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JAMES, WILLIAM McCULLY 1880-1942

From Proceedings, Page 1942-174:

Brother James was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1880, and after attending Johns Hopkins University for a time, entered the University of Virginia and received there the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1906. Immediately thereafter he left for the Canal Zone, where he made his home until his death on July 10, 1942. Recognized as a world authority upon tropical diseases, he became widely known both in the States and in England by reason of writings and his addresses upon this branch of medicine. He held many offices in numerous Medical Societies in Central America as well as in the United States and England.

He received his degrees in Freemasonry in Sojourners Lodge in Cristobal in 1914. Three years later he became one of the organizers and a Charter member of Darien Lodge in Balboa, serving it as Master Under Dispensation and as Master under Charter in 1921. He served in the District Grand Lodge of the Canal Zone as District Grand Marshal and as District Grand Senior Warden. At his death he was a member of our Committee on Recognition of Foreign Grand Lodges, having for many years given us the benefit of his unexcelled knowledge of Central and South American Masonry.

He was a member of all the York and Scottish Rite bodies and in October 1920, six years after he became a Master Mason, he received the Honorary 33d Degree in the Southern Jurisdiction. Later he served as Deputy of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction for the CanaI Zone, but resigned the office in 1932, though this did not betoken any lessening of his interest in matters Masonic.

He came to Boston on numerous occasions, usually when attending some medical convention here or elsewhere in the States. Our records disclose that in September, 1923, he attended our Quarterly Communication and addressed the Grand Lodge "most entertainingly and instructively upon Masonic conditions in Central America and the northern part of South America."

Perhaps if I should read to you a part of a letter which I have received from Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson (who regrets that he cannot be here today) you will have a better picture of Dr. James. Brother Johnson said in part:

"Bill James was a remarkably able man both medically and Masonically. He was the most profound student of Freemasonry and the most thoroughly acquainted with it and its personnel south of the United States of any Brother in the Craft. lt was for that reason that I suggested his appointment and continuance on the Committee on Recognition of Foreign Grand Lodges. Billy was of inestimable value on that Committee not only on questions of recognition but as a sort of Masonic Moses to our Brethren south of the line. South of Mexico, at least, his advice was almost invariably followed and he kept things remarkably clear of schisms. Grand Lodge Freemasonry owes a great debt to him. Moreover, he was a student of ritual and but for his busy and brilliant career he would have written something worthwhile as the results of his study and research. His death is a shock to me and a loss to the Craft."

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.

JOHNSON, FRANK PHILIP 1871-1943

From Proceedings, Page 1943-19:

Brother Johnson was born in Bozrah, Connecticut, on August 30, 1871, and died suddenly in Springfield, Massachusetts, on January 25, 1943.

Until his retirement in 1941, due to ill health, he was station agent for the Boston and Maine Railroad at Chicopee, Massachusetts, which position he had held for over forty years.

He was raised in Chicopee Lodge on March 26, 1912, and elected Worshipful Master for the years 1917 and 1918. On May 23, 1922, he became a Charter Member of Samuel Osgood Lodge of Springfield and also served this Lodge as its presiding officer in 1923 and 1924. He became District Deputy Grand Master of the Chicopee 18th District in 1940 and 1941, by appointments of Most Worshipfuls Joseph Earl Perry and Albert A. Schaefer.

His interest in the bodies of the York Rite is shown by the following list of offices held by him: Past High Priest of Unity Royal Arch Chapter, Past District Deputy Grand High Priest of the 5th Capitular District, Past Illustrious Master of Springfield Council, R. & S. M., and Past Commander of Springfield Commandery No. 6, K.T. He was also a member of all the Scottish Rite Bodies in Springfield,

We regret, as does his host of good friends, the passing of this kindly Brother and drop a sprig of Acacia to his memory.

JOHNSON, JOSEPH PROSPER 1814-1891

• MM 1848, WM 1851-1854, 1859-1864, King Hiram's
• Special Deputy for Provincetown, 1855-1857
• DDGM, Barnstable 15, 1873

From TROWEL, Fall 1983, Page 14:

Joseph Prosper Johnson: Good Mason, Citizen; by LeRoy E. Atkins

The long and distinguished history of King Hiram's Lodge of Provncetown (1795) reveals many outstanding and committed men to the Craft and the communities they served. Rt. Wor. Waterman Crocker is remembered for keeping Freemasonry during the anti-Masonic era. He was Master 12 years, 1835-47. Grand Lodge recognized his efforts through the appointment of district deputy. Elijah Smith was a founding father of the First National Bank, now called Shawmut Bank of Cape Cod. John M. Crocker, a physician, founded the Provincetown Advocate in 1869. The paper is still published. William H. Young established an insurance agency, served a half century with the Seamen's Savings Bank and! founder of the Provincetown Art Association. George F. Miller of the B.H. Dyer and Co., was-president of Seamen's for 34 years and town moderator for 20 years. Rt. Wor. George S. Chapman was assistant postmaster and Lodge secretary for 16 years. Twelve Masters of the Lodge have been selectmen while 53 others served the town in other capacities. The town has gained from the concern the Craft.

Joseph Prosper Johnson appears to stand tall among the others. Born in Connecticut, July 18, 1814, he came to the Cape's tip end town at age 17, where he and a brother were apprentices at sailmaking. Confident he knew his new trade well, Johnson went into business for himself forming the Hilliard-Johnson and Co., grocers and ship's chandlers. That firm was followed by Johnson and Cook, vessel fitters and packers and dealers in cod and mackerel fish.

