1878. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1886 and commenced 

practice in Nyack, NY. Police justice there from 1887 to 1889. 

Tompkins was elected chairman of the Rockland County Republican committee in 1888. He served as 

member of the State assembly in 1890. He served as delegate to all Republican State conventions from 

1888 to 1906. He served as delegate or alternate to all Republican National Conventions from 1888 to 

1900. County judge and surrogate of Rockland County 1893-1898. 

* for more on Tompkins ancestry see http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~fenstemaker/p47.htm 

67

Tompkins was elected as a Republican to the 56th and 57th Congresses (4 Mar 1899-3 Mar 1903). He was not a candidate for 

renomination in 1902. He resumed the practice of law in Nyack, NY. 

Tompkins was elected justice of the supreme court of New York in 1906. He was reelected in 1920 and 1934. Raised to the 

appellate division of the supreme court of New York in January 1930 and served until his retirement in 1936. He died in Nyack, NY, 

20 Jan 1938. He was interred in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~vantasselfamilyhistoryhomepage/oldfamiliesofwestchester/tompkins.html 

Arthur S. Tompkins of Nyack, 1868-1938, was descended from Nathaniel Tompkins, 1742-1822, who moved to Otsego County and 

founded the family in central New York. Judge Tompkins was brought back to Nyack as a baby and his fame as a jurist was rivaled 

only by his fame as an amateur driver of trotting horses, a star of the Goshen track. 

22 Jun 1919 - Copyright © The New York Times > 

“Legal and Judicial History of New York,” by John H. Dougherty, Lyman H. Weeks, 

Alden Chester. Vol. III. 1911. page 206 

In every commonwealth there have arisen men whose experiences have been 

phenomenal, men to whom success has taken kindly at the very beginning. And this not 

by reason of the favor of fickle fortune which has pursued the man, but because the 

man from the outset has asserted his right and his determination to succeed, and has 

then simply proceeded in the use of the appointed means to achieve the desired 

success. Such a man is Arthur S. Tompkins. Judge Tompkins was born at Middleburg, 

Schoharie, NY, in 1865. 

He was educated in the public schools of Clarkstown and Nyack, NY. He studied law in 

the offices of Abram A. Demarest and Seth B. Cole, of Nyack, and in the office of Henry 

Griffin, of Tarrytown, NY. On 18 May 1889, he married Miss Jeanie C. Logan, of 

Tarrytown, NY. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Nyack. In 1887 he 

was elected police justice of the village of Nyack. He manifested his aptness for political 

life, and was elected to the State assembly as a Republican in a Democratic county in 

1889. In 1903 he became the Republican candidate for county judge and was elected. 

In 1898 he was elected representative in congress from the Seventeenth congressional 

district, composed of the counties of Rockland, Orange and Sullivan, and in December 

of that year resigned from the judgeship. In 1900 he was returned to congress and 

served his full term, and then resumed the practice of law in Rockland and adjoining 

counties. As a trial lawyer Judge Tompkins had no superior and very few equals in the 

district in which he practiced. In 'the examination of witnesses he was shrewd, alert and 

incisive. In argument to the jury he was a marvel of freshness, simplicity and power. He 

always knew his juror and talked to him. His arguments were replete with illustrations which found their duplicate in the experiences 

of the individual juror. History, poetry and anecdote were brought into requisition by this master of the legal art, and all were blended 

in a production of argument, appeal, pathos, denunciation and eloquence which were sure to win a good case, and save a poor one 

from total destruction. In 1906, when the old Second judicial district was divided and made two separate districts, the committee 

appointed by the State Bar Association for the purpose of investigating and recommending suitable candidates for the office of 

Supreme Court judge in the new Ninth judicial district, presented the name of Judge Tompkins for that office. The bar of Rockland 

county, proud of the lustre of his brilliant record and of the prominence which was his because he earned it, and realizing his sterling 

worth, with one accord supported him for that high position. He was elected by a handsome majority, and at the present writing he 

has served three years upon the bench, with favorable comment everywhere on his ability and fairness in that position. He is clean, 

dignified, kind and just, and with all his rare and brilliant experience, Judge Tompkins is still a young man, and with the continuance 

of health and strength is surely destined to accomplish vastly more than he has already achieved in the successes of the past and 

present. 

Upon the resignation of Judge Tompkins from the county judgeship in 1898, he was succeeded by Alonzo Wheeler. 

Finland gained its independence, and in 1918 certain Finnish Masons who had been initiated in the U.S. returned to Finland and 

petitioned the Grand Lodge of New York for a lodge at Helsinki. It was granted, and in 1922 Grand Master Arthur S. Tompkins 

visited Finland, where on August 18th, in the old Parliament House, the three degrees were conferred on 27 leading citizens of 

Finland, including Jean Sibelius, the famed composer. 

See also “Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New York,” 1938. pages 9-10; Edict, pages 193-95. 

Masonic Record: 

8 Dec 1891 Raised in Enterprise Lodge No. 228, New York City 

1983 Affiliated with Rockland Lodge No. 723, Nyack; Master 1897 

1897-98 District Deputy Grand Master of the Orange-Rockland District 

1914-17 Junior Grand Warden 

1918-19 Senior Grand Warden 

1920-21 Deputy Grand Master 

1922-23 Grand Master, F&AM, in the State of New York 

Served on Committees, to include Jurisprudence, Foreign Correspondence, Constitution and Hall & Asylum Fund. 

68

1880 Census, Nyack, Rockland, New York 

Sidney P TOMPKINS Self M Male W 49 NY St. Bt. Agent NY NY 

Mary H TOMPKINS Wife M Female W 45 PA Keeps House --- --- 

Edward TOMPKINS Son S Male W 22 NY Laborer NY PA 

Arthur S. TOMPKINS Son Male W 15 NY Clerk In Dry Goods NY PA 

Charles E. TOMPKINS Son S Male W 13 NY Clerk In Dry Goods NY PA 

Ella N. TOMPKINS Dau S Female W 10 NY At School NY PA 

http://files.usgwarchives.org/ny/rockland/bios/1895/tuttle-williame.txt 

TUTTLE, WILLIAM H. [sic].—Age, 18 years. Enrolled [48 NY Inf. Vols.], 25 Aug 1861, at Camp Wyman, NY, to serve three years; 

mustered in as Private, Co. F, 31 Aug 1861; promoted Corporal and First Sergeant, no dates; re-enlisted as a veteran, 29 Feb 1864; 

mustered in as First Lieutenant, Co. D, 1 Jan 1865; mustered out with company, 1 Sep 1865, at Raleigh, NC, as William ‘Turtle.’ 

Commissioned First Lieutenant, 30 Mar 1865, with rank from 1 Jan 1865, vice R, F. McKeller, discharged. 

AMONG those wounded at the recent attack on Fort Wagner, we find the name of Lt. Tuttle, Co. F, 48th N. Y. V. Mr. Turtle's parents 

reside in this city. It is hoped his wounds are not of a serious nature. 

William E. Tuttle, President of the village of Nyack, is one of the representative business men of Rockland County. About 188o he 

embarked in the business of a shoe manufacturer, and in 1892 erected the building on the corner of Mill Street and Jackson Avenue 

which he now occupies. The plant, which is one of the best in this locality, has a capacity for four thousand pairs of shoes weekly, 

the products being sold direct to New York City jobbers. Employment is furnished fifty hands, and about $3,000 is paid out in wages 

per month, the business requiring a capital of $15,000. 

In this village Mr. Tuttle was born 14 Jun 1844. His father, William, a native of Westchester County and a tailor by occupation, came 

to Nyack about 1834, and died here when our subject was an infant. His mother, also a native of Westchester County, and known in 

maiden-hood as Sarah Patterson, was left at her husband's death with four little children. She had a small house, and succeeded in 

keeping the family together until her death, which occurred when William E. was a lad of ten years. After that he was obliged to 

support himself. He worked on a farm, receiving his board and clothes in return for his services and being permitted to attend school 

during the winter months. This continued until the outbreak of the Rebellion. 

At the first call for troops, in the spring of 1861, Mr. Tuttle enlisted, but was not accepted, being under size and age. However, in the 

fall of the same year, he enlisted as a member of Company F, 48th NY Infantry, under Col. J. H. Perry, of Brooklyn. After the fall of 

Ft. Fisher he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant of Company D. Prior to that he had held all the non-commissioned offices 

in Company F, including that of First Sergeant, the highest. He was serving as Lieutenant at the time of his discharge, in September, 

1865. After the engagement at Ft. Fisher, he joined Sherman's army and marched with that illustrious General as far as Raleigh, 

where he stopped with General Schofield's corps. In the charge upon Ft. Wagner, during that fierce and bloody engagement, he 

was wounded by a musket-ball in the breast, but the wound, fortunately, did not prove serious. After joining Company D, he was 

stationed mainly at Raleigh and participated in few active engagements. He remained in that city from the time of Lee's surrender 

until he was honorably discharged, after a service of more than four years. 

Returning to Nyack, Mr. Tuttle secured employment in a shoe factory, in which occupation he continued until 188o, when he started 

in business for himself. His has been a successful commercial career, though, in common with all manufacturers, he has suffered 

from the financial depression of the past few years. As a business man he is keen, far-seeing and energetic, and his life presents an 

example of what can be accomplished by one who begins poor, and without education or influential friends. He married Miss Louisa 

Ennis, of this village, and they have a pleasant and comfortable home here. 

Mr. Tuttle is an active Grand Army man and is connected with Waldron Post, in which he has held all the official positions. He 

possesses considerable influence in that organization, and numbers many friends among the old soldiers who fought with him for 

the preservation of the Union. For three years he has served as Master of Rockland Lodge No. 723, F&AM. His opinions upon 

political questions have caused him to identify himself with the Republican party, and he is well informed concerning its platform and 

principles. For a time he served as Village Trustee, and later was chosen President of the village, in which responsible position he is 

serving with efficiency. 

Naurashank Lodge No. 723, Pearl River, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 12 May 1987 329 

Formed from the consolidation of Rockland No. 723 (1873) and Naurashank No. 939 (1915) 

Athelstane Lodge No. 839, Pearl River, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 21 May 1902 367 

Charter 06 Jun 1903 

Instituted date; merged with Tappan Zee No. 1125, Aug 2000 to remain Athelstane No. 839 

http://www.athelstane839.org/history.html 

Before Athelstane Lodge was organized, all the Masonic lodges in Rockland County were located on its outer perimeter in as much 

as Suffern, Nyack, Haverstraw and Sparkill. 

No minutes of the organizing meeting are available. If they were recorded, they were either lost or destroyed. The first records are 

those of the initiating of the lodge on June 6th, 1902. The brethren met in the Odd Fellows Hall, where then District Deputy of the 

13th Masonic District of the State of N.Y. R W John Salisbury presented the Dispensation and installed the first officers, The 

69

lodge continued to meet at the Odd Fellows Hall, better known as the Amity Opera House, until 1916. The lodge concluded its 

probationary period during that 1st year and on June 6th, 1903 was granted its charter. 

There are several stories pertaining to the naming of Athelstane Lodge although there is no official record. On several occasions 

during our history, speakers have dealt with this subject and the following explanations are recorded. In 1917, while speaking on the 

passing of Br. Edward M. Ehlers, the Master, in his remarks to the lodge, 

said that it was Brother Ehlers who had chosen the name. In 1928, at the 

25th Anniversary of the lodge, Past Masters remarked that the meaning of 

Athelstane in old Anglo-Saxon, was ‘noble stone’ and was probably the 

reason for choosing it for the name of the lodge. 

At the 50th Anniversary, the speaker referred to Alfred the Great, 1st King 

of England. His grandson, Athelstan, was crowned in AD 924. Two years 

later he commissioned his brother Edwin, to organize the 1st Grand Lodge 

of Masonry at the City of York. This made King Athelstan the 1st Grand 

Patron of Masonry. The reader may have his choice of any of the above. 

In 1915 an option was taken on the property on the corner of Main Street 

and Funston Row. Not without opposition however, for the owner at the 

time was a brewery from Paterson, NJ, and some of the brothers thought 

it in bad taste to make the purchase. On June 22, 1916 the purchase was 

finalized and Athelstane Lodge came into possession of its 1st meeting 

hall. It was not a Masonic Temple, but the income derived from the stores 

located on the street level helped to maintain the new lodge through some 

lean years. 

During those years at the Main Street address, much remodeling was 

done to insure an appropriate Masonic atmosphere but the lodge always 

looked forward to having a true Masonic Temple. In 1967 the dream was 

finally realized. 

Past Masters 

2009-10 Alexander Mulgrew 

2008-09 Thomas Sassone 

2007-08 David Richards 

2006-07 Louis M. Irizarry III 

2005-06 R:.W:. Bruce Klein 

2003-05 R:.W:. Louis M. Irizarry II 

2002-03 Harry F. Anderson 

2001-02 Harry E. Kramer 

1999-01 R:.W:. Peter J. D. Dedel 

1999-00 Harry E. Kramer * 

1998-99 V:.W:. Scott A. Klein * 

1997-98 Thomas P. Walden * 

1997-99 R:.W:. C.F. William Maurer III 

1994-97 R:.W:. Glen L. Weinberg * 

1995-97 R:.W:. Mel Birnbaum 

1993-95 R:.W:. Joel Rosenwasser 

1992-94 V:.W:. Scott A. Klein * 

1992, R:.W:. Mel Birnbaum 

1987-88, 1990 Anthony Urbinato 

1986,1989,1992 George Bielski 

1984, V:.W:. Scott A. Klein * 

* Tappan Zee Lodge No. 1125 

1984, 1991 Richard H. Fassberg 

1983 Gerald P. Rickard 

1981 Harold N. Eder * 

1980-82 Barry Ronner 

1979 Eugene Foladare, DSA * 

1979 R:.W:. Marvin R. Gess 

1977 R:.W:. Giles M. Purvis 

1976 Norman J. Greenberg * 

1976 R:.W:. Harold J. Dresdale 

1975 R:.W:. Martin Lindenberg 

1974 Sander A. Lefkowitz * 

1973-74 Erwin L. Robbins 

1972 Leonard J. Plotch * 

1985 Henry Morris 1972, 

1971 R:.W:. Eugene W. Erickson 

1969 Charles K. Dunlop * 

1969 Allan P. Oster, D.S.A. 

1967 Henry Chait * 

1965 Murray Kaplowitz * 

1958 Robert Maidman * 

M:.W:. Neil I. Bidnick affl. 

R:.W:. Robert Blanke affl. 

R:.W:. Daniel E. Jonas affl. 

R:.W:. Ronald J. Steiner affl. 

Alvin M. Russell affl. 

Stuart Sindell affl. 

Arthur S. Vener affl. 

R:.W:. Harry Sky affl. 

Jay Helfgott affl. 

George Liberis affl. 

Nathan Metlitz affl. 

M:.W:. Carl J. Fitje Hon. 

R:.W:. Charles Antzelevitch Hon. 

R:.W:. Hon. Benjamin Gilman Hon. 

