Nelson Williams
Lawyer and Poet. Son of George and Margaret (McKinley) Williams. Married Susannah Mallory on 21 Oct 1880 in Butler County, OH.
Forty-first Grand Master of Masons in Ohio - 1897-1898.
NELSON WILLIAMS, ATTORNEY, HIGHEST MASON, DIES
Practiced Law for 65 Years in Hamilton
Nelson Williams, age 90, of 128 South D Street, dean of the Butler County bar and Hamilton's foremost figure in Freemasonry, died in Ft. Hamilton Hospital Friday afternoon at 4:55 o'clock.
Few Hamilton residents in any field of endeavor have had the widespread recognition and high honors which had come to him in Masonry. He was the oldest past master of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in the United States. For 25 years, an unchallenged record, he served as president of the Order of the High Priesthood in Ohio. These and other activities in the order marked him as the number one Mason
in all of the Nation.
The death of Mr. Williams leaves Hamilton without a man holding the rank of Thirty-third degree.
Injured in 1941
His condition had been considered serious for more than a year. Complications developed as the result of a crushed vertebra received in a fall down the stairs in his home on Friday, June 6, 1941.
His advanced age mitigated against effectiveness in treatment.
Mr. Williams, to the time of the accident, had retained an unusual physical and mental vigor.
He had practiced law 65 years, visiting his office daily, with few exceptions, and giving to his work the keen-mindedness rare even in younger men of the profession.
In his chosen work and in his beloved Masonic affiliations, Mr. Williams enjoyed his place of distinction and prominence, but his everyday life he chose to live simply.
He was a gentleman of a rapidly fading "old school." He was extremely modest, yet not retiring. He possessed a keen sense of humor, a rare flare in the personality of one so dignified.
Traveled Widely
In his earlier years he traveled widely. In these visits to countries throughout the world he delved deeply into the nature of the peoples and into their histories. The result was a rich appreciation of world affairs. With such a background of understanding, his judgment was well-founded, his discussions in appraisement of present world conditions analytical. His word was avidly sought by friends on these subjects to the last few days of his illness.
Mr. Williams held another distinction in his lodge circles, aside from the many high posts he has held. He was the proud owner of the largest Masonic library in the world. He presented the entire collection to the Grand Lodge library in Cincinnati.
This library which he collected was valued at thousands of dollars, and included 4,673 volumes, many of them rare. One book in his collection was more than four hundred years old.
Wrote Poetry
For a hobby, Mr. Williams turned to the writing of poetry, and he devoted increasing time to this in later years. In recent years he published a volume of his verses. This volume was not placed on the market, but he distributed more than six thousand copies to friends throughout the world.
Nelson Williams was born near St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio, on March 23, 1853. He was the oldest child in a family of six born to George and Margaret McKinley Williams. He was educated in the common and grade schools in Champaign and Miami Counties, then taught school in Miami County in 1872, 1873 and the spring of 1874.
He was attracted to Hamilton on determination to enter the legal profession. His uncle, Israel Williams, was one of the leading figures of the Butler County bar.
Came Here in 1874
So, young Williams moved to Hamilton on March 9, 1874, immediately devoting himself to the reading of law in his uncle's office. He was an apt pupil, so that two years later, on April 25, 1876, he was admitted to practice. He remained in the office of Israel Williams for four years. Then he hung out his shingle, seeking to establish his own practice.
In 1899 he formed a partnership with the late Judge Clarence Murphy, and this continued for seven years until his partner was elected to the common pleas bench of Butler County.
In 1916 he entered another partnership, this time with Robert M. Sohagen, under the firm name of Williams and Sohagen. Nine years later the firm was expanded with the addition of Cyrus J. Fitton and the late Henry Beeler, the name being changed to Williams, Sohagen, Fitton and Beeler.
Another change took place in the firm in 1930, after the death of Mr. Beeler, Edwin Pierce was admitted to membership and the name changed to Williams, Sohagen, Fitton and Pierce. In 1939, the firm name was altered to Williams, Fitton and Pierce.
Early in his professional career Mr. Williams veered to probate court practice, to the settlement of estates, to examination of titles and an extensive, broad office practice.
