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JANSEN, DeWITT C. 1842-1894

From Proceedings, Page 1894-141:

The Recording Grand Secretary stated that, by the kindness of Brother H. Mason Perkins, a former member of Ancient Landmark Lodge, of Shanghai, China, he had this day received a copy of The China Gazette, of the 7th of November last, containing an account of the sudden death of the District Deputy Grand Master of our China District, R.W. De Witt Clinton Jansen.

It occurred on the evening of the 6th of November, under peculiarly startling and tragic circumstances. He was presiding at the installation of the officers of Ancient Landmark Lodge. The exercises commenced a little before nine o'clock, in the preseuce of about sixty Brethren. He completed the installation of the Worshipful Master, which he had conducted in a very impressive manner. It was observed, however, that his memory seemed to fail him once or twice, and he made one or two trifling mistakes, which he noticed himself and called to the attention of the English District Grand Master, who sat near him and who assured him they were scarcely noticeable.

The Senior and Junior Wardens were presented, and the ceremony was about to be resumed, when Bro. Jansen suddenly fell back in his chair, gave one. or two gasps for breath and became unconscious, Two physicians sprang to his assistance and labored assiduously to restore animation, but in a few moments they were obliged to announce to the anxious group that life was extinct, death being due to failure of the action of the heart.

Bro. Jansen is described as a man of an open, genial, generous nature, straightforward, public spirited and charitable. His counsel and his purse were often drawn upon by the embarrassed and the needy, who found in him a wise and sympathetic friend. For the last ten or fifteen years he has been foremost in every public undertaking in Shanghai. No foreigner was better known or more deservedly popular throughout China.

He was born in the State of New York, and had he lived two days longer would have completed his fifty-fourth year. He went to China about thirty years ago, and was for several years employed in the Imperial Maritime Customs. He afterwards became the proprietor of the Astor House, an unpretentious tavern, which his enterprise and energy transformed into a magnificent hotel. He filled for several years the position of Vice Chairman of the Municipal Council and Chairman of the Watch Committee, at the same time taking an active interest in the Shanghai Public School, the Library, the Museum and several other public institutions.

He was probably made a Mason in one of the Lodges in China, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England. He served Ancient Landmark Lodge as W. Master and as Treasurer, and had held the. office of District Deputy Grand Master of China for two years, by appointment of the Grand Master of Massachusetts. He enjoyed the highest respect and esteem of the Brethren of every Masonic jurisdiction represented in that country.

He was born on the 8th day of November, married on that day four and twenty years ago, and on the last anniversary his Brethren consigned his mortal remains to the grave. The funeral services were held in the Lodge-room where he died, and were attended by about two hundred and fifty of the Fraternity. He has left a widow and sons and daughters, all of whom have the deepest sympathy of the whole foreign population of the city which he had served so long and faithfully.

Distinguished Brothers