R:.W:. Albert E. Mealey Hon. 

R:.W:. Norman E. Moon Hon. 

http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Executive/RC_CE_Bio.html 

C. Scott Vanderhoef, born and raised in Rockland County, is an environmental attorney who was elected in 

2009 to a fifth, unprecedented term as its County Executive. He was first elected in 1993 after successfully 

campaigning on a platform that emphasized running County government more like a business. 

A graduate of Tappan Zee High School, Vanderhoef earned a B.A. in History from Alfred University, an M.A. 

from Columbia University Teachers College and a law degree from Pace University Law School in White 

Plains. He taught environmental law at St. Thomas Aquinas College and has been a guest lecturer at 

Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Vanderhoef received an honorary Doctor of 

Laws degree from Dominican College of Blauvelt and a Doctor of Humane Letters from St. Thomas Aquinas 

College. He has written and published articles on environmental and land use issues. 

70

Vanderhoef’s career in public service began in 1972, when he served on staff of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller as program liaison 

to the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, Parks and Recreation, Arts Council, Veteran Affairs and Human Rights. 

He continued his work under Governor Malcolm Wilson and briefly under Governor Hugh Carey. Vanderhoef continued his career in 

public service as the State Project Coordinator of the Child Medicaid Program in New York City. 

Vanderhoef returned to Rockland and was employed by the Ramapo Land Co. for 15 years, rising from general manager to serve 

as both its president and chief executive officer. He also served as the Acting Village Justice of Hillburn, on the Board of Trustees of 

St. Thomas Aquinas College and the Board of Education for the Ramapo Central School District, where he was elected president. 

Remaining true to his original philosophy, Vanderhoef has created a streamlined, efficient and cost-effective county government 

during his tenure as county executive. One-third of all county departments were consolidated or eliminated under his leadership, 

and Rockland’s county property tax rate remains one of the lowest in New York State. 

Throughout his administration, Vanderhoef has advocated for careful and reasoned land-use planning in Rockland’s 

communities. His perseverance in negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) helped secure new trains, 

express service and enhanced transportation stations and parking for Rockland commuters. He continues to work diligently with 

MTA leaders to help close the $60 million service value gap Rocklanders now face. 

Under Vanderhoef’s direction, the Office of Community Development has built and rehabilitated more than 2,000 units of affordable 

housing and has been instrumental in the continued revitalization of Rockland’s downtowns and hamlet centers. He also 

commissioned the county’s first comprehensive master plan in more than 25 years. 

Vanderhoef has expanded health care and services for Rockland residents and created enhanced programs for women and 

children. More than 6,000 veterans per year now receive health benefits from the county’s newly expanded VA clinic in New City. 

The Rockland County Health Department has increased housing inspections and public education outreach programs combating 

cancer, West Nile virus and Lyme disease, and the county now has one of the lowest adult smoking rates in the state. Under 

Vanderhoef’s leadership, the number of day care slots for families has increased and the wait list has been eliminated. The county 

has also established the first countywide “School of the 21st Century” in the nation. 

Vanderhoef’s efforts to protect Rockland’s precious natural environment prompted him to create the county’s first Open Space 

Preservation Program in 2000. This successful initiative has led to the creation of five new parks, the preservation of three farms 

and the addition of 1,120 acres of open space. Vanderhoef established the county’s first waterfront park, the popular Haverstraw 

Bay County Park along the Hudson River, which he chose as a permanent home for the County’s September 11th memorial. 

Vanderhoef has served as president of the New York State Association of County Executives in 2003. He serves as a member of 

the Board of Directors of the NY State Association of Counties and is a member of the National Association of Counties’ Finance 

and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee. In 2006, the New York State Republican Party tapped Vanderhoef to run for 

Lieutenant Governor with then-gubernatorial candidate John Faso. 

Prior to public service, Vanderhoef was committed to the Rockland County community and has served on the boards of numerous 

charitable organizations, including president of the United Way of Rockland and member of the Rockland Business Association, the 

Historical Society of Rockland County and as a trustee on the Board of the Suffern Free Library. He currently sits on the boards of 

Rockland Economic Development Corporation, the Fantasy Fountain Fund, The 21 st Century Collaborative for Children and Youth 

and Leadership Rockland, which he helped found. He is also affiliated with the Blauvelt Lions Club, the Free and Accepted Masons 

Athelstane Lodge No. 839 in Pearl River and the Haverstraw Elks Club and is past president of the Suffern Rotary Club. 

Vanderhoef is the proud father of triplet daughters and twin boys. 

Naurashank Lodge No. 929, Pearl River, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 19115 

Consolidated with Rockland No. 723 to become Naurashank No. 723, 12 May 1987 

Tappan Zee Lodge No. 1125, West Nyack / Pearl River, Rockland, New York 

Warrant 12 Aug 1947 

Instituted date; merged with Athelstance No. 839, Aug 2000 to become Athelstane No. 839 [q.v.] 

Appendix I 

An Address, delivered at the interment of a deceased brother, at Newburgh 

by the late Benjamin F. Lewis. 

Note: This type of address, still all too common, eulogizes the Brother but leaves little, if nothing, 

relative to biographical information about the person; not even their name . . . 

The American Masonic register, and Ladies' and gentlemen's magazine, Volumes 1-2, edited by Luther Pratt. 1821. page 138-40. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=3dcRAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA138&dq=%22benjamin+f.+lewis%22+%22newburgh%22&hl=en&ei=aa 

OaTPk4hfuXB8O0pcoH&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=%22benjamin%20f.%20 

lewis%22%20%22newburgh%22&f=false 

71

Respectable Auditors, 

It falls to my lot to address you on a most solemn occasion; a fellow citizen, and a worthy brother, who but a few days since, was 

actively engaged in the busy scenes of life, now lies before you a breathless corpse. Suddenly snatched from the society of his 

relatives and friends, and wrapped in a mournful shroud, he is placed before you on the brink of that opening grave; it is there 

placed for a moment, to give us a pause for serious reflection; and to drop a tributary tear to his memory. Such a scene as this 

proclaims, in accents louder than triple thunder, this all important truth, that man is mortal. 

It was the desire of our departed brother, while he yet was a tenant of mortality, that his funeral solemnities should be attended with 

masonic honours. In accordance to his wishes, and at the request of my surviving brethren, I now appear before this assembly of 

mourning friends, to bear a part in the obsequies of the deceased. You this day behold the solemn procession, and contemplate 

these badges of grief. From these ceremonies we shall learn many interesting lessons, which in the ordinary course of life, we 

should never regard; and while out of respect to the memory of a departed friend, or brother, we are induced to exchange the 

common routine of pleasure or business, for the house of mourning, and a temporary intercourse with its inmates, and to bedew its 

sacred portals "with sympathetic tears for their distress.'' In these serious and endeared moments, we are feelingly alive to the 

charms of virtue, and the dictates of religion. We are necessitated, in a measure, to clothe ourselves, in imagination, with the garb of 

the dead, well knowing that very soon we must wear it in reality. On such occasions we should endeavour to copy their laudable 

examples, and to catch some portion of the divine spirit, which has ascended to Heaven. 

It was not only the custom of the Egyptians, and the Greeks, to celebrate the burial of a deceased friend, with funeral pomp; but the 

sacred scriptures also furnish many instances of a similar kind, and bear testimony to its propriety, and tendency to soften the 

manners, and to mend the heart. When Joseph heard of the death of his venerable father Jacob, he hastened to visit the breathless 

clay; he fell upon it, wept over it, and kissed it, and commanded his physicians to embalm it. He then, with all his brethren, and those 

of his own, and of his father's house, with chariots and horsemen, a very great company, went up to bury him, in his own burying 

ground, and a great, and very sore lamentation for their father, for seven days. How much more respectful was this solemnity, than 

the unceremonious manner, which too generally prevails at the present day, of burying the dead, even without the customary 

services of religion. Such negligence and inattention, has the appearance of thoughtlessness, and that it is our chief concern to 

succeed, as quickly as possible, to the estates of our departed parents; with very little respect to their memories, or any due sense 

of their former kindness to us, usefulness to the world, or the lessons which their examples should teach. 

The ancient Christians, besides their funeral solemnities, were wont to meet frequently at the graves of their martyred saints, and 

holy men, and there to write the histories of their sufferings, and their triumphs, for the purpose of deeply infixing, in their own minds, 

that unconquered boldness, and fervent piety, which characterized these disciples of Immanuel; and to furnish themselves with all 

the peculiar virtues of these Christian heroes. 

Our business, this day, is to recall to our memories, a truth which cannot be too often repeated, that we must all die, and render a 

strict and impartial account of our stewardship, to our Maker; and the wisest know not how soon, or how sudden, this great and 

irreversible change may happen to each one of us. 

But a few short months have elapsed, since we were called upon to perform the last sad honours of Masonry, over the mortal 

remains of one of our oldest, and most respectable brethren, and this day we have received a fraternal summons to convey to the 

silent tomb, the corpse of a worthy and venerable brother, who was walking our streets, not a week since, and was assiduously 

engaged in the affairs of the world, in all the bloom and pride of his usual health. He has indeed been suddenly called from his 

station among us; but we have good reason to hope and believe, that he was not wholly unprepared to exchange his house for a 

coffin, his activity in society for solitude and silence, and his exertions for doing good to mankind for darkness and the grave. From 

the busy scenes of this mortal life, it hath pleased the Sovereign Disposer of events, to call him, as we trust, to become a member of 

the church triumphant, in Heaven; from his family in this world, to the paradise of God. To them this providence must be peculiarly 

afflictive; and considering the heavy loss which they have sustained, and the keen sensibility it must have excited, I feel myself in 

doubt how to proceed. Should I dwell upon the dark side of this dispensation, it would only open wider the springs of grief, and 

enlarge the avenues of sorrow. I wish not to add affliction to the afflicted; but would rather, if I knew the means, administer comfort 

and consolation to the broken hearted; though their best and dearest earthly friend is gone, never more to be a resident in this our 

world, yet they have a rational hope to support them under their trials, that he has exchanged worlds, infinitely to his advantage. 

Charity forbids that we should place him any where but in the bosom of Abraham, surrounded with myriads of kindred spirits, 

solacing him with beatific joys, at the fountain of delight, and drinking full draughts of the rivers of pleasure, which flow at God's right 

hand. He died but to live again, and to live in a more happifying and exalted manner, than when here on earth. His relatives and 

friends have no reason to lament his death, as a loss to himself; for while to him to live was Christ, so for him to die is his eternal 

and unspeakable gain. 

But I hasten to a conclusion. Funeral addresses are intended only for the benefit of the living; therefore let the virtues and noble 

example of our departed brother be long cherished in our memories, and precious to our hearts. Let us dry up our tears, and silence 

every vain complaint. Let us not question the dispensations of Providence, nor ask, with a murmuring temper, with a certain 

conceited philosopher, whether it were not desirable, that the virtues and talents of eminent men should be hereditary? Let us rather 

trust, with confidence, that the Bountiful Giver of life, and its blessings, will in the end, do us ample justice. Let us persevere in the 

line of our duty, and serve our generation faithfully, according to the divine will, well knowing that the all-seeing eye of our great and 

glorious Grand Master, continually observes and records all our actions; and may we learn from him, that a heart pure, and 

detached from sordid pleasures; a soul panting after perfection, and devoted to the service of its Maker, and the best interests of 

mankind, shall at length rise, and mix, in eternal fellowship, with the beatified family of God. 

"In these bright regions of celestial day, 

Far other scenes, far other pleasures reign 

All beauty here below, to them compar'd, 

Would, like a rose before the mid-day sun, 

72

http://www.joycetice.com/kelsey/kjws3.htm 

Shrink up its blossoms; like a bubble break 

The passing poor magnificence of kings! 

For there the king of nature) in full blaze, 

Calls ev'ry splendour forth, and there his court, 

Amid etherial powers and virtues, holds! 

Angels, archangels, tutelary gods 

Of cities, nations, empires, and of worlds! 

But sacred be the veil that kindly shrouds 

A light too keen for mortals." 

Appendix II 

James Seeley, father of Holly Seeley 

James Seeley b. 9 July 1760 (date from pension application; age on cemetery marker would place birth at Dec 1758) resided at 

Smith’s Cove, Orange County and while residing there enlisted in the American Revolution (pension file S11366). James removed 

with his parents to Hardyston, Sussex, NJ, and there m. Ann Westlake, often known by the common nickname of Nancy, b. 8 Dec 

1762 (calculation from age at death on cemetery marker) daughter of Samuel Westlake and Sarah Welling of Hardyston, Sussex, 

NJ connected with the large iron works in Hardyston and who removed to Virginia after the Revolutionary War. Most deeds were 

signed as Ann, but some as Nancy. Her marker in the family cemetery is inscribed with Nancy. In James deposition for a pension he 

stated - “that after the close of the Revolutionary War he lived several years in Sussex County, NJ, from which place he moved to 

the Town of Elmira now Southport.” James was too young to appear on the 1780 and 1781 assessment lists of Hardyston. On 3 

Nov 1788 lot 100 of 2,553 acres was surveyed to Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., James Seeley, Adam Seeley, Abner Hetfield, and Samuel 

Edsall in what is now the Town of Southport, Chemung, NY. They also acquired lot 143 of 1,426 acres. James was enumerated in 

Chemung, Montgomery (that portion that became Southport, Chemung), NY, in 1790 with one male over age sixteen (b. before 

1774), three males under age sixteen (b. 1775-90), and two females in the household. 

On the 8 Apr 1791 Nathaniel Seely, Junr., James Seely, Abner Hetfield, Samuel Edsall and Addam Seely conveyed 246 acres 

to John Smith. Signed by Nathaniel Seely, Junr., Elizabeth Seely, James Seely, Nancy Seely, Abner Hetfield, Elizabeth Hetfield, 

Samuel Edsall, Sarah Edsall, Adam Seely. 

On the 26 Apr 1791, Nathaniel Seely, Junr., James Seely, Samuel Edsall, and Adam Seeley conveyed 250 acres to Abner 

Hetfield (mentions boundary of Benjamin Tuthill’s land and land sold to John Smith and John Boyers). Signed in the presence of 

John Woodard and John Cameron. Signed by Nathaniel Seely, Elizabeth Seely, James Seely, Anny Seely, Samuel Seely, Sarah 

Seely, Addam Seely (Tioga County Deeds 1:25-6). 

On the 19 June 1792, Nathaniel Seely Junr., and Elizabeth his wife; Abner Hetfield and Elizabeth his wife; Samuel Edsall and 

Sarah his wife; Addam Seely; James Seely and Anna his wife of the Town of Chemung and County of Tioga conveyed 577 acres 

to Timothy Smith late of the County of Orange and State of New York. Signed by Nathaniel Seely, Junr, Elizabeth Seely, Abner 

Hetfield, Elizabeth Hetfield, Samuel Edsall, Sarah Edsall, Addam Seely, James Seely, and Anne Seely. Witnessed by John 

Durham, Jr., John Smith, Abner Wells (Tioga County Deeds 1:30). 