Home Life Happy
A very happy chapter in Mr. Williams' life was that which centered about his home. On October 21, 1880 he married Miss Susannah Mallory, daughter of Dr. Henry Mallory, one of pioneer Hamilton's leading physicians.
The married life of Mr. and Mrs. Williams was ideal in every respect. Like her husband, Mrs. Williams was a woman of keen intellect, charming and gracious to the many friends who found in their home a most hospitable welcome always.
Mrs. Williams preceded her husband in death on May 29, 1935.
For the last 60 years he had been the Ohio attorney for the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, and for the last 55 years, had been the attorney for the Dollar Savings and Loan Company of Hamilton. (One of Mr. Williams' happiest moments was realized on January 19, 1939 when the board of directors of the savings and loan association honored him upon
the completion of 50 years of service with a dinner in the Hamilton Club.)
Until the time of the merger of the Hamilton Homestead and Loan Company with the People's Savings and Loan Company, Mr. Williams served as attorney for the former. For the last 35 years he had been the Ohio attorney for the Farmers' Trust Company of Indianapolis.
In his trust company employment, Mr. Williams had placed and collected loans aggregating many millions of dollars. He never held an elective position in politics, but served one term as city auditor of Hamilton, O., by appointment. He also served one year as first vice president of the Ohio Republican League.
Services Monday
Funeral services for Mr. Williams will be held in the Masonic Temple, 724 High Street, Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock in charge of the officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. In addition there will be Scottish Rite services. Burial will be in Greenwood.
The body of Mr. Williams will lie in state in the Masonic Temple Sunday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Harry S. Johnson, George Reiff and Walter Lindsay, all of Cincinnati, and Cyrus J. Fitton, Edwin Pierce and Robert J. Brown, all of Hamilton.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Butler County Bar Association, Robert J. Shank, Peter B. Holly, Brandon R. Millikin, John D. Andrews, John F. Neilan, Judge P. P. Boli, Judge Oscar R. Leiser and Judge Fred B. Cramer.
Masonic Career
The following is the Masonic career of Mr. Williams, sketched step-by-step, as he moved through the various ranks of Masonry to the highest office in the order.
He received the Entered Apprentice Degree February 9, 1887; the Fellowcraft Degree May 3, 1887; and the Master Mason Degree June 6, 1887, all in Washington Lodge No. 17, F.&A.M. in Hamilton.
He was elected Senior Warden of the Lodge December 3, 1888, and Worshipful Master December 2, 1889, serving two years as Master.
In the Grand Lodge of Ohio, he was appointed Grand Orator at Springfield, October 20, 1892, and reappointed at Cleveland October 19, 1893. He was elected Senior Grand Warden from the floor at Springfield, October 24, 1895; Deputy Grand Master at Cincinnati, October 22, 1896 and Grand Master at Columbus, October 21, 1897, serving one year.
He was appointed a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home on March 22, 1899. For many years he served as chairman of the finance committee of the Masonic Home Board of Trustees.
For eight years he was the Foreign Correspondent of the Grand Lodge, and for many years, he served as a member of the committee on jurisprudence in the Grand Lodge.
Mark Master Degree
He received the Mark Master Degree on May 14, 1888, the Past Master Degree May 25, 1888, the Most Excellent Master Degree May 25, 1888 and the Royal Arch Degree on June 11, 1888, all in Hamilton Chapter No. 21, Royal Arch Masons at Hamilton, Ohio.
He was elected Master of the Third Veil in said chapter December 9, 1889, Captain of the Host December 14, 1891, Scribe December 12, 1892 and High Priest on December 11, 1893, serving one year. In the Grand Chapter of Ohio, he was elected Grand King at Columbus, October 11, 1900, Deputy Grand High Priest at Toledo, September 26, 1901 and Grand High Priest at Lima on September 25, 1902, serving one year.
High Priesthood
In the order of Anointed High Priesthood he was elected Conductor at Columbus, September 19, 1894 and served continuously as such until 1901, except the year 1897©8 when he served as Master of Ceremonies. He was elected Most Excellent President of the order at Toledo on September 25, 1901 to succeed the late John W. Chamberlin.
