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FOBES, HENRY 1792-1885
Wor. HENRY FOBES, born in Bridgewater, Mass., April 30, 1792, removed with his father to the southerly part of the town of Greenwich, which was incorporated in 1816 as the town of Enfield, and there he passed his days. He was prominent in town affairs, holding the office of Selectman many years, and in 1850 representing his district in the State Legislature. Inspired with love of country he became a soldier in the war of 1812. At the first meeting of the petitioners for a charter for Bethel Lodge, held May 11, 1825, he was chosen Worshipful Master, continuing in that office until 1829. He was of a genial, kindly nature, the rule of his life being to do good as he had opportunity. In the affairs of church, town, or State, in the Lodge-room or among the sorrowing ones, whenever he went and wherever he tarried, his life was filled up with brotherly deeds and words fitly spoken. Bro. Fobes died March 29, 1885, being nearly ninety-three years old. At his special request his funeral was attended by Bethel Lodge, the impressive burial-rites of the Order being rendered by the Brethren thereof.
FOYE, GEORGE H. 1858-1913
From Proceedings, Page 1913-212:
W. BRO. GEORGE H. FOYE was born in Meddybemps, Me., June 3, 1858, and died at his home in Athol, June 21, 1913. He came to Athol with his parents in 1883 and became engaged with his father in the jewelry business, to which he succeeded on the death of his father in 1903.
Brother Foye was a model citizen, taking an active part in local movements, and was a cheerful and helpful worker in many ways. He served the town as its clerk for fourteen years, holding that office at the time of his death.
Brother Foye received the Masonic degrees in Solar Lodge, Bath, Me., in 1880, and affiliated with Star Lodge of Athol, Feb. 19, 1883. He served as its Worshipful Master in 1888 and 1889, and was District Deputy Grand Master of the Thirteenth Masonic District in 1892 and 1893. He was also a member of Union Royal Arch Chapter and of Athol Commandery, K.T., being Eminent Commander of the latter in 1886 and 1887.
He was a member of and was actively identified with other social and business organizations in his adopted town.
FRENCH, JOSEPH F. 1817-1906
From Proceedings, Page 1906-153:
I desire to recall the name of one Brother, lately deceased, who rendered Freemasonry in this Jurisdiction long and faithful service. Wor. Bro. Joseph L. French, of Abington, died on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1906, aged eighty-nine years. He was a Freemason forty-five years and during that time, until his late illness, attended every meeting, regular and special, of John Cutler Lodge, of which be was a past Master, with three exceptions. For nearly thirty years he has been a member of this Grand Lodge, an honor in which he had a great deal of pleasure and pride.
"Strange - is it not? that of the myriads who
Before us passed the door of Darkness through,
Not one returns to tell us of the road
Which to discover we must travel, too."
FRENCH, WILLIAM C. 1841-1913
From Proceedings, Page 1913-75:
I think this is a fitting occasion on which to speak of our Veteran Chief Engineer, William C. French, who was in our employ from 1899. He was born in Hinsdale, N. H., May 11, 1841, and died at his home in Boston, May 29, 1913. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in the Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. Samuel C. Lawrence commanding, in response to the first call of President Lincoln. After the expiration of his military service he took an interest in the early development of electric lighting, and installed and operated the first generator used in this country for mercantile lighting of stores. He was engaged in this work until 1899 when he took charge of the electrical and steam plant in this building.
Brother French was an unusual man - a great student, a thorough Shakespearean scholar, a master of his profession, of kindly nature and good humor; he made friends of all who met him, and retained their friendship. We have met a serious loss in his death, but the remembrance of him is pleasant, and his good-natured fellowship is a memory that endures.