On the 27 Jun 1792 John Waier and wife Sarah of the Town of Chemung, County of Tioga conveyed 214 acres to James Seely of 

the same place, part of lot 102 of 414 acres patented to John Waier. Witnessed by Mercy Seely and Samuel Seely (Tioga 

Co. Deeds 1:27). 

Nathaniel Seely, Jr., and Elizabeth his wife, Abner Hetfield and Elizabeth his wife, Samuel Edsall and Sarah his wife, James 

Seely and Nancy his wife, and Addam Seely of the town of Chemung and County of Tioga conveyed 592 ¾ acres to Josiah Seely, 

Jr., of Orange County, NY. Signed by Nathaniel Seely Junr., Elizabeth Seely, Adam Seely, Samuel Edsall, Sarah Edsall, James 

Seely, Nancy Seely, Abner Hetfield, Elizabeth Hetfield. Witnessed by Samuel Seely and Timothy Smith (Tioga Co. Deeds 1:44- 5). 

On the 18 July 1792 James Seely and Ann his wife, Abner Hetfield and Elizabeth his wife, Samuel Edsall and Sarah his wife, and 

Adam Seely and Keziah his wife conveyed 311 acres to Nathaniel Seely, Jr., part of a tract of land granted by patent 28 Feb 1791 

in the town of Chemung, County of Tioga to Nathaniel Seely, Jr., James Seely, Abner Hetfield, Samuel Edsall, and Addam 

Seely. Signed by James Seely, Ann Seely, Abner Hetfield, Elizabeth Hetfield, Samuel Edsall, Sarah Edsall, Adam Seely, Keziah 

Seely. Witnessed by Adam Seely and Samuel Seely (Tioga County Deeds 1:34-5). 

A petition was presented 3 June 1793, by Amos Park, James Cameron, Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., Henry Sterrett, Peter Loop, Jr., 

Nathaniel Teal, James Seeley, John Crabtree, to the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of New York, for the establishment of a lodge at New 

Town, which application was granted 18 June 1793, under the name of Union Lodge, No. 30. The first meeting of the lodge was 

held at the house of John Konkle, in the village of New Town, 26 Aug 1793 with the following officers elected - President, Amos 

Park, W. M; James Cameron, S. W; Nathaniel Seeley, Jr., J. W; Peter Loop, Jr., Sec.; John Konkle, Treasurer; Nathaniel Teal, 

Tiler; James Seeley, member; Abiel Frye, Vistor. 

James appears on the 1794 tax list. 

73

On 10 Sept 1795 James Seely and wife Nancy of Newtown mortgaged 114 acres to Timothy Smith and John Smith of Seely 

Creek (Tioga County Mortgage 1:27). 

On 25 Sept 1795 James Seely and wife Nancy of Newtown, County of Tioga, conveyed 100 acres to Timothy and John Smith of 

Seely Creek in the town of Newtown, part of lot 102. Signed James Seely and Anny Seely. Witnessed by Abner Cashaday and 

Benjamin Littleton (Tioga County Deeds 1:155). 

James appears on the 1 Oct 1798 assessment list. James was enumerated in Newtown, Tioga (that portion that became Southport, 

Chemung), NY, in 1800 with three males under age 10 (b. 1791-1800), two males of age ten and under age sixteen (b. 1785-90), 

the column for males of age sixteen and under age twenty six is torn, the column for males of age twenty six and under age forty 

five is torn, one male over age 45 (b. before 1755), two females under age ten (b. 1791-1800), two females of age ten and under 

age sixteen b. 1785-90), one female of age twenty six and under age forty five (b. 1756-74). On 10 Apr 1792 Newtown was erected 

from the Town of Chemung and comprised present Southport, Elmira, Catlin, Veteran, Big Flats, Horesheads, and a portion 

of Ashland in present Chemung County and Catharine, Montour, and Dix in present Schuyler County. 

On 15 Nov 1803 James Seely and Ann his wife and Caleb Smith and Hannah his wife all of Tioga County conveyed a sawmill and 

implements, being part of land patented to John Waier in the town of Newtown along the highway and Seely Creek. Signed James 

Seely and Caleb Smith. Witnessed by James Matterton and Abner Hetfield (Tioga County Deeds 2:170). 

On 2 May 1805 James Seely and Nancy his wife of Newtown, County of Tioga conveyed 170 acres to Solomon L. Smith of 

Newtown, part of lot no. 102 and part of 428 acres granted to John Waier and transfered by him to James Seely, out of which is 

deducted ¾ acre conveyed to Ralph Bevier. Signed James Seely and Nancy Seely. Witnessed by Abner N. Hatfield, John Waier, 

Archibald Marvin (Tioga County Deeds 2:324). 

On 20 May 1805 James Seely and Nancy his wife conveyed 5 acres to Howes Goldsbough on Seely Creek, mentions mill race, 

and part of land conveyed from John Waier to James Seely. Signed James Seely. Witnessed by Adam Seely and Lemuel Gaylord 

(Tioga County Deeds 2:468). 

On 21 Apr 1806 James Seely of the County of Tioga conveyed to Howes Goldsbough as clarification by conveyance on 15 Nov 

1803 a sawmill with implements, said deed to include mill dam and land. Signed by James Seely. Witnessed by Abner Cashaday 

and Nathaniel Seely (Tioga County Deeds 2:407). 

James and Nancy left the Seeley Creek Valley and removed a few miles south into the hills of Tioga County, PA, in an area that 

became Jackson Township, settling on a high elevation at what became known as Seeley Hill west of Millerton. James was 

enumerated in 1810 in Delmar Township (Jackson Township not yet formed), Tioga County with two males under age ten (b. 1801- 

10), two males of age ten and under age sixteen (b. 1795-1800), three males of age sixteen and under age twenty six (b. 1785-94), 

one male over age forty five (b. before 1765), one female of age ten and under age sixteen (b. 1795-1800), one female of age 

sixteen and under age twenty six (b. 1785-94), and one female over age forty five (b. before 1765). James acquired lands from the 

William Bingham estate on 17 May 1810 (Deed 1:166). On the 1812 assessment, James had 200 acres, 1 horse, 2 oxen, and 3 

cows. On the 1816 assessment 110 improved acres, 160 acres wild land, 2 houses, 3 cows. James and Nancy were included in the 

enumeration of their son Westlake’s household in Jackson Township in 1830. 

At a Court of Common Pleas holden at the Court house in the Village of Elmira in and for the County of Tioga and State of 

New York. On this 4th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the judges aforesaid being a Court of 

record because made so by the Constitution and laws of the State having by law a clerk and seal now sitting James Seely a 

resident of Southport in the County of Tioga and State aforesaid aged seventy two years the ninth day of July last who being first 

duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress 

passed June 7th 1832. 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that he 

enlisted in the month of July 1776 for one year under Captain Thomas Moffat but when he started on his march to New York 

his Captain was unwell and Lieutenant Joshua Brown took the command of the company - he was under the general command 

of Col. Isaac Nichols who then lived in Goshen, Orange County - the was march’d to the City of New York when General 

Sullivan and Lord Sterling commanded the American forces - the country though which he passed during this term of services 

was at the City of New York and its vicinity and along up the North River - he was in the battles of Kingsbridge and White 

Plains and was at Fort Washington, which was under the command of Col. Morgan, when it was surrendered to the British late 

in the fall he served out the term and was regularly discharged - soon after the expiration of this term he volunteered to go 

against the Indians and tories on the frontier of Orange County and upon the Delaware River and especially in that region call’d 

the Minisink Country - he turned out for no definite period but for as long as circumstances might require - he cannot designate 

any particular officer or company to which he was attach’d as he was at times under different officers and attach’d to different 

companies - he understood that their orders issued mainly from Col. Jacob Stroud - That the general nature of his service was 

garrison duty, scouting parties, watching the tories, spying out the Indians by occasionally pursuing their tail - he was in many 

skirmishes and one or two smart brushes with the Indians. In this way he continued and in this line of service for upwards of 

two years and was not finally dismiss’d till in 1780. He has no documentary evidence of his services - neither does he know of 

any person except Silas Hall whose testimony he can procure who can testify to them. 

And to the several interrogations put by the Court to him he says that he was born in the town of Oxford in the County of 

Orange and State of New York on the ninth day of July in the year 1760 - that he has a kind of memorandum or family record 

of his age somewhere in his possession from which and his full recollection of it as handed him by his parents he verily 

believes his age to be as stated - that when he entered the service he lived at a place called Smith’s Cove in the County of 

Orange aforesaid - that after the close of the Revolutionary War he lived several years in Sussex County, New Jersey from 

which place he moved to the Town of Elmira now Southport upon the waters of Seely Creek where he has lived upwards of 

forty two years - that in all his service he was a volunteer that he knew Gen. Sullivan, Gen. Clinton and Col. Stroud - that he 

74

never received any other discharge than a verbal dismissal - that he would refer to his honor the first Judge of the Court, his 

father Capt. William Baldwin and Thomas Maxwell Esquire of Elmira - to Caleb Baker Esquire, Col. Solomon L. Smith, Doct A. 

Gates White and William Jenkins, Esq of Southport as persons acquainted with his reputation for truth and their belief in the 

truth of the forgoing declaration - he hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present 

and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. James Seely. 

James was inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of $80 per annum to commence on 4 Mar 1831, certificate of pension 

issued 22 Nov 1832. James d. 5 Apr 1837 78y 3m 12d (ts). Nancy was evidently the female of age 70 and under age 80 (b. 1761- 

70) enumerated in the household of son Westlake in Jackson Township in 1840. Nancy d. 5 May 1841 78y 4m 27d (ts) buried with 

James in Seeley Hill Cemetery, Jackson Township. Seeley Hill Cemetery is a small cemetery enclosed by a stone wall in a relatively 

excellent state of preservation for its age and was the burial site for the James Seeley and Nancy Westlake family and descendants 

for many years. The cemetery is on the north side of Skyline Drive beside the road at the highest point of Skyline Drive. 

33. James Seeley Jr., b. 14 July 1782 Cornwall, Orange County, New York. 

34. Jesse Seeley b. 08 July 1785. 

35. Holly Seeley b. 07 Aug 1787. 

36. daughter b. ca 1789 (not enumerated in household in 1810). 

37. Westlake Seeley b. ca 1791. 

38. Jemima Seeley b. 09 Mar 1793. 

39. Nathaniel Seeley b. 20 Feb 1795. 

40. Nancy Seeley b. 28 Aug 1797. 

41. Samuel Seeley b. ca 1799. 

42. George Seeley b. ca 1801. 

43. Wellen Seeley b. 02 Apr 1803. 

Appendix III 

General Omar Nelson Bradley 

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/omarnels.htm 

Known by his troops in World War II as "The Soldier's General" because of his care of and compassion for those soldiers under his 

command. 

He graduated from West Point, just missing service in World War I. At the outset of World War II he was a training officer and felt he 

would miss involvement in another World War until he was assigned to the European Theater. There he served for a period under 

General George S. Patton, Jr., prior to taking command of the United States Army Group, the largest single command ever held by 

an American general officer. In 1950 he was promoted to 5-star General-of-the-Army rank, served as Army Chief of Staff and 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also served as leader of the Veterans Administration. He is buried in Section 30, near 

many other World War II leaders. 

Courtesy of the United States Army - Center for Military History 

At the end of World War I, Omar Bradley considered himself a professional failure because he had spent the war in the United 

States while his contemporaries had distinguished themselves on the battlefields of France. His gloomy self-assessment was 

premature. Thirty-five years later he held the highest rank in the United States Army, had been its Chief of Staff, and had served two 

terms as the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He had also more than made up for his lack of combat duty, for during World 

War II he successively commanded a division, a corps, an army, and finally a group of armies. 

His last command, the 12th U.S. Army Group, was the largest body of American soldiers ever to serve under one field commander; 

at its peak it consisted of four field armies. Except for his original division assignments, Bradley won his wartime advancement on 

the battlefield, commanding American soldiers in North Africa, Sicily, across the Normandy beaches, and into Germany itself. His 

understated personal style of command left newsmen with little to write about, especially when they compared him to the more 

flamboyant among the Allied commanders, but his reputation as a fighter was secure among his peers and particularly with General 

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander, who considered him indispensable. 

Self-effacing and quiet, Bradley showed a concern for the men he led that gave him the reputation as the "soldier's general." That 

same concern made him the ideal choice in 1945 to reinvigorate the Veterans Administration and prepare it to meet the needs of 

millions of demobilized servicemen. After he left active duty, both political and military leaders continued to seek Bradley's advice. 

Perhaps more importantly, he remained in close touch with the Army and served its succeeding generations as the ideal model of a 

professional soldier. 

75

Early Years 

Omar Nelson Bradley was born literally in a log cabin near Clark, Missouri, on 12 February 1893, the only surviving child of 

schoolteacher John Smith Bradley and Sarah Elizabeth Bradley, nee Hubbard. The environment of Bradley's youth in rural Missouri 

was impoverished, but he received a good secondary education, becoming a star player on the Moberly High School baseball team. 

To supplement the family income, he also became a crack shot. He went to work for the Wabash Railroad after high school 

graduation in order to earn enough money to enter the University of Missouri. Bradley's plans changed, though, when his Sunday 

School superintendent recommended that he apply for an appointment to West Point. After placing first in the competitive exams for 

his district that were held at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, he received an appointment from Congressman William M. Rucker to 

enter the Military Academy in the fall of 1911. 

Some men had difficulty adapting to the demanding curriculum and strict military life at West Point, but Bradley confessed that the 

discipline, the rigors of a code of conduct centering on honor and duty, the structured society, and the opportunities for athletics 

greatly appealed to him. An enthusiasm for sports took time away from academics, but Bradley still managed to finish a respectable 

44th in his graduating class of 164. He lettered both in football and in baseball, and later he commented on the importance of sports 

in teaching the art of group cooperation. 

Like his classmate Dwight Eisenhower, Bradley was not particularly distinguished in the purely military side of his cadet years, 

achieving the rank of cadet lieutenant only in his final year. But cadet rank turned out to have little to do with future achievement for 

the class of 1915, which came to be known as "the class the stars fell on" because so many of its members became generals. 

Among its ranks were Joseph M. Swing, one of the airborne pioneers, and aviators John T. McNarney and George E. Stratemeyer. 

Somewhat lesser-known classmates, including Stafford LeRoy Irwin, Leland S. Hobbs, John W. Leonard, Hubert R. Harmon, and 

James A. Van Fleet, would command Bradley's divisions and corps during World War II. 

Bradley graduated from West Point on 12 June 1915 as a second lieutenant of Infantry. Three months later he joined the 14th 

Infantry Regiment's third battalion at Fort George Wright, near Spokane, Washington, where he was exposed to the old Regular 

Army life that was shortly to disappear forever. Under the tutorship of Edwin Forrest Harding, another second lieutenant who was six 

years his senior, Bradley began a lifelong habit of studying his profession. Harding was a natural schoolmaster who led a small 

group of lieutenants through weekly tactical exercises that broadened into discussions of military history and current operations in 

Europe. Few people had a greater influence on Bradley than Harding, who convinced him that an officer had to begin studying at the 

very start of his career and continue to study regularly if he hoped to master his profession. 