He continued in the position of Most Excellent President for a period of twenty-five years when he resigned.
In the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons he served several years as chairman of the committee on reports of general grand officers and for six years as chairman of the committee of jurisprudence. He was a member of the committee appointed to revise the ritual of the General Grand Chapter and devoted much time to this work.
Other Positions
He received the Royal and Select Master Degree in Hamilton Council No. 19, at Hamilton, Ohio on August 20, 1888 and the Super Excellent Master Degree at a special assembly held at Findlay, Ohio on September 10, 1889.
He was elected Principal Conductor of the Work in Hamilton Council December 21, 1891; Deputy Master December 19, 1892; and Thrice Illustrious Master December 18, 1893, serving one year.
In the Grand Council he was appointed Grand Sentinel at Cleveland, September 26, 1899; Grand Conductor of Council at Columbus, October 9, 1900, and Grand Captain of the Guard at Toledo, September 24, 1901. He was elected Grand Principal Conductor of the Work at Lima on September 23, 1902; Deputy Grand Master at Akron, October 13, 1903 and Most Illustrious Grand Master at Columbus on October 4, 1904, serving one year.
Since his retirement as Grand Master he has continuously served upon important committees in the Grand Council, and has had much to do with the revision of its ritual.
Wide Acquaintanceship
For twenty-three years he was the reviewer of Grand Council Proceedings and his reviews gave him wide acquaintanceship with prominent Cryptic Masons in the United States.
In the General Grand Council, after having served as chairman of the committee on State of the Rite and Foreign Communications for fifteen years, he was elected General Grand Steward of the General Grand Council on September 9, 1924, at the Triennial held in Portland, Maine.
At the Triennial Assembly held in Denver, Colo., he was, on September 27, 1927, advanced to the office of General Grand Conductor of the Council. At the Triennial Assembly held at Tacoma, Wash., he was, on August 26, 1930, elected to the office of General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.
At the Triennial Assembly held in the city of Washington, D C., he was, on October 10, 1933 elected to the office of Deputy General Grand Master. In 1936 he was honored with the election to the office of Grand Master of the General Grand Council of the United States.
He served as chairman of the committee to revise the Constitution of the General Grand Council, and, as chairman of the committee on jurisprudence, he prepared a concordant or treaty of amity, which was entered into between the General Grand Council of the United States and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, restoring friendly relations between those two governing bodies in the Philippine Islands.
Order of Red Cross
He received the Order of the Red Cross September 24, 1888, and the Orders of the Temple and Knight of Malta on November 26, 1888, all in Hamilton Commandery No. 41, Knights Templar at Hamilton.
He was elected Senior Warden of said Commandery November 24, 1890, Prelate November 23, 1891, Captain General November 28, Generalissimo November 27, 1893 and Eminent Commander November 26, 1894, serving one year. He was reelected Prelate on November 23, 1896, serving as such continuously until June 27, 1904.
In the Grand Commandery he was elected Grand Sword Bearer at Cincinnati on October 15, 1908; Grand Standard Bearer at Marion October 16, 1909; Grand Junior Warden at Marietta October 13, 1910; Grand Captain General at Dayton October 12, 1911; Grand Generalissimo at Cleveland October 17, 1912; Deputy Grand Commander at Akron on October 15, 1913 and Grand Commander at Columbus on October 15, 1914, serving one year.
In the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America he served as Necrologist from 1910 to 1925.
At the Triennial Conclave at Seattle, Washington in 1925, he was appointed on the committee on Christmas observance.
Scottish Rite
In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees up to and including the Rose Croix, in the Valley of Dayton, and the Consistory degrees in Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati, in the year 1890. He was elected an honorary member of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, at Cincinnati, in the year 1898, and was crowned as such in the city of Philadelphia on September 19, 1899.
He became a member of Syrian Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Cincinnati at an early period in his Masonic career.
He had the distinction of being the oldest thirty-third degree Mason in Ohio.
He received the Royal Order of Scotland in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 18, 1896.