International crises soon put Lieutenant Bradley's developing military skills to their first, rather modest test. When the civil war in 

Mexico spilled over the border into the United States, American regulars under the command of Brigadier General John J. Pershing 

marched into Mexico in pursuit of the rebel commander, Pancho Villa. Because of the possibility of actual war with Mexico, the War 

Department called up the Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico National Guard and ordered more Regular Army units to the border. 

Among them was the 14th Infantry, which went into camp at Douglas, Arizona. Although Bradley saw no action on the Mexican 

border, he learned a good deal about handling troops in field conditions, conducting long motor marches, and maintaining discipline, 

morale, and training in unfavorable circumstances. In the midst of the crisis, Congress passed the National Defense Act of 1916, 

doubling the authorized size of the Regular Army and increasing the number of infantry regiments to sixty-five. As a consequence of 

the expansion, Bradley found himself promoted to first lieutenant seventeen months after graduating from West Point. The crisis 

with Mexico passed, but Bradley and his regiment remained in the Southwest until after the United States declared war on the 

German Empire. 

World War I and the Interwar Years 

The 14th Infantry was stationed at Yuma, Arizona, when the United States formally entered World War I. Almost immediately, 

Bradley was promoted to captain as the Army began to mobilize. However, rather than moving to Europe, his regiment received 

orders to return to the Pacific Northwest, where it would police the copper mines in Montana. Throughout the next year, Bradley 

desperately tried to have himself assigned to a unit bound for the fighting in France, but to no avail. 

Bradley was promoted to major in August 1918, and shortly thereafter he received the much-desired orders to prepare for duty 

overseas. The 14th Infantry, with Bradley in command of its second battalion, became part of the new 19th Infantry Division, which 

was organizing at Camp Dodge, near Des Moines, Iowa. But the great influenza epidemic of 1918, coupled with the armistice in 

November, ensured that the division would never go overseas. With the war over, the Army rapidly demobilized and a frustrated 

Bradley never saw the battlefields of the Western Front. He was then posted to South Dakota State College, where he remained a 

year as an assistant professor of military science, reverting to his permanent grade of captain. 

In September 1920 Bradley began a four-year tour of duty as an instructor of mathematics at West Point, while Douglas MacArthur 

was serving as superintendent. Aside from the rigor of studying mathematics, which Bradley believed stimulated one's powers of 

reasoning, he devoted his time at the Military Academy to the study of military history. He was especially interested in the 

campaigns of William T. Sherman, whom he considered a master of the war of movement. By the time he was ordered to attend the 

advanced course at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the fall of 1924, following a spring promotion to major, he had 

concluded that many of the men who had fought in France had been misled by the experience of that static war; for Bradley, 

Sherman's campaigns were more relevant to any future war than the battle reports of the American Expeditionary Forces. 

Since the curriculum at Fort Benning stressed open warfare, it gave Bradley the opportunity to become a specialist in tactics and 

terrain and the problems of fire and movement. He graduated second in his class, behind Leonard T. Gerow, another officer with 

whom he was to serve years hence, and ahead of officers who had combat experience in World War I. It was at Fort Benning that 

Bradley concluded that his tactical judgment was as good as that of men tested in battle. His Infantry School experience was crucial; 

as he later explained, "the confidence I needed had been restored; I never suffered a faint heart again." 

When his tour at Fort Benning ended, Bradley was assigned to the 27th Infantry of the Hawaiian Division. There he met George S. 

Patton, Jr., the division G-2, whose future would be intertwined with his for many years. Following a stint with the Hawaiian National 

76

Guard, Bradley returned to the United States in 1928 as a student at the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, 

Kansas. The premier school for professional soldiers, Leavenworth was the eye of the needle through which any officer who hoped 

for success in the Army had to pass. Bradley was somewhat critical of the predictable and unimaginative instruction he received 

there, as he was of the hoary "school solutions" the faculty presented. Still, he judged that his year in Kansas stimulated his thinking 

about tactical problems and, voicing a conclusion shared by many of his peers, believed the real importance of the Command and 

General Staff School was that it gave his entire generation of officers a common tactical language and technique for problem 

solving. 

More important than Leavenworth, however, was Bradley's next assignment as an instructor at the Infantry School in 1929. The 

assistant commandant was George C. Marshall, who was determined to streamline and simplify tactical command procedures. 

Under Marshall's guidance, instructors encouraged student officers to think creatively about tactical problems and simplify doctrine 

so that it was meaningful for citizen-soldiers rather than just for an Army composed of professionals. Bradley judged that no one had 

ever had a more profound influence on him, either personally or professionally, than Marshall. Once having given a man a job, 

Marshall did not interfere, as long as the officer performed as he expected. Impressed with the results of Marshall's methods, 

Bradley adopted an identical hands-off style of command. Bradley's four-year Infantry School assignment also brought another 

intangible benefit. During this tour Bradley associated with a hand-picked company of "Marshall men," some of whom, including 

Forrest Harding, he had known before. Others, both faculty and students, and including such men as Joseph Stilwell, Charles 

Lanham, W. Bedell Smith, Harold Bull, Matthew Ridgway, and J. Lawton Collins, were to hold important assignments in a very few 

years. Marshall's personal teaching, in part through the informal seminars he conducted for his staff, and the stimulating company of 

a group of officers devoted to the study of their profession rounded out Bradley's tactical education. Crucial to Bradley's future in the 

Army was the fact that he had made a favorable impression on Marshall. 

Bradley graduated from the Army War College in 1934 and returned to West Point to serve in the Tactical Department. At Fort 

Benning he had taught and associated with men who would lead divisions and corps during World War II. At West Point he trained 

cadets - including William C. Westmoreland, Creighton W. Abrams, Jr., Bruce Palmer Jr., , John L. Throckmorton, and Andrew J. 

Goodpaster, Jr. - who would command battalions in that war and lead the Army in the decades of the 1960s and 1970s. Bradley 

was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1936. When he left West Point in the summer of 1938 for duty on the War Department 

General Staff, he had spent some sixteen years in Army schools as student and teacher. 

After a brief period in the G-1, the Army staff's manpower and personnel office, Bradley became assistant secretary of the General 

Staff in the Office of the Army Chief of Staff. At times inundated by the flood of paper, he and Orlando Ward, later assisted by Bedell 

Smith, filtered the mass of information directed at the Chief of Staff, framing problem areas and recommending solutions. In 

February 1941, as the Army was expanding in anticipation of war with the Axis Powers, Marshall promoted Bradley from lieutenant 

colonel to brigadier general, skipping the rank of colonel, and sent him to Fort Benning to command the Infantry School. 

At Fort Benning Bradley supported the formation and training of tank forces, especially the new 2d Armored Division, then 

commanded by George S. Patton, Jr. He also promoted the growth and development of the new airborne forces, which would play a 

critical role in the coming war. His most important contribution to the Army, however, was the development of an officer candidate 

school (OCS) model that would serve as a prototype for similar schools across the Army. When war came, the OCS system would 

turn out the thousands of lieutenants needed to lead the platoons of an Army that eventually fielded eighty-nine divisions. The 

Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning alone would produce some 45,000 officers. When the United States formally 

entered World War II on 8 December 1941, Bradley, at Marshall's suggestion, was preparing a hand-picked successor to take 

command at Fort Benning. Marshall had bigger challenges in mind for Bradley as the Army prepared for combat. 

World War II 

Two months after Pearl Harbor, Bradley took command of the 82d Infantry Division. The unit had compiled a distinguished combat 

record in World War I, but it had been reactivated with draftees leavened by only a small Regular Army cadre. The new commander 

saw to it that incoming drafts of soldiers were welcomed with military bands; when they were marched directly to their cantonments, 

they found uniforms, equipment, and a hot meal waiting for them. Such practices did much to boost the morale of often bewildered 

inductees. Disturbed by the poor physical condition of the new soldiers, Bradley instituted a rigorous physical training program to 

supplement a tough military training schedule. He also invited Alvin York, Medal of Honor winner and the most famous alumnus of 

the division, to visit his troops. Based on York's remark that most of his own combat shooting had been done at very short range, 

Bradley adjusted the division's marksmanship program to include a combat course in firing at targets only twenty-five to fifty meters 

away. Bradley looked forward to taking the 82d Division to Europe or the Pacific, but barely four months later he received orders 

from General Marshall to take command of the 28th Infantry Division, a National Guard unit that Marshall believed needed help 

badly. Bradley turned over the 82d to Matthew Ridgway and went to Camp Livingston, Louisiana, to address the problems of the 

Keystone Division. 

Among the first steps he took was the reassignment of junior officers who were over age and unable to cope with field conditions; 

roughly 20 percent of all National Guard first lieutenants in 1941 were forty or older. The more senior officers who lacked the 

knowledge or skills for battalion and regimental command also found themselves transferred. He also reassigned officers and 

sergeants within the division to eliminate the "home-townism" peculiar to 1930s National Guard units, a system that hampered 

proper discipline. But the worst problems of the 28th Division were not of its own making. The division had been repeatedly levied 

for officers and noncommissioned officers; over 1,600 had gone to OCS or aviation training since the division was mobilized. 

Bradley put a stop to this drain in manpower and obtained new drafts from OCS to replace the losses. He then began a systematic 

training program that included the intense physical conditioning he had found necessary in the 82d. He also led the division through 

increasingly more complex tactical exercises at the battalion and regimental level, culminating in amphibious assault training on the 

Florida coast. 

Long experience gained from Army schools and from training recruits in World War I had much to do with Bradley's ability to turn the 

82d and 28th into well-trained combat divisions. But he also clearly understood that citizen-soldiers were not professionals and that 

the Army could not treat them as such. He adopted George Marshall's view that doctrine had to be simplified for execution by 

77

soldiers and leaders who had no previous military experience. Indeed, his successes in 1942 owed much to an understanding of the 

discipline and training needs of citizen-soldiers that derived from Marshall's guidance at the Infantry School a decade earlier. 

In February 1943 General Marshall, having previously remarked that Bradley had been requested for corps command five or six 

times, ordered him to Austin, Texas, to take over X Corps. Before Bradley assumed that command, however, the orders were 

countermanded and he found himself en route to North Africa to work for his classmate Dwight D. Eisenhower, whom he had 

occasionally seen but with whom he had not served since graduation from West Point. 

Bradley arrived in North Africa in the aftermath of the Kasserine Pass debacle. He found a much-chastened Eisenhower worrying 

about the failure of American units to perform well against their more experienced German opponents. The local British commander 

had been especially harsh in assessing the initial combat performance of the Americans. Bradley's assignment was to serve as 

Eisenhower's eyes and ears, reporting on the situation on the Tunisian front and the means that might be used to correct the 

problems that were by then evident to everyone. 

One of his first important decisions was to advise Eisenhower to relieve Maj. Gen. Lloyd Fredendall from command of II Corps, 

whose troops had demonstrated a particularly poor performance at Kasserine. Eisenhower had been reluctant to take such drastic 

action despite the recommendations of key subordinates, but he finally acted after consulting with Bradley. When Eisenhower 

assigned George Patton to replace Fredendall, he also asked Bradley to become the corps deputy commanding general. Bradley 

then succeeded to command of the corps on 15 April when Patton left to continue his interrupted planning for landings on Sicily. 

Although Patton had restored discipline and confidence to II Corps, it still lacked the prowess of British units. Bradley's task 

throughout the remainder of the North African campaign was to convince both his men and the British that the American soldier was 

as good as any and that American leaders were as tactically adept as their Allied and Axis counterparts. 

During the final battles of April and May 1943 he achieved his goal. The II Corps attacked northward toward Bizerte, avoiding 

obvious routes of approach and using infantry to attack German defenders on the high ground before bringing up the armor. The 

34th Infantry Division, maligned by the British as a unit with poor fighting qualities, fought the crucial battle and dislodged the 

Germans from strong defensive positions astride Hill 609, the highest terrain in the corps sector. With tanks in the assault role, the 

34th Division infantry cleared the obstacle, allowing Bradley to send the 1st Armored Division through to victory. American troops 

entered Bizerte on 7 May, and two days later more than 40,000 German troops surrendered to II Corps. 

The fighting in North Africa was over, and the U.S. Army, as Bradley put it, had "learned to crawl, to walk - then run." He then 

immediately went to Algiers to help plan the invasion of Sicily, the next objective in the Allied timetable approved at the Casablanca 

Conference. Capture of Sicily would, the Allied leaders hoped, knock Italy out of the war and clear the central Mediterranean of Axis 

forces. It might also divert German forces from the Eastern Front, thereby partially satisfying Josef Stalin's continuing demands that 

the western Allies open a second front against the Germans. 

Under command of George Patton's Seventh Army, Bradley's corps was in the vanguard of the Operation HUSKY assault, and it 

moved inland against negligible resistance. The Germans and Italians were not surprised by the landings, however, and hard 

fighting began the second day and characterized the remainder of the 38-day campaign. By 16 August 1943, British and American 

forces held Sicily. 

The conquest of Sicily ultimately persuaded Italy to withdraw from the war, but the Allied operation was less than a complete 

success. Advancing from the south of Sicily along two axes of approach in a classic pincer converging on the port of Messina, the 

Allies allowed the German units to escape across the narrow straits to the Italian mainland. Bickering between American and British 

commanders also continued. On the positive side, American troops had learned a lot more about fighting. They had conducted their 

first opposed amphibious landings and airborne assaults, brought four new divisions successfully into battle, and taken a field army 

into war for the first time. It was during the fighting in Sicily that war correspondent Ernie Pyle "discovered" Bradley and established 

his reputation as the "soldier's general." Whatever its defects, the battle for Sicily was an important step in preparing Bradley for his 

next job. Shortly after the fighting ended, Eisenhower told him that he would command an army and then activate an army group in 

the forthcoming landings in France. 

Bradley traveled to the United States to select the staff for his new command, the First U.S. Army, then stationed at Governor's 

Island, New York. The headquarters deployed to England in October 1943, and Bradley took on the dual task of First Army 

commander and acting commander of the skeletal 1st U.S. Army Group (subsequently redesignated the 12th Army Group). 

Eisenhower, appointed as Supreme Allied Commander for the invasion of Europe, arrived in England in January 1944. Shortly 

thereafter he confirmed that Bradley would command the American army group when it was activated. But until the landings were 

secure, all American ground forces in northern France would be under the temporary command of General Sir Bernard L. 