(Copied from the Hamilton Journal and Daily News, Saturday, February 12, 1944)
Forty-first Grand Master of Masons in Ohio - 1897-1898.
NELSON WILLIAMS, ATTORNEY, HIGHEST MASON, DIES
Practiced Law for 65 Years in Hamilton
Nelson Williams, age 90, of 128 South D Street, dean of the Butler County bar and Hamilton's foremost figure in Freemasonry, died in Ft. Hamilton Hospital Friday afternoon at 4:55 o'clock.
Few Hamilton residents in any field of endeavor have had the widespread recognition and high honors which had come to him in Masonry. He was the oldest past master of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in the United States. For 25 years, an unchallenged record, he served as president of the Order of the High Priesthood in Ohio. These and other activities in the order marked him as the number one Mason
in all of the Nation.
The death of Mr. Williams leaves Hamilton without a man holding the rank of Thirty-third degree.
Injured in 1941
His condition had been considered serious for more than a year. Complications developed as the result of a crushed vertebra received in a fall down the stairs in his home on Friday, June 6, 1941.
His advanced age mitigated against effectiveness in treatment.
Mr. Williams, to the time of the accident, had retained an unusual physical and mental vigor.
He had practiced law 65 years, visiting his office daily, with few exceptions, and giving to his work the keen-mindedness rare even in younger men of the profession.
In his chosen work and in his beloved Masonic affiliations, Mr. Williams enjoyed his place of distinction and prominence, but his everyday life he chose to live simply.
He was a gentleman of a rapidly fading "old school." He was extremely modest, yet not retiring. He possessed a keen sense of humor, a rare flare in the personality of one so dignified.
Traveled Widely
In his earlier years he traveled widely. In these visits to countries throughout the world he delved deeply into the nature of the peoples and into their histories. The result was a rich appreciation of world affairs. With such a background of understanding, his judgment was well-founded, his discussions in appraisement of present world conditions analytical. His word was avidly sought by friends on these subjects to the last few days of his illness.
Mr. Williams held another distinction in his lodge circles, aside from the many high posts he has held. He was the proud owner of the largest Masonic library in the world. He presented the entire collection to the Grand Lodge library in Cincinnati.
This library which he collected was valued at thousands of dollars, and included 4,673 volumes, many of them rare. One book in his collection was more than four hundred years old.
Wrote Poetry
For a hobby, Mr. Williams turned to the writing of poetry, and he devoted increasing time to this in later years. In recent years he published a volume of his verses. This volume was not placed on the market, but he distributed more than six thousand copies to friends throughout the world.
Nelson Williams was born near St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio, on March 23, 1853. He was the oldest child in a family of six born to George and Margaret McKinley Williams. He was educated in the common and grade schools in Champaign and Miami Counties, then taught school in Miami County in 1872, 1873 and the spring of 1874.
He was attracted to Hamilton on determination to enter the legal profession. His uncle, Israel Williams, was one of the leading figures of the Butler County bar.
Came Here in 1874
So, young Williams moved to Hamilton on March 9, 1874, immediately devoting himself to the reading of law in his uncle's office. He was an apt pupil, so that two years later, on April 25, 1876, he was admitted to practice. He remained in the office of Israel Williams for four years. Then he hung out his shingle, seeking to establish his own practice.
In 1899 he formed a partnership with the late Judge Clarence Murphy, and this continued for seven years until his partner was elected to the common pleas bench of Butler County.
In 1916 he entered another partnership, this time with Robert M. Sohagen, under the firm name of Williams and Sohagen. Nine years later the firm was expanded with the addition of Cyrus J. Fitton and the late Henry Beeler, the name being changed to Williams, Sohagen, Fitton and Beeler.
Another change took place in the firm in 1930, after the death of Mr. Beeler, Edwin Pierce was admitted to membership and the name changed to Williams, Sohagen, Fitton and Pierce. In 1939, the firm name was altered to Williams, Fitton and Pierce.
Early in his professional career Mr. Williams veered to probate court practice, to the settlement of estates, to examination of titles and an extensive, broad office practice.