Montgomery, who also commanded the British and Canadian ground contingents. 

or Operation OVERLORD, the assault on the Normandy beaches, the First Army was assigned three corps. The V Corps was 

commanded by Leonard T. Gerow, whom Bradley had known since his advanced course days at Fort Benning, and VII Corps was 

led by J. Lawton Collins, a division commander who had proved himself in the Pacific and a man whom Bradley had known during 

his teaching tour at Benning. The XIX Corps, under command of Charles H. Corlett, would follow the other corps ashore to establish 

the beachhead. Almost alone among the senior Allied commanders, Bradley believed in the value of airborne landings both to limit 

enemy access to the coast from inland and to spread confusion in the German defenses. He therefore fought to have the 82d and 

101st Airborne Divisions dropped behind UTAH Beach on D-Day. 

During the months before the invasion, Bradley supervised the refinement of assault plans and troop training. He and his corps 

commanders finally decided that the assaults would be led by the 29th Infantry Division and elements of the experienced 1st Infantry 

Division on OMAHA Beach, and by the 4th Infantry Division on UTAH. Both assault forces would be supported by the new duplex 

drive M4 tank, a Sherman tank fitted with flotation skirts and ropellers, which could be launched from landing craft and swim ashore. 

Bradley decided American units would not use other specialized tanks, including the "flail" tanks that cleared minefields and tanks 

with flamethrowers, because they required specialized training and an extensive separate supply and maintenance organization. 

78

Some have contended that this decision to keep a lean supply system cost the lives of many soldiers who died from mines and 

booby traps on the Normandy beaches and during the subsequent breakout. 

On the morning of 6 June 1944, Bradley was aboard the cruiser USS Augusta, his headquarters for the invasion. He received word 

that the Germans had moved the 352d Infantry Division into the area for training, an unfortunate event that lengthened the odds 

against V Corps. However, he did not change his battle plans. At 0630 American troops and their Allies assaulted the Normandy 

beaches. Meeting only light resistance, the 4th Infantry Division suffered very few casualties and quickly secured UTAH Beach. The 

VII Corps pushed six miles inland by the end of D-Day. 

On OMAHA Beach the situation was a nightmare. The German regiment there, reinforced by troops from the division that had 

unexpectedly arrived, occupied terrain favorable for defense and put up a stiff resistance. Landing craft launched most of the 

amphibious tanks too far out from the shore, where most foundered and sank. The aerial bombardment was almost completely 

ineffective in suppressing German defenses, and many of the assault troops were put ashore at the wrong places. For several hours 

the situation appeared to be a disaster in the making. Casualties were heavy, particularly among the demolition engineers assigned 

to clear the beach obstacles for following assault waves. The infantry, pinned down on the tide line, was also hard hit. In the end 

good leadership and naval gunfire resolved the situation. Determined and courageous American commanders led their men in 

desperate local fights against the German position and slowly established a foothold. U.S. Navy destroyers, ignoring the hazards, 

navigated close inshore and fired directly into German strongpoints. When Gerow finally established communications with Bradley, 

his first message was "Thank God for the U.S. Navy!" 

Hamstrung by scanty communications with the troops ashore, Bradley quietly worried over what appeared to be a developing 

catastrophe. For a time he considered evacuating the troops and sending follow-on assaults to UTAH or the British beaches. At last, 

in the early afternoon, Gerow reported that his men were beginning to reach the bluffs above the beach. By evening the crisis was 

past, and V Corps had 35,000 soldiers ashore on a beach five and a half miles long and a mile and a half across at its widest point. 

At a cost of around 2,500 casualties, the Allies had established themselves firmly on the Normandy coast. On 9 June Bradley 

moved First Army headquarters ashore. 

British and American forces repelled German counterattacks against the beachhead throughout the first half of June, including an 

assault by the 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division designed to pierce the junction between the U.S. V and VII Corps. Using 

information code-named ULTRA (from the Ultra Secret classification assigned to the sophisticated code-breaking process), Bradley 

shifted the newly arrived 2d Armored Division to crush the German attack. Meanwhile, follow-on forces were steadily landing on the 

invasion beaches, and the Allied lodgment became secure. Over the following month Bradley sent VII Corps to capture the port of 

Cherbourg and expanded the beachhead into the hedgerow country behind the coast, preparing for the breakout envisioned in the 

OVERLORD plans. 

The first attempts at breaking out of the lodgment failed in the face of heavy German opposition. Bradley then conceived a plan for 

a one-corps attack centering on St. Lo, using heavy air support. The operation, dubbed COBRA, began on 25 July with a saturation 

bombing attack that fell on both American and German positions. Collins' VII Corps nonetheless assaulted on schedule. After 

pushing through the German lines, he committed two armored divisions to exploit the breakthrough. On Collins' right flank, Troy 

Middleton, commanding VIII Corps, likewise released an armored division after his infantry broke through the initial German 

resistance. In a 35-mile advance, the American armor reached Avranches and began a rout of the Germans that lasted just over a 

month, by which time the Allies had closed on the German frontier. 

With the breakout, Eisenhower activated Third U.S. Army with George Patton in command. Bradley turned First Army over to 

Courtney Hodges and activated 12th Army Group, which on 1 August assumed command of 21 divisions comprising some 903,000 

men. No officer in the U.S. Army had any practical experience with the operations of an army group - few had even served in a 

division before World War II. Bradley finally decided to model his command technique on that of Sir Harold R. L. G. Alexander, the 

British general with whom he had served in the Mediterranean. Instead of providing only broad operational direction, as the vague 

prewar American doctrine foresaw for army group commanders, Bradley planned to exercise close control of his armies. He decided 

to assign broad missions to his principal subordinates and then carefully monitor operations, intervening on a selective basis when 

he thought necessary. 

The first opportunity to test himself came the week after 12th Army Group was activated. In what Bradley considered one of the 

worst mistakes anyone made in World War II, Adolf Hitler ordered his commanders to seek a decision in Normandy. Rather than 

withdraw, the Germans reinforced their units. Alerted by short-notice ULTRA information, Bradley reinforced the VII Corps sector at 

Mortain, where the German attack seemed aimed. The 30th Infantry Division, supported by tactical air power, decimated the 

assaulting force. Seeing the potential for a larger success, Bradley devised a plan to trap the bulk of the retreating German forces 

west of the Rhine, a long encirclement that he envisioned as a war-winning maneuver. In the event the American and Canadian 

armies did not meet at Falaise in time to trap all the Germans, and many escaped to fight again. The battle nonetheless marked the 

end of the fighting in Normandy, where Allied forces had literally destroyed two German armies. 

In practical terms, the battle determined the future course of the war. Hard fighting in Normandy, followed by the pursuit across 

France through the end of September 1944, wounded or killed more than 500,000 Germans and destroyed many divisions. The 

famous 12th SS (Hitlerjugend) Division, for example, literally dissolved as a fighting formation. Taken together, Normandy, the 

Falaise pocket, and the retreat across the Seine reduced the German Army to an infantry force with limited tactical mobility. German 

equipment losses were staggering: some 15,000 vehicles were destroyed or abandoned. Less than 120 of more than 1,000 tanks 

and assault guns committed to battle in Normandy remained operational in September. Few panzer divisions could mustermore 

than a dozen tanks. 

The Allied armies were quick to exploit German weaknesses, closing to the borders of Germany by the fall. Assigning Hodges and 

Patton the mission of pursuing the retreating enemy, Bradley gave both commanders wide latitude of action and turned his attention 

to the growing problem of supplying forces that daily moved farther away from the invasion beaches. But neither he nor Eisenhower 

could significantly improve the logistical situation until the Allies captured usable ports. By September the 12th Army Group was 

79

unning out of supplies and encountering stronger German resistance along the Siegfried Line. With priority given to the MARKET- 

GARDEN operation, an attempt to capture Arnhem and a bridge over the Rhine River, large-scale American movement essentially 

halted and First and Third Armies continued only limited offensives. 

On 16 December 1944, the Germans attacked in the Ardennes, an area that Bradley had left thinly garrisoned as a calculated risk. 

Eisenhower quickly determined to convert the attack into an opportunity to break the back of the German Army. Bradley, agreeing 

with Eisenhower's assessment, reorganized his forces to meet the threat and exploit the situation. He directed Patton to reorient his 

attack to the north, with the aim of relieving American forces besieged in Belgium. In what was probably his most impressive 

performance, Patton marched his divisions almost one hundred miles in bad weather in two days to attack the German left flank and 

link up with the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. 

Meanwhile, First and Ninth Armies fought tenaciously to contain the German attack, turning the Ardennes offensive into 

anunmitigated catastrophe for the German Army. German losses were not substantially higher than American losses in the fighting, 

but the battle cost the Germans the bulk of their skilled troops, eradicated their operational reserve, and destroyed great quantities 

of modern equipment. The Battle of the Bulge made the great victories of 1945 possible because it eliminated the German Army's 

ability to resist the final offensives into its homeland. In January 1945, having defeated the German winter attacks, Bradley began a 

series of continuous offensives that smashed through the Siegfried Line, crossed the Rhine, crushed the remains of the German 

forces in the Ruhr, and finally met the Soviets on the Elbe River. 

Since September 1944, and even earlier, the Allied commanders had debated the best way to end the war militarily. Eisenhower, in 

consultation with Bradley and Montgomery well before D-Day, had stipulated that the main Allied objective in Germany was the Ruhr 

valley, Germany's industrial heartland. A threat to that critical area would oblige the Germans to commit their remaining ground 

forces for its defense. In general terms, Eisenhower and his senior commanders envisioned an encirclement of the Ruhr that would 

capture the German industrial base and the bulk of the German Army at the same time, thus bringing the war to a close. The means 

of doing this remained controversial. Montgomery favored a single "knife-like thrust" from the north, under his command, to which all 

Allied resources would be committed. However, that concept, as embodied in Operation MARKET-GARDEN, proved unsuccessful. 

In contrast, Bradley supported Eisenhower's determination to pursue a broad-front attack that was as important for domestic political 

reasons as for military ones. Once at the Rhine, chance presented him with the opportunity for improvisation. 

The retreating Germans had methodically destroyed Rhine River bridges to strengthen the defensive value of their natural barrier. 

The 9th Armored Division, under the command of Bradley's classmate John Leonard, captured intact the Ludendorff railway bridge 

at Remagen on 7 March. The structure had been rigged for demolition with explosives, but inexplicably had not been destroyed in a 

timely manner. Informed of that stroke of luck, Bradley ordered First Army commander Courtney Hodges to push as many forces as 

possible across to the east bank of the Rhine and secure the bridgehead. He then obtained Eisenhower's approval to put as many 

as five divisions into an attack. 

Bradley saw the possibility of now striking at the Ruhr from the south, up the valley from Frankfurt, rather than from the British sector 

in the north. By 16 March he had pushed two corps over to the east bank of the Rhine and kept them moving toward the main northsouth 

autobahn. At the same time he ordered Patton to seek a Rhine crossing in the vicinity of Oppenheim and then to drive north 

toward Giessen, where he was to link up with First Army. Patton crossed the Rhine with little difficulty on 23 March and immediately 

began his attack to the north. By 28 March First Army had driven from the Remagen bridgehead through the Lahn valley and 

beyond Giessen to Marburg, where its III Corps met XII Corps of Patton's Third Army. 

The stage was set for the final campaign of the war in Europe. Bradley planned to swing his Ninth Army south and First Army north 

in a double envelopment that would encircle the Ruhr and meet in the vicinity of Kassel. Once that was accomplished, he intended 

to detail some units to mop up the Ruhr and then attack with Ninth, First, and Third Armies from Kassel toward Leipzig and Dresden, 

halting at the Elbe River where American forces were to meet the Soviets. The operation developed very much as Bradley planned, 

with the pincers closing around the Ruhr on 1 April. By 12-13 April American units had reached the Elbe River. Bradley's troops had 

captured in excess of 315,000 prisoners, more than had been taken at Stalingrad or in Tunisia. In a final offensive Bradley sent 

Patton's Third Army to attack along the Danube into Bavaria, Austria, and Czechoslovakia, cementing the Allied success. 

At the end of operations in Europe, Bradley's 12th Army Group was the largest ever commanded by an American general. It 

consisted of Lt. Gen. Courtney Hodges' First, General George Patton's Third, Lt. Gen. William Simpson's Ninth, and Lt. Gen. 

Leonard Gerow's Fifteenth Armies, a force comprising 12 corps, 48 divisions, and 1.3 million men. From the time of the TORCH 

landings in North Africa through the end of the war, Bradley was indispensable to Eisenhower, who greatly valued his perennial 

calm, understated professionalism, and sound advice. Since 1943 he had been intimately involved in every crucial decision that 

determined the outcome of the war in Europe. The Supreme Commander saw Bradley as "the master tactician of our forces," and at 

the end of the war he predicted that Bradley would eventually be recognized as "America's foremost battle leader." 

Postwar Service 

Months before the end of the war in Europe, Bradley had asked General Marshall to keep him in mind for an eventual command in 

the Pacific. Once Germany capitulated, it became evident that General Douglas MacArthur did not require another army group 

commander for his planned assault on the Japanese home islands. Bradley was still in Germany when news of the Japanese 

surrender reached him. President Harry S. Truman, it turned out, had other plans for Bradley. On 15 August 1945, he appointed 

him to direct the Veterans Administration (VA). 

Somewhat unwillingly, Bradley accepted the job and began to modernize and restructure that antiquated organization to meet the 

challenges that it would soon face. Before the end of the war the VA was responsible for some 5 million veterans, with a few 

pensions still going to cases arising from the War of 1812. By 1946 almost 17 million veterans were on its rolls. Bradley completely 

rebuilt the organization on a regional basis and insisted on basing his decisions on he needs of the veteran, rather than on the 

political considerations that had so often governed in the past in such matters as the location of VA hospitals. With the help of Maj. 

Gen. Paul R. Hawley, Eisenhower's theater surgeon, he completely overhauled a medical care system that Hawley had described 

80

as medieval. He also revised and extended the educational benefits of the G.I. Bill, arranged for jobs and job training programs for 

men whose only experience had been as members of the armed forces, established a program of loans for veterans, and 

administered a staggering growth in veterans insurance and disability pensions. Bradley was unable to accomplish everything he 

had hoped to do in his two-year tenure, but in the assessment of the press, he transformed "the medical service of the Veterans 

Administration from a national scandal to a model establishment." 

On 7 February 1948, Bradley succeeded Eisenhower as Army Chief of Staff and became immersed in a series of problems arising 

from demobilization of the Army, reform of its General Staff organization, and the unification of the armed services. In the 

international crises which followed - notably the hardening of relations with the Soviets - Bradley fought for both sufficient budgets 

and modernization investments to meet the requirements imposed by the Truman Doctrine and containment. The results were 

mixed. Congress rejected Army proposals for universal military training, and the idea of bringing the National Guard under direct 

Army control foundered on the shoals of political interest. Bradley did, however, gain presidential support to extend the Selective 

Service System, and in 1949 he managed to secure an increase in military pay that brought it into line with equivalent civilian pay 

scales for the first since well before World War II. 

After eighteen months Bradley turned over the job of Army Chief of Staff to J. Lawton Collins to accept another appointment. On 16 

August 1949, he became the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), and on 22 September 1950 the 81st Congress 

officially promoted him to General of the Army with five stars. He was the last officer in the American defense establishment to be 

promoted to that rank, and the only one since World War II. 

Bradley served two terms as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Those four years were exceptionally difficult ones. Major disagreements 

between the Navy and the Air Force over roles and missions had begun while Bradley was Army Chief of Staff and continued into 

his tour as JCS Chairman. When debates over nuclear deterrence and the value of conventional forces further exacerbated service 

differences, Bradley played an important role as a mediator. Internationally, he was involved in the creation of the North Atlantic 

Treaty Organization (NATO) and the rearming of western Europe. He became the first Chairman of the Military Committee of NATO 

on 5 October 1949, serving in that post through 1950 and remaining as the U.S. representative to the NATO Military Committee until 

August 1953. A constant adviser to President Truman through the Korean War, Bradley worked both to contain the conflict in Asia 

and to maintain a credible deterrent against the anticipated Soviet attack in Europe. 

On 15 August 1953, Bradley left active service. In the twenty-eight years before his death in 1981, he occupied himself in industry 

and was periodically consulted by civilian and military leaders. He retained an active interest in the Army, spoke at its schools, and 

frequently visited units and met with soldiers of all ranks. 

A quiet but distinguished member of a distinguished class of West Point graduates, Bradley typified a remarkable generation of 

Army officers. Disheartened by a perceived lack of success in 1918, he pursued his duty throughout some of the Army's most 

difficult years. The fact that war coincided with Bradley's own professional maturity brought him promotion as the first general officer 

in his class; George Marshall's confidence assured him a chance to show his mettle. 

There is no standard against which to compare Bradley as an army group commander. During the fighting in Europe, his calm and 

effective presence was important in times of crisis, as was his deft touch in handling subordinates. It is difficult, for example, to 

imagine Patton without Bradley, who exploited the talents of that volatile commander as well as any man could have done. Finally, it 

was his superb wartime record, combined with his reputation for fairness and honesty, that made him effective in what was probably 

his most difficult job, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

General of the Army Omar N. Bradley died on 8 April 1981, just a few minutes after receiving an award from the National Institute of 

Social Sciences. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery on 14 April 1981 with full military honors, as the nation mourned the passing 

of this great and noble warrior. 

Mary Elizabeth Quayle Bradley - The first wife of General of the Army Omar Nelson Bradley, she was born in 1892, and they were 

married on December 28, 1916. By the fall of 1965, then 73, she was not well. In late November she entered Walter Reed Army 

Medical Center. Four days later, on December 1, one year shy of her golden wedding anniversary, she died of virulent leukemia. 

She was buried in Section 30 of Arlington National Cemetery. 

Esther "Kitty" Buhler Bradley (Esther Dora Biolo) 

Kitty Bradley charted her own five-star path 

by Trey Clark, The Desert Sun, February 14, 2004 

It would be easy for the wife of a Five-Star General to bask in the shadow and benefits of her high-profile husband. But Esther 

"Kitty" Bradley charted a distinct path of her own making the world smile with her screenplays for television and film. 

Bradley died on February 3, 2004, in Rancho Mirage. She was 81. Bradley wrote for some of the most popular television shows of 

the 1960s, including "Dragnet" and "My Three Sons." She is also credited with 97 screenplays. Bradley did not just confine her 

writing talents to entertainment. She was a UPI correspondent and lecturer, as well as the editor of her husband’s papers. 

Bradley was the wife of General Omar Bradley. General Bradley fought in World War II under General Dwight D. Eisenhower before 

becoming the country’s first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1949. In 1950, Bradley was promoted to General of the Army 

with five stars, the second-highest military ranking in U.S. history. He was one of only five men to be named a five-star general, and 

one of only nine to achieve a five-star rank of any kind. The five-star ranking was discontinued after General Bradley’s death in 

1981. 

Esther Bradley attended college at Kansas Wesleyan University and the University of California, Los Angeles and received an 

honorary doctorate from Park College. Bradley’s writing talent helped earn her an honorary membership in the National League of 

81

American Pen Women Inc. She was also active in the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Omar N. Bradley 

Foundation. 

Bradley is survived by her sister, Lee Rosenthal of Pompano Beach, Florida, three nephews and two nieces. 

Wife of famed general Omar Bradley was former screenwriter - Sunday February 

15th, 2004 

Esther "Kitty" Buhler Bradley, widow of the Army's last Five-Star General, Omar N. 

Bradley, has died. She was 81. Mrs. Bradley died February 3, 2004, at Eisenhower 

Medical Center from pneumonia that she developed after falling in her Rancho Mirage 

home several weeks ago, said retired Lieutenant Colonel. Charles Honeycutt, a former 

aide to the General. 

Born in New York City, Mrs. Bradley worked in Washington state, Kansas and Los 

Angeles. She was a freelance writer in Okinawa when she met Bradley in 1950 during 

an interview assignment, Honeycutt said. She returned to Southern California in the 

mid-1950s and worked as a screenwriter. Her credits included the 1958 Victor Mature 

movie "China Doll" and TV's "My Three Sons." Bradley's first wife died in 1965. Nine months later the 73-year-old general married 

Buhler, who was 44. It was her third marriage. 

Bradley was senior commander of American ground forces in the 1944 invasion of Europe and after the war headed the Veterans 

Administration and became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He died in 1981 at 88. 

Mrs. Bradley lived in Century City until moving to Rancho Mirage in the late 1980s. She is survived by a sister, Lee Rosenthal, of 

Florida and New York City. Funeral services were scheduled . . . at Fort Myer, Virginia, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery. 

BRADLEY, ESTHER DORA, b. 07/23/1922; d. 02/02/2004; bur. 02/20/2004, SECTION 30 SITE 428-1, ARLINGTON NATIONAL 

CEMETERY; WIFE OF BRADLEY, OMAR N GEN US ARMY 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Ridgway 

Appendix IV 

General Matthew Bunker Ridgway 

Matthew Bunker Ridgway (March 3, 1895 – July 26, 1993) was a United States Army General. He held several major commands 

and was most famous for resurrecting the United Nations (U.N.) war effort during the Korean War. Several historians have credited 

Ridgway for turning around the war in favor of the UN side. His long and prestigious military career was recognized by the award of 

the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 12, 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, who stated that "Heroes come when they're 

needed; great men step forward when courage seems in short supply. 

Early life and career 

Matthew Ridgway was born March 3, 1895 in Fort Monroe, Virginia to Colonel Thomas 

Ridgway, an artillery officer, and Ruth Ridgway. He lived in various military bases all 

throughout his childhood. He later remarked that his "earliest memories are of guns 

and Marching men, of rising to the sound of the reveille gun and lying down to sleep at 

night while the sweet, sad notes of 'Taps' brought the day officially to an end." 

He graduated in 1912 from Boston English High School in Boston, MA and applied to 

go to West Point because he thought that would please his father (who was a West 

Point graduate). 

Ridgway failed the entrance exam the first time due to his inexperience with 

mathematics, but after intensive self-study he succeeded the second time. At West 

Point he served as a manager of the football team. In 1917, he was commissioned a 

2Lt in the US Army. The same year he married Julia Caroline Blount. They had two 

daughters, Constance and Shirley, and divorced in 1930. 

A year after he graduated, he was assigned to West Point as an instructor in Spanish. 

He was disappointed that he was not assigned to combat duty in World War I, feeling 

that "the soldier who had had no share in this last great victory of good over evil would 

be ruined. 

During 1924–1925 Ridgway attended the company officers' course at the United 

States Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia, after which he was given 

command of a company in the 15th Infantry in Tientsin, China. This was followed by a posting to Nicaragua, where he helped 

supervise free elections in 1927. 

82

In 1930, he became an advisor to the Governor-General of the Philippines. He graduated from the Command and General Staff 

School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1935 and from the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania in 1937. During the 

1930s he served as Assistant Chief of Staff of VI Corps, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Second United States Army, and Assistant 

Chief of Staff of the Fourth United States Army. General George Marshall assigned Ridgway to the War Plans Division shortly after 

the outbreak of World War II in Europe in September 1939. He served in the War Plans Division until January 1942, and was 

promoted to brigadier general that month. 

World War II 

In August 1942, Ridgway was promoted to major general and was given command of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division upon Omar N. 

Bradley's assignment to the 28th Infantry Division. The 82nd, having already established a combat record in World War I, had earlier 

been chosen to become one of the army's five new airborne divisions. The conversion of an entire infantry division to airborne status 

was an unprecedented step for the U.S. Army, and required much training, testing, and experimentation. 

Unlike his men, Ridgway did not first go through airborne jump school before joining the division. Ridgway successfully converted 

the 82nd into a combat-ready airborne division; he remained in command and eventually earned his Paratrooper wings. 

Ridgway helped plan the airborne invasion of Sicily in July 1943, and commanded the 82nd in combat there. During the planning for 

the invasion of the Italian mainland, the 82nd was tasked with taking Rome by coup de main in Operation Giant II. Ridgway strongly 

objected to this unrealistic plan, which would have dropped the 82nd on the outskirts of Rome in the midst of two German heavy 

divisions. The operation was cancelled only hours before launch. In 1944, Ridgway helped plan the airborne operations of Operation 

Overlord, the Allied invasion of Europe. In the Normandy operations, he jumped with his troops, who fought for 33 days in advancing 

to Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte near Cherbourg (St Sauveur was liberated on June 14, 1944). 

In September 1944, Ridgway was given the command of the XVIII Airborne Corps who helped push back German troops during the 

Battle of the Bulge. In March 1945, he led his troops into Germany during Operation Varsity, and was wounded in the shoulder by 

German grenade fragments on March 24, 1945. In June 1945 he was promoted to lieutenant general. At war's end, Ridgway was on 

a plane headed for a new assignment in the Pacific theater, under General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, with whom he had 

served while a captain at the United States Military Academy at West Point. 

Post World War II 

Ridgway was a commander at Luzon for some time in 1945 before being given command of the US forces in the Mediterranean 

Theater, with the title Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean. From 1946 to 1948, he served as the U.S. Army 

representative on the military staff committee of the United Nations. He was placed in charge of the Caribbean Command in 1948, 

controlling U.S. forces in the Caribbean, and in 1949 was assigned to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration under 

then Army Chief of Staff General J. Lawton Collins. 

In December 1947 Ridgway married Mary Princess "Penny" Anthony Long, his third wife. They remained married until his 

death 46 years later. In April 1949, their only child, Matthew Bunker Ridgway, Jr., was born. 

Korean War 

Ridgway's most important command assignment occurred in 1950, upon the death of Lieutenant General Walton Walker. He took 

over the 8th US Army, which had been deployed in South Korea upon the invasion by North Korea in June of that year. At the time, 

Ridgway was serving on the Army staff in the Pentagon as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Administration. 

When Ridgway took command, the Army was still in a tactical retreat, after a strong foray into North Korea had been met with an 

unexpected and overwhelming Communist Chinese advance. Ridgway was successful in turning around the morale of the Eighth 

Army. 

Ridgway was not fazed by the Olympian demeanor of General Douglas MacArthur, then overall commander of UN forces in Korea. 

MacArthur gave Ridgway a latitude in operations he had not given his predecessor. After Ridgway landed in Tokyo on Christmas 

Day 1950 to discuss the operational situation with MacArthur, the latter assured his new commander that the actions of Eighth Army 

were his to conduct as he saw fit. Ridgway was encouraged to retire to successive defensive positions, as was currently under way, 

and hold Seoul as long as he could, but not if doing so meant that Eighth Army would be isolated in an enclave around the capital 

city. Ridgway asked specifically that if he found the combat situation "to my liking" whether MacArthur would have any objection to 

"my attacking". MacArthur answered, "Eighth Army is yours, Matt. Do what you think best. 

Upon taking control of the battered Eighth Army, one of Ridgway's first acts was to restore soldiers' confidence in themselves. To 

accomplish this, he reorganized the command structure. During one of his first briefings in Korea at I Corps, Ridgway sat through an 

extensive discussion of various defensive plans and contingencies. At the end, he asked the staff about the status of their attack 

plans; the corps G–3 (operations officer) responded that he had no such plans. Within days, I Corps had a new G-3. He also 

replaced officers who did not send out patrols to fix enemy locations, and removed "enemy positions" from commanders' planning 

maps if local units had not been in recent contact to verify that the enemy was still there. Ridgway established a plan to rotate out 

those division commanders who had been in action for six months and replace them with fresh leaders. He sent out guidance to 

commanders at all levels that they were to spend more time at the front lines and less in their command posts in the rear. These 

steps had an immediate impact on morale. 

With the entry of China, the complexion of the Korean War had changed. Political leaders, in an attempt to prevent expansion of the 

war, did not allow UN forces to bomb the supply bases in China, nor the bridges across the Yalu River on the border between China 

and North Korea. The American Army moved from an aggressive stance to fighting protective, delaying actions. Ridgway's second 

big tactical change was to make copious use of artillery. 

83

China's casualties began to rise, and became very high as they pressed waves of attacks into the coordinated artillery fire. Under 

Ridgway's leadership, the Chinese offensive was slowed and finally brought to a halt at the battles of Chipyong-ni and Wonju. He 

then led his troops in a counter-offensive in the spring of 1951. 

When General Douglas MacArthur was relieved of command by President Harry Truman in April, Ridgway was promoted to full 

general, assuming command of all United Nations forces in Korea. As commanding general in Korea, Ridgway gained the nickname 

"Old Iron Tits" for his habit of wearing hand grenades attached to his load-bearing equipment at chest level. Photographs however 

show he only wore one grenade on one side of his chest; the so-called "grenade" on the other side was in fact a first-aid packet. 

Ridgway also assumed from MacArthur the role of military governor of Japan. During his tenure, Ridgway oversaw the restoration of 

Japan’s independence and sovereignty on April 28, 1952. 

Supreme Allied Commander, Europe 

In May 1952, Ridgway replaced General Dwight D. Eisenhower as the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) for the 

fledgling North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While in that position Ridgway made progress in developing a coordinated 

command structure, oversaw an expansion of forces and facilities, and improved training and standardization. He upset other 

European military leaders by surrounding himself with American staff. His tendency to tell the truth was not always politically wise. In 

a 1952 review, General Omar Bradley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported to President Harry Truman that "Ridgway had 

brought NATO to 'its realistic phase' and a 'generally encouraging picture of how the heterogeneous defense force is being gradually 

shaped.'" 

Chief of Staff of the United States Army 

On August 17, 1953, Ridgway replaced General Collins as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. After Eisenhower was 

elected President, he asked Ridgway for his assessment of US military involvement in Vietnam in conjunction with the French. 

Ridgway prepared a comprehensive outline of the massive commitment that would be necessary for success, which dissuaded the 

President from intervening. A source of tension was Ridgway's belief that air power and nuclear bombs did not reduce the need for 

powerful, mobile ground forces to seize land and control populations. Ridgway was concerned that Eisenhower's proposal to 

significantly reduce the size of the Army would leave it unable to counter the growing Soviet military threat, as noted by the 1954 

Alfhem affair in Guatemala. These concerns would lead to recurring disagreements during his term as Chief of Staff. 