Home Life Happy
A very happy chapter in Mr. Williams' life was that which centered about his home. On October 21, 1880 he married Miss Susannah Mallory, daughter of Dr. Henry Mallory, one of pioneer Hamilton's leading physicians.
The married life of Mr. and Mrs. Williams was ideal in every respect. Like her husband, Mrs. Williams was a woman of keen intellect, charming and gracious to the many friends who found in their home a most hospitable welcome always.
Mrs. Williams preceded her husband in death on May 29, 1935.
For the last 60 years he had been the Ohio attorney for the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, and for the last 55 years, had been the attorney for the Dollar Savings and Loan Company of Hamilton. (One of Mr. Williams' happiest moments was realized on January 19, 1939 when the board of directors of the savings and loan association honored him upon
the completion of 50 years of service with a dinner in the Hamilton Club.)
Until the time of the merger of the Hamilton Homestead and Loan Company with the People's Savings and Loan Company, Mr. Williams served as attorney for the former. For the last 35 years he had been the Ohio attorney for the Farmers' Trust Company of Indianapolis.
In his trust company employment, Mr. Williams had placed and collected loans aggregating many millions of dollars. He never held an elective position in politics, but served one term as city auditor of Hamilton, O., by appointment. He also served one year as first vice president of the Ohio Republican League.
Services Monday
Funeral services for Mr. Williams will be held in the Masonic Temple, 724 High Street, Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock in charge of the officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. In addition there will be Scottish Rite services. Burial will be in Greenwood.
The body of Mr. Williams will lie in state in the Masonic Temple Sunday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Harry S. Johnson, George Reiff and Walter Lindsay, all of Cincinnati, and Cyrus J. Fitton, Edwin Pierce and Robert J. Brown, all of Hamilton.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Butler County Bar Association, Robert J. Shank, Peter B. Holly, Brandon R. Millikin, John D. Andrews, John F. Neilan, Judge P. P. Boli, Judge Oscar R. Leiser and Judge Fred B. Cramer.
Masonic Career
The following is the Masonic career of Mr. Williams, sketched step-by-step, as he moved through the various ranks of Masonry to the highest office in the order.
He received the Entered Apprentice Degree February 9, 1887; the Fellowcraft Degree May 3, 1887; and the Master Mason Degree June 6, 1887, all in Washington Lodge No. 17, F.&A.M. in Hamilton.
He was elected Senior Warden of the Lodge December 3, 1888, and Worshipful Master December 2, 1889, serving two years as Master.
In the Grand Lodge of Ohio, he was appointed Grand Orator at Springfield, October 20, 1892, and reappointed at Cleveland October 19, 1893. He was elected Senior Grand Warden from the floor at Springfield, October 24, 1895; Deputy Grand Master at Cincinnati, October 22, 1896 and Grand Master at Columbus, October 21, 1897, serving one year.
He was appointed a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home on March 22, 1899. For many years he served as chairman of the finance committee of the Masonic Home Board of Trustees.
For eight years he was the Foreign Correspondent of the Grand Lodge, and for many years, he served as a member of the committee on jurisprudence in the Grand Lodge.
Mark Master Degree
He received the Mark Master Degree on May 14, 1888, the Past Master Degree May 25, 1888, the Most Excellent Master Degree May 25, 1888 and the Royal Arch Degree on June 11, 1888, all in Hamilton Chapter No. 21, Royal Arch Masons at Hamilton, Ohio.
He was elected Master of the Third Veil in said chapter December 9, 1889, Captain of the Host December 14, 1891, Scribe December 12, 1892 and High Priest on December 11, 1893, serving one year. In the Grand Chapter of Ohio, he was elected Grand King at Columbus, October 11, 1900, Deputy Grand High Priest at Toledo, September 26, 1901 and Grand High Priest at Lima on September 25, 1902, serving one year.
High Priesthood
In the order of Anointed High Priesthood he was elected Conductor at Columbus, September 19, 1894 and served continuously as such until 1901, except the year 1897©8 when he served as Master of Ceremonies. He was elected Most Excellent President of the order at Toledo on September 25, 1901 to succeed the late John W. Chamberlin.