President Eisenhower approved a waiver to the military’s policy of mandatory retirement at age 60 so Ridgway could complete his 

two-year term as Chief of Staff. However, disagreements with the administration prevented him from being appointed to a second 

term. Ridgway retired from the US Army on June 30, 1955 and was succeeded by his one-time 82nd Airborne Division Chief of 

Staff, Maxwell D. Taylor. 

Retirement 

Ridgway remained very active in retirement both in leadership capacities and as a speaker and author. He relocated to the 

Pittsburgh suburb of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania in 1955 after accepting the Chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of the Mellon 

Institute as well as a position on the board of directors of Gulf Oil Corporation among others. The year after his retirement, he 

published his autobiography, Soldier: The Memoirs of Matthew B. Ridgway. In 1967, he wrote The Korean War. 

In 1960, he retired from his position at the Mellon Institute but continued to serve on multiple corporate boards of directors, 

Pittsburgh civic groups and Pentagon strategic study committees. 

Ridgway continued to advocate for a strong military to be used judiciously. He gave many speeches, wrote, and participated in 

various panels, discussions, and groups. In early 1968, he was invited to a White House luncheon to discuss Indochina. After the 

luncheon, Ridgway met privately for two hours with President Lyndon Johnson and Vice-President Hubert Humphrey. When asked 

his opinion, Ridgway advised against deeper involvement in Vietnam and against using force to resolve the Pueblo Incident. In an 

article in Foreign Affairs, Ridgway stated that political goals should be based on vital national interests and that military goals should 

be consistent with and support the political goals, but that neither situation was true in the Vietnam War. 

Ridgway advocated maintaining a chemical, biological, and radiological weapons capability, arguing that they could accomplish 

national goals better than the weapons currently in use. In 1976, Ridgway was a founding board member of the Committee on the 

Present Danger, which urged greater military preparedness to counter a perceived increasing Soviet threat. 

On May 5, 1985 Ridgway was a participant in the Ronald Reagan visit to Kolmeshöhe Cemetery near Bitburg, when former 

Luftwaffe ace Johannes Steinhoff in an unscheduled act firmly shook his hand in an act of reconciliation between the former foes. 

Ridgway died at his suburban Pittsburgh home at age 98 in July 1993 of cardiac arrest, holding permanent rank of General in the 

United States Army. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In a graveside eulogy, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

General Colin Powell said: "No soldier ever performed his duty better than this man. No soldier ever upheld his honor better than 

this man. No soldier ever loved his country more than this man did. Every American soldier owes a debt to this great man." 

84

Appendix V 

General Joseph Warren Stillwell 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Stilwell 

General Joseph Warren Stilwell (March 19, 1883 – October 12, 1946) was a 

US Army four-star General best-known for his service in China and Burma. His 

contempt for formal military dress, his concern for the enlisted man, and his 

caustic personality gained him two sobriquets: "Uncle Joe" and "Vinegar Joe." 

Early life 

Stilwell was born on March 19, 1883, in Palatka, Florida of patrician Yankee 

stock. His parents were Doctor Benjamin Stilwell and Mary A. Peene. Stilwell 

was an eighth generation descendant of an English colonist who arrived in 

America in 1638, whose descendants remained in New York up through the birth 

of Stilwell's father. Named for a family friend, as well as the doctor who delivered 

him, Joseph Stilwell, known as Warren by his family, grew up in New York, 

under a strict regimen from his father that included an emphasis on religion. 

Stilwell later admitted to his daughter that he picked up criminal instincts due 

to,"...being forced to go to Church and Sunday School, and seeing how little real 

good religion does anybody, I advise passing them all up and using common 

sense instead." 

Stilwell's rebellious attitude led him to a record of unruly behavior once he 

reached a post-graduate level at Yonkers High School. Prior to this last year, 

Stilwell had performed meticulously in his classes, and had participated actively 

in Football (as quarterback) and Track. Under the discretion of his father, Stilwell 

was placed into a post-graduate course following graduation, and immediately 

formed a group of friends whose activities ranged from card playing to stealing the desserts from the senior dance in 1900. This last 

event, in which an administrator was punched, led to the expulsions and suspensions for Stilwell's friends. Stilwell, meanwhile, 

having already graduated, was once again by his father's guidance sent to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, 

rather than to proceed to Yale University as originally planned. 

Despite missing the deadline to apply for Congressional appointment to the military academy, Stilwell gained entry through the use 

of family connections who knew President William McKinley. In his first year, Stilwell underwent hazing as a plebe that he referred to 

as "hell." While at West Point, Stilwell showed an aptitude for languages, such as French, in which he ranked first in his class during 

his second year. In the field of sports, Stilwell is credited with introducing basketball to the Academy, and participating in crosscountry 

running (as Captain), as well as playing on the varsity football team. At West Point he had two demerits for laughing during 

drill. Ultimately, Stilwell graduated from the academy, class of 1904, ranked 32nd in a class of 124 cadets. His son, Joseph, Jr., 

served in World War II and Vietnam. 

Military career 

Stilwell later taught at West Point, and attended the Infantry Advanced Course and the Command and General Staff College. During 

World War I, he was the U.S. Fourth Corps intelligence officer and helped plan the St. Mihiel offensive. He was awarded the 

Distinguished Service Medal for his service in France. 

Stilwell is often remembered by his sobriquet, "Vinegar Joe", which he acquired while a commander at Fort Benning, Georgia. 

Stilwell often gave harsh critiques of performance in field exercises, and a subordinate - stung by Joe's caustic remarks - drew a 

caricature of Stilwell rising out of a vinegar bottle. After discovering the caricature, Stilwell pinned it to a board and had the drawing 

photographed and distributed to friends. Yet another indication of his view of life was the motto he kept on his desk: Illegitimi non 

carborundum, a form of fractured Latin that translates as "Don't let the bastards grind you down." 

Between the wars, Stilwell served three tours in China, where he became fluent in Chinese, and was the military attaché at the U.S. 

Legation in Beiping from 1935 to 1939. In 1939 and 1940 he served in the 2nd Infantry Division and from 1940 to 1941 organized 

and trained the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California. It was there that his leadership style - which emphasized concern for the 

average soldier and minimized ceremonies and officious discipline - earned him the nickname of “Uncle Joe.” 

Just prior to World War II, Stilwell was recognized as the top corps commander in the Army and was initially selected to plan and 

command the Allied invasion of North Africa. However, when it became necessary to send a senior officer to China to keep that 

country in the War, Stilwell was selected, over his personal objections, by President Franklin Roosevelt and his old friend, Army 

Chief of Staff George C. Marshall. He became the Chief of Staff to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, served as the commander of 

the China Burma India Theater responsible for all Lend-Lease supplies going to China, and later was Deputy Commander of the 

South East Asia Command. Unfortunately, despite his status and position in China, he soon became embroiled in conflicts over U.S. 

Lend-Lease aid and Chinese political sectarianism. 

Burma 

Stilwell's assignment in the China-Burma-India Theater was a geographical administrative command on the same level as the 

commands of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur. However, unlike other combat theaters, for example the European 

Theater of Operations, the CBI was never a "theater of operations" and did not have an overall American operational command 

85

structure. The China theater came under the operational command of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, commander of Nationalist 

Chinese forces, while the Burma India theater came under the operational command of the British. The British and the Chinese 

were ill-equipped and more often than not on the receiving end of Japanese offensives. Chiang Kai-Shek, was interested in 

conserving his troops and Allied Lend-Lease supplies for use against any sudden Japanese offensive, as well as against Chinese 

Communist forces in a later civil war. The Generalissimo's wariness increased after observing the disastrous Allied performance 

against the Japanese in Burma. After fighting and resisting the Japanese for five years, many in the Nationalist government felt that 

it was time for the Allies to assume a greater burden in fighting the war. 

However, the first step to fighting the war for Stilwell was the reformation of the Chinese Army. These reforms clashed with the 

delicate balance of political and military alliances in China, which kept the Generalissimo in power. Reforming the army meant 

removing men who maintained Chiang's position as commander-in-chief. While he gave Stilwell technical overall command of some 

Chinese troops, Chiang worried that the new American-led forces would become yet another independent force outside of his 

control. Since 1942, members of the Generalissimo's staff had continually objected to Chinese troops being used in Burma for the 

purpose, as they viewed it, of returning that country to British colonial control. Chiang therefore sided with General Claire 

Chennault's proposals that the war against the Japanese be continued largely using smaller Chinese forces supported by air forces, 

something Chennault assured the Generalissimo was feasible. The dilemma forced Chennault and Stilwell into competition for the 

valuable Lend-Lease supplies arriving over the Himalayas from British-controlled India — an obstacle referred to as "The Hump". 

George Marshall, in his biennial report covering the period of July 1, 1943 to June 30, 1945, acknowledged he had given Stilwell 

"one of the most difficult" assignments of any theater commander. 

Arriving in Burma just in time to experience the collapse of the Allied defense of that country, which cut China off from all land and 

sea supply routes, Stilwell personally led his staff of 117 men and women out of Burma into Assam, India on foot, marching at what 

his men called the 'Stilwell stride' - 105 paces per minute. The Assam route was also used by other retreating Allied and Chinese 

forces. In India, Stilwell soon became well known for his no-nonsense appearance and disregard for military pomp and ceremony. 

His trademarks were a battered Army campaign hat, GI shoes, and a plain service uniform with no insignia of rank; he frequently 

carried a .30 Springfield rifle in preference to a sidearm. His hazardous march out of Burma and his bluntly honest assessment of 

the disaster captured the imagination of the American public: "I claim we got a hell of a beating. We got run out of Burma and it is 

humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and retake it." However, Stilwell's derogatory remarks 

castigating the ineffectiveness of what he termed Limey forces, a viewpoint often repeated by Stilwell's staff, did not sit well with 

British and Commonwealth commanders. 

After the Japanese occupied Burma, China was completely cut off from Allied aid and materiel except through the hazardous route 

of flying cargo aircraft over the Hump. Early on, the Roosevelt administration and the War Department had given priority to other 

theaters for U.S. combat forces, equipment, and logistical support. With the closure of the Burma Road and the fall of Burma, it was 

realized that even replacing Chinese war losses would be extremely difficult. Consequently, the Allies' initial strategy was to keep 

Chinese resistance to the Japanese going by providing a lifeline of logistical and air support. 

Convinced that the Chinese soldier was the equal of any given proper care and leadership, Stilwell established a training center (in 

Ramgarh, India, 200 miles west of Calcutta) for two divisions of Chinese troops from forces that had retreated to Assam from 

Burma. His effort in this regard met passive, sometimes active, resistance from the British, who feared that armed, disciplined 

Chinese would set an example for Indian insurgents, and from Chiang Kai-shek who did not welcome a strong military unit outside 

of his control. From the outset, Stilwell's primary goals were the opening of a land route to China from northern Burma and India by 

means of a ground offensive in northern Burma, so that more supplies could be transported to China, and to organize, equip, and 

train a greatly expanded, modernized, and competent Chinese army that would fight the Japanese in the China-Burma-India theater 

(CBI). Stilwell argued that the CBI was the only area at that time where the possibility existed for the Allies of engaging large 

numbers of troops against their common enemy, Japan. Unfortunately, the huge airborne logistical train of support from the USA to 

British India was still being organized, while supplies being flown over the Hump were barely sufficient to maintain Chennault's air 

operations and replace some Chinese war losses, let alone equip and supply an entire army. Additionally, critical supplies intended 

for the CBI were being diverted due to various crises in other combat theaters. Of the supplies that made it over the Hump a certain 

percentage were diverted by Chinese (and American) personnel into the black market for their personal enrichment. As a result, 

most Allied commanders in India, with the exception of General Wingate and his Chindit operations, were focused on defensive 

measures. 

During this time in India, Stilwell became increasingly disenchanted with British forces, and did not hesitate to voice criticisms of 

what he viewed as hesitant or cowardly behavior. Captain Charlton Ogburn, Jr., a U.S. Army Marauder officer, and Chindit brigade 

commanders John Masters and Michael Calvert later recalled that Stilwell's appointment of a staff officer specially detailed by him to 

visit subordinate commands in order to chastise their officers and men as being 'yellow'. In October 1943, after the Joint Planning 

Staff at GHQ India had rejected a plan by Stilwell to fly his Chinese troops into northern Burma, Field Marshal Wavell asked whether 

Stilwell was satisfied on purely military grounds that the plan could not work. Stilwell replied that he was. Wavell then asked what 

Stilwell would say to Chiang Kai-shek, and Stilwell replied "I shall tell him the bloody British wouldn't fight." 

Disagreements with Chiang and the Allies 

After Stilwell left the defeated Chinese troops that he had been given nominal command by Chiang Kai-shek (Chinese generals 

admitted later that they had considered Stilwell as an 'adviser' and sometimes took orders directly from Chiang) and escaped Burma 

in 1941, Chiang was outraged by what he saw as Stilwell's blatant abandonment of his best army without orders and began to 

question Stilwell's capability and judgment as a military commander. Chiang was also infuriated at Stilwell's strict control of U.S. lend 

lease supplies to China. But instead of confronting Stilwell or communicating his concerns to Marshall and Roosevelt when they 

asked Chiang to assess Stilwell's leadership after the Allied disaster in Burma, Chiang reiterated his "full confidence and trust" in the 

general while countermanding some orders to Chinese units issued by Stilwell in his capacity as Chief of Staff. An outraged Stilwell 

began to call Chiang "the little dummy" or "Peanut" in his reports to Washington, while Chiang repeatedly expressed his pent-up 

grievances against Stilwell for his "recklessness, insubordination, contempt and arrogance" to U.S. envoys to China. Stilwell would 

86

press Chiang and the British to take immediate actions to retake Burma, but Chiang demanded impossibly large amounts of 

supplies before he would agree to take offensive action, and the British refused to meet their previous pledges to provide naval and 

ground troops due to Churchill's "Europe first" strategy. Eventually Stilwell began to complain openly to Roosevelt that Chiang was 

hoarding U.S. lend lease supplies because he wanted to keep Chinese Nationalist forces ready to fight the Communists under Mao 

Zedong after the end of the war with the Japanese, even though from 1942 to 1944 98 percent of U.S. military aid over the Hump 

had gone directly to the 14th Air Force and U.S. military personnel in China. 

Stilwell also continually clashed with Field Marshal Archibald Wavell, and apparently came to believe that the British in India were 

more concerned with protecting their colonial possessions than helping the Chinese fight the Japanese. In August 1943, as a result 

of constant feuding and conflicting objectives of British, American, and Chinese commands, along with the lack of a coherent 

strategic vision for the China Burma India (CBI) theater, the Combined Chiefs of Staff split the CBI command into separate Chinese 

and Southeast Asia theaters. 

Stilwell with Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Chiang Kai-shek > 

Stilwell was infuriated also by the rampant corruption of the Chiang regime. In 

his diary, which he faithfully kept, Stilwell began to note the corruption and the 

amount of money ($380,584,000 in 1944 dollars) being wasted upon the 

procrastinating Chiang and his government. The Cambridge History of China, 

for instance, also estimates that some 60%-70% of Chiang's Kuomintang 

conscripts did not make it through their basic training, with some 40% 

deserting and the remaining 20% dying of starvation before full induction into 

the military. Eventually, Stilwell’s belief that the Generalissimo and his generals 

were incompetent and corrupt reached such proportions that Stilwell sought to 

cut off Lend-Lease aid to China. Stilwell even ordered Office of Strategic 

Services (OSS) officers to draw up contingency plans to assassinate Chiang 

Kai-shek after he heard Roosevelt's casual remarks regarding the possible 

defeat of Chiang by either internal or external enemies, and if this happened to 

replace Chiang with someone else to continue the Chinese resistance against Japan. 

Myitkyina Offensive and aftermath 

With the establishment of the new South East Asia Command in August 1943, Stilwell was appointed Deputy Supreme Allied 

Commander under Vice Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten. Taking command of various Chinese and Allied forces, including a new 

U.S. Army special operations formation, the 5307th Composite Unit (provisional) later known as Merrill's Marauders, Stilwell built up 

his Chinese forces for an eventual offensive in northern Burma. On December 21, 1943, Stilwell assumed direct control of planning 

for the invasion of Northern Burma, culminating with capture of the Japanese-held town of Myitkyina. In the meantime, Stilwell 

ordered General Merrill and the Marauders to commence long-range jungle penetration missions behind Japanese lines after the 

pattern of the British Chindits. In February 1944, three Marauder battalions marched into Burma. Though Stilwell was at the Ledo 

Road front when the Marauders arrived at their jump-off point, the general did not walk out to the road to bid them farewell. 

In April 1944, Stilwell launched his final offensive to capture the Burmese city of Myitkyina. In support of this objective, the 

Marauders were ordered to undertake a long flanking maneuver towards the town, involving a grueling 65-mile jungle march. Having 

been deployed since February in combat operations in the jungles of Burma, the Marauders were seriously depleted and suffering 

from both combat losses and disease, and lost additional men while en route to the objective. A particularly devastating scourge 

was a severe outbreak of amoebic dysentery, which erupted shortly after the Marauders linked up with X Force. By this time, the 

men of the Marauders had openly begun to suspect Stilwell's commitment to their welfare. Despite their sacrifices, Stilwell appeared 

unconcerned about their losses, and had rejected repeated requests for medals for individual acts of heroism. Initial promises of a 

rest and rotation were ignored; the Marauders were not even air-dropped replacement uniforms or mail until late April. 

On May 17, 1,310 remaining Marauders attacked Myitkyina airfield in concert with elements of two Chinese infantry regiments and a 

small artillery contingent. The airfield was quickly taken, but the town, which Stilwell's intelligence staff had believed to be lightly 

defended, was garrisoned by significant numbers of well-equipped Japanese troops, who were steadily being reinforced. A 

preliminary attack on the town by two Chinese regiments was thrown back with heavy losses. The Marauders did not have the 

manpower to immediately overwhelm Myitkyina and its defenses; by the time additional Chinese forces arrived and were in a 

position to attack, Japanese forces totaled some 4,600 fanatical Japanese defenders. 

During the Myitkyina siege, which took place during the height of the monsoon season, Marauders' second-in-command, Col. 

Hunter, as well as the unit's regimental and battalion level surgeons, had urgently recommended that the entire 5307th be relieved 

of duty and returned to rear areas for rest and recovery. By this time, most of the men had fevers and continual dysentery, forcing 

the men to cut the seats out of their uniform trousers in order to fire their weapons and relieve themselves simultaneously. Stilwell 

rejected the evacuation recommendation, though he did make a frontline inspection of the Myitkyina lines. Afterwards, he ordered all 

medical staff to stop returning combat troops suffering from disease or illness, and instead return them to combat status, using 

medications to keep down fevers. The feelings of many Marauders towards General Stilwell at that time were summed up by one 

soldier, who stated, "I had him [Stilwell] in my sights. I coulda' squeezed one off and no one woulda' known it wasn't a Jap who got 

that son of a bitch." 

Stilwell also ordered that all Marauders evacuated from combat due to wounds or fever first submit to a special medical 

'examination' by doctors appointed by his headquarters staff. These examinations passed many ailing soldiers as fit for duty; 

Stilwell's staff roamed hospital hallways in search of any Marauder with a temperature lower than 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of 

the men who were passed and sent back into combat were immediately re-evacuated as unfit at the insistence of forward medical 

personnel. Later, Stilwell's staff placed blame on Army medical personnel for overzealously interpreting Stilwell's return-to-duty 

order. 

87

During the Myitkyina siege, Japanese soldiers resisted fiercely, generally fighting to the last man. As a result, Myitkyina did not fall 

until August 4, 1944, after Stilwell was forced to send in thousands of Chinese reinforcements, though Stilwell was pleased that the 

objective had at last been taken (his notes from his personal diary contain the notation, "Boy, will this burn up the Limeys!"). Later, 

Stilwell blamed the length of the siege, among other things, on British and Gurkha Chindit forces for not promptly responding to his 

demands to move north in an attempt to pressure Japanese troops. This was in spite of the fact that the Chindits themselves had 

suffered grievous casualties in several fierce pitched battles with Japanese troops in the Burmese jungles, along with losses from 

illness and combat exhaustion. Stilwell also had not kept his British allies clearly informed of his force movements, nor coordinated 

his offensive plans with those of General Slim. 

Bereft of further combat replacements for his hard-pressed Marauder battalions, Stilwell felt he had no choice but to continue 

offensive operations with his existing forces, using the Marauders as 'the point of the spear' until they had either achieved all their 

objectives, or were wiped out. He was also concerned that pulling out the Marauders, the only U.S. ground unit in the campaign, 

resulted in charges of favoritism, forcing him to evacuate the exhausted Chinese and British Chindit forces as well. When General 

William Slim, commander of British and Commonwealth forces in Burma, informed Stilwell that his men were exhausted and should 

be withdrawn, Stilwell rejected the idea, insisting that his subordinate commanders simply did not understand enlisted men and their 

tendency to magnify physical challenges. Having made his own 'long march' out of Burma under his own power using jungle trails, 

Stilwell found it difficult to sympathize with those who had been in combat in the jungle for months on end without relief. In 

retrospect, his statements at the time revealed a lack of understanding of the limitations of lightly-equipped unconventional forces 

when used in conventional roles. Myitkyina and the dispute over evacuation policy precipitated a hurried Army Inspector General 

investigation, followed by U.S. congressional committee hearings, though no disciplinary measures were taken against General 

Stilwell for his decisions as overall commander. 

Only a week after the fall of Myitkyina in Burma, the 5307th Marauder force, down to only 130 combat-effective men (out of the 

original 2,997), was disbanded. 

Conflict with General Chennault 

One of the most significant conflicts to emerge during the war was between General Stilwell and General Claire Lee Chennault, the 

commander of the famed "Flying Tigers" and later air force commander. As adviser to the Chinese air forces, Chennault proposed a 

limited air offensive against the Japanese in China in 1943 using a series of forward air bases. Stilwell insisted that the idea was 

untenable, and that any air campaign should not begin until fully fortified air bases supported by large infantry reserves had first 

been established. Stilwell then argued that all air resources be diverted to his forces in India for an early conquest of North Burma. 

Following Chennault's advice, Generalissimo Chiang rejected the proposal; British commanders sided with Chennault, aware they 

could not launch a coordinated Allied offensive into Burma in 1943 with the resources then available. During the summer of 1943, 

Stilwell's headquarters concentrated on plans to rebuild the Chinese Army for an offensive in northern Burma, despite Chiang's 

insistence on support to Chennault's air operations. Stilwell believed that after forcing a supply route through northern Burma by 

means of a major ground offensive against the Japanese, he could train and equip thirty Chinese divisions with modern combat 

equipment. A smaller number of Chinese forces would transfer to India, where two or three new Chinese divisions would also be 

raised. This plan remained only theoretical at the time, since available airlift capacity for deliveries of supplies to China over the 

Hump barely sustained Chennault's air operations, and were wholly insufficient to equip a new Chinese Army. 

In 1944, the Japanese launched the counter-offensive, Operation Ichi-Go, quickly overrunning Chennault's forward air bases and 

proving Stilwell partially correct. However, by this time, Allied supply efforts via the Hump airlift were steadily improving in tonnage 

supplied per month; with the replacement of Chinese war losses, Chennault now saw little need for a ground offensive in northern 

Burma in order to re-open a ground supply route to China. This time, augmented with increased military equipment and additional 

troops, and concerned about defense of the approaches to India, British authorities sided with Stilwell. 

In coordination with a southern offensive by Nationalist Chinese forces under General Wei Li-huang, Allied troops under Stilwell's 

command launched the long-awaited invasion of northern Burma; after heavy fighting and casualties, the two forces linked up in 

January 1945. Stilwell's strategy remained unchanged: opening a new ground supply route from India to China would allow the 

Allies to equip and train new Chinese army divisions for use against the Japanese. The new road network, later called the Ledo 

Road, would link the northern end of the Burma Road as the primary supply route to China; Stilwell's staff planners had estimated 

the route would supply 65,000 tons of supplies per month. Using these figures, Stilwell argued that the Ledo Road network would 

greatly surpass the tonnage being airlifted over the Hump. General Chennault doubted that such an extended network of trails 

through difficult jungle could ever match the tonnage that could be delivered with modern cargo transport aircraft then deploying intheater. 

Progress on the Ledo Road was slow, and could not be completed until the linkup of forces in January 1945. 

In the end, Stilwell's plan to train and modernize thirty Chinese divisions in China (as well as two or three divisions from forces 

already in India) was never fully realized. As Chennault predicted, supplies carried over the Ledo Road at no time approached 

tonnage levels of supplies airlifted monthly into China via the Hump. In July 1945, 71,000 tons of supplies were flown over the 

Hump, compared to only 6,000 tons using the Ledo Road, and the airlift operation continued in operation until the end of the war. By 

the time supplies were flowing over the Ledo Road in large quantities, operations in other theaters had shaped the course of the war 

against Japan. Stilwell's drive into North Burma, however, allowed Air Transport Command to fly supplies into China more quickly 

and safely by allowing American planes to fly a more southerly route without fear of Japanese fighters. American airplanes no longer 

had to make the dangerous venture over the Hump, increasing the delivery of supplies from 18,000 tons in June 1944, to 39,000 

tons in November 1944. On August 1, 1945 a plane crossed the hump every one minute and 12 seconds. 

In acknowledgment of Stilwell's efforts, the Ledo Road was later renamed the Stilwell Road by Chiang Kai-shek. 

Recall from China 

With the rapid deterioration of the China front after Japanese launched Operation Ichi-Go in 1944, Stilwell saw this as an opportunity 

to gain full command of all Chinese armed forces, and convinced Marshall to have Roosevelt send an utimatum to Chiang 

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threatening to end all American aid unless Chiang "at once" place Stilwell "in unrestricted command of all your forces. An exultant 

Stilwell immediately delivered this letter to Chiang despite pleas from Patrick Hurley, Roosevelt's special envoy in China, to delay 

delivering the message and work on a deal that would achieve Stilwell's aim in a manner more acceptable to Chiang. Seeing this act 

as a move toward the complete subjugation of China, Chiang gave a formal reply in which he said that Stilwell must be replaced 

immediately and he would welcome any other qualified U.S. general to fill Stilwell's position. 

On October 19, 1944, Stilwell was recalled from his command by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Partly as a result of controversy 

concerning the casualties suffered by U.S. forces in Burma and partly due to continuing difficulties with the British and Chinese 

commanders, Stilwell's return to the United States was not accompanied by the usual ceremony. Upon arrival, he was met by two 

Army generals at the airport, who told him that he was not to answer any media questions about China whatsoever. 

Stilwell was replaced by General Albert C. Wedemeyer, who received a telegram from General Marshall on October 27, 1944 

directing him to proceed to China to assume command of the China theatre and replace General Stilwell. Wedemeyer later recalled 

his initial dread over the assignment, as service in the China theater was considered a graveyard for American officials, both military 

and diplomatic. When Wedemeyer actually arrived at Stilwell’s headquarters after Stilwell’s dismissal, Wedemeyer was dismayed to 

discover that Stilwell had intentionally departed without seeing him, and did not leave a single briefing paper for his guidance, 

though departing U.S. military commanders habitually greeted their replacement in order to thoroughly brief them on the strengths 

and weaknesses of headquarters staff, the issues confronting the command, and planned operations. Searching the offices, 

Wedemeyer could find no documentary record of Stilwell's plans or records of his former or future operations. General Wedemeyer 

then spoke with Stilwell’s staff officers but learned little from them because Stilwell, according to the staff, kept everything in his “hip 

pocket”. 

Reassignment 

Despite prompting by the news media, Stilwell never complained about his treatment by Washington or by Chiang. He later served 

as Commander of Army Ground Forces, U.S. Tenth Army Commander in the closing Battle of Okinawa in 1945, and as U.S. Sixth 

Army Commander. 

In November, he was appointed to lead a "War Department Equipment Board" in an investigation of the Army's modernization in 

light of its recent experience. Among his recommendations was the establishment of a combined arms force to conduct extended 

service tests of new weapons and equipment and then formulate doctrine for its use, and the abolition of specialized anti-tank units. 

His most notable recommendation was for a vast improvement of the Army's defenses against all airborne threats, including ballistic 

missiles. In particular, he called for "guided interceptor missiles, dispatched in accordance with electronically computed data 

obtained from radar detection stations." 

Stilwell died of stomach cancer on October 12, 1946 at the Presidio of San Francisco, while still on active duty. His ashes were 

scattered on the Pacific Ocean, and a cenotaph was placed at the West Point Cemetery. Among his military decorations are the 

Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit degree of Commander, 

the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge (this last award was given to him as he was dying from stomach cancer). 

Stilwell’s home, built in 1933-1934 on Carmel Point, Carmel, California, remains a private home with a plaque in front identifying it 

as having been the general's home. A number of streets, buildings, and areas across the country have been named for Stilwell over 

the years, including Joseph Stilwell Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida. The Soldiers’ Club he envisioned in 1940 (a time when 

there was no such thing as a soldiers’ club in the Army) was completed in 1943 at Fort Ord on the bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay. 

Many years later the building was renamed “Stilwell Hall” in his honor, but because of the erosion of the bluffs over the decades, the 

building was taken down in 2003. Stilwell's former residence in Chongqing - a city along the Yangtze River to which Chiang's 

government retreated after being forced from Nanjing by Japanese troops - has now been converted to a museum in his honor. 

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Craft Masonry in Orange and Rockland Counties, New York

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