He continued in the position of Most Excellent President for a period of twenty-five years when he resigned.
In the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons he served several years as chairman of the committee on reports of general grand officers and for six years as chairman of the committee of jurisprudence. He was a member of the committee appointed to revise the ritual of the General Grand Chapter and devoted much time to this work.
Other Positions
He received the Royal and Select Master Degree in Hamilton Council No. 19, at Hamilton, Ohio on August 20, 1888 and the Super Excellent Master Degree at a special assembly held at Findlay, Ohio on September 10, 1889.
He was elected Principal Conductor of the Work in Hamilton Council December 21, 1891; Deputy Master December 19, 1892; and Thrice Illustrious Master December 18, 1893, serving one year.
In the Grand Council he was appointed Grand Sentinel at Cleveland, September 26, 1899; Grand Conductor of Council at Columbus, October 9, 1900, and Grand Captain of the Guard at Toledo, September 24, 1901. He was elected Grand Principal Conductor of the Work at Lima on September 23, 1902; Deputy Grand Master at Akron, October 13, 1903 and Most Illustrious Grand Master at Columbus on October 4, 1904, serving one year.
Since his retirement as Grand Master he has continuously served upon important committees in the Grand Council, and has had much to do with the revision of its ritual.
Wide Acquaintanceship
For twenty-three years he was the reviewer of Grand Council Proceedings and his reviews gave him wide acquaintanceship with prominent Cryptic Masons in the United States.
In the General Grand Council, after having served as chairman of the committee on State of the Rite and Foreign Communications for fifteen years, he was elected General Grand Steward of the General Grand Council on September 9, 1924, at the Triennial held in Portland, Maine.
At the Triennial Assembly held in Denver, Colo., he was, on September 27, 1927, advanced to the office of General Grand Conductor of the Council. At the Triennial Assembly held at Tacoma, Wash., he was, on August 26, 1930, elected to the office of General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.
At the Triennial Assembly held in the city of Washington, D C., he was, on October 10, 1933 elected to the office of Deputy General Grand Master. In 1936 he was honored with the election to the office of Grand Master of the General Grand Council of the United States.
He served as chairman of the committee to revise the Constitution of the General Grand Council, and, as chairman of the committee on jurisprudence, he prepared a concordant or treaty of amity, which was entered into between the General Grand Council of the United States and the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, restoring friendly relations between those two governing bodies in the Philippine Islands.
Order of Red Cross
He received the Order of the Red Cross September 24, 1888, and the Orders of the Temple and Knight of Malta on November 26, 1888, all in Hamilton Commandery No. 41, Knights Templar at Hamilton.
He was elected Senior Warden of said Commandery November 24, 1890, Prelate November 23, 1891, Captain General November 28, Generalissimo November 27, 1893 and Eminent Commander November 26, 1894, serving one year. He was reelected Prelate on November 23, 1896, serving as such continuously until June 27, 1904.
In the Grand Commandery he was elected Grand Sword Bearer at Cincinnati on October 15, 1908; Grand Standard Bearer at Marion October 16, 1909; Grand Junior Warden at Marietta October 13, 1910; Grand Captain General at Dayton October 12, 1911; Grand Generalissimo at Cleveland October 17, 1912; Deputy Grand Commander at Akron on October 15, 1913 and Grand Commander at Columbus on October 15, 1914, serving one year.
In the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America he served as Necrologist from 1910 to 1925.
At the Triennial Conclave at Seattle, Washington in 1925, he was appointed on the committee on Christmas observance.
Scottish Rite
In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees up to and including the Rose Croix, in the Valley of Dayton, and the Consistory degrees in Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati, in the year 1890. He was elected an honorary member of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, at Cincinnati, in the year 1898, and was crowned as such in the city of Philadelphia on September 19, 1899.
He became a member of Syrian Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Cincinnati at an early period in his Masonic career.
He had the distinction of being the oldest thirty-third degree Mason in Ohio.
He received the Royal Order of Scotland in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 18, 1896.
(Copied from the Hamilton Journal and Daily News, Saturday, February 12, 1944)