Johnson married a Polly Cook on April 27, 1835, but no records show if had been the daughter of his business partner. Johnson was raised in King Hiram's Lodge April 3, 1848, was elected Master in 1850. He resigned four years latej reelected in 1858, serving until 1864. When Brother Johnson left the East of his Lodge he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master. He was a charter member of Joseph Warren Royal Chapter and was later High Priest. He also served as District Deputy High was a member of Boston Commandery, Knights Templar.

In 1845 Bro. Johnson was elected selectman and overseer of the poor for Provincetown, serving four consecutive ms. He was the representative to the Massachusetts General Court for eight terms and served one term in the state senate. He was town moderator for 27 consecutive years. His expertise as the town's best statesman was recognized when the Commonwealth levied its first taxes on the town. Embittered residents sent him Boston to fight for their opposition, giving him seven dollars for expenses. Told to keep an accurate account, he was instructed to return to the town any unspent money. No record shows if any money was returned. A whaling ship was boarded in Boston and Brother Johnson was dropped off at Race Point. His mission had succeeded; he led the fight to have the tax cut in half.

He was a member of the Boston Board of Insurance Underwriters for 20 years. He joined in the formation of the town's first bank in 1854 and led to the appointment of cashier Elijah Smith, a fellow lodge member. Other Lodge members on the board of directors tided Nathaniel Holmes and Joshua Bowley.

Brother Johnson pointed out the need the extension of the Cape Cod railroad to Provincetown. Directors of the bank negotiated a loan with the town, and as town moderator, he directed the committee to meet with railroad officials. The first train reached town July 12, 1871, with President Ulysses S. Grant among the passengers.

With his energies knowing no limitations, Brother Johnson gave the town its fire engine and a clock for the town hall.

Lodge records show he was a trustee until 1891. 
Following a short illness he died April 28 of the same year. He
: to see his son, William
 Wallace Johnson, raised in 1892. The
 son was Master in 1894.

JOHNSON, WALTER F. 1868-1941

From Proceedings, Page 1941-164:

Right Worshipful Brother Johnson was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, on October 11 1868, and died in East Milton on March 31, 1941. Masonic burial services were held at Burroughs Funeral Home, Upham's Corner, Dorchester, on April 2, 1941, Saint Paul's and Hesperia Lodges officiating.

After graduation frorn the John A. Andrew Grammar School, South Boston, in 1883, he was employed in the rubber business until 1901, when he opened a rctail dry goods store in Dorchester and remained there until 1928. Closing that business, he entered the employ of the Grand Lodge of Masons and continued there until his death.

In 1894 he married. Nellie B. Gustin, who predeceased him. There were no children.

Brother Johnson was raised in Saint Paul's Lodge on May 1, 1900, served as Master in 1923, and as Secretary in 1926 and 1927. He affiliated with Dorchester Lodge March 5, 1914, dimitting therefrom September 6, 1917. On September 18, 1928, he affiliated with Hesperia Lodge and served as Secretary from 1929 untll his death. He was also actively interested in the Masonic Secretaries' Association of Massachusetts, serving as its Secretary from 1937 until his passing.

In Grand Lodge he served as District Deputy Grand Master of the (South Boston) 4th District in 1927 and 1928, by appointment of Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson. He was also Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Idaho near this Grand Lodge.

Brother Johnson was a member of Dorchester Royal Arch Chapter and a Past Master of Roxbury Council. He was also a member of all of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Boston. In addition to his Masonic memberships, Brother Johnson had also been active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years and was a member of their Veterans' Association.

Brother Johnson's health had been failing for the past two years and his death, though deeply regretted, was not unexpected by his many friends.

JOHNSON, WILLIAM SHAW 1867-1945

From Proceedings, Page 1945-265:

Brother Johnson was born in Ludlow, Vermont, on December 19, 1867, and died at his home in Franklin, Massachusetts, on August 25, 1945.

He attended the public schools of Ludlow and Black River Academy. At the age of twenty, he moved to Franklin, Massachusetts, and entered the employ of the Snow-Bassett Company as an accountant, in which line of work he continued until 1898, when he entered the insurance business, which profession he followed until his death.

He was raised in Excelsior Lodge on July 9, 1897, and served as Master in 1906 and 1907. Being deeply interested in music, he served as organist during several years.

He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the old 22nd Masonic District in 1928 and 1929, by appointments of Most Worshipful Brothers Frank L. Simpson and Herbert W. Dean.

At the time of his death, he was Chairman of the Committee on Returns of the Grand Lodge, in which position he had efficiently worked for several years.

He seryed as Proxy for Huelen Lodge of Santiago, Chile, from 1933 until his death, and faithfully represented that Lodge in the Grand Lodge.

He was an interested member of Miller Chapter, R.A.M., and served as organist many times.

He took a very active interest in civic affairs, serving as town moderator and as chairman of the finance committee. His work for the American Red Cross was long and efficient.

The splendid life and character of Brother Johnson were well known and appreciated by countless fqiends and citizens of his community. Always a keen student of human nature and well posted on local, state and national affairs, it was ever his endeavor, in a quiet way, to work hard for those things which he believed were good and of benefit to his fellow men. Living serenely and with a complete confidence in the future, he passed on in like manner.

Funeral services were held at his late home on Monday, August 27th, followed by Masonic burial services conducted by Excelsior Lodge.

JOHNSTON, WILLIAM 1801-1857

• MM 1856, Gate of the Temple

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 7, May 1857, Page 223:

South Boston, March 24, 1857.

Bro. C. W. Moore, — At a Regular Communication of Gate-of-the-Temple Lodge held this evening, it was voted that a copy of the following resolutions be sent to the Editor of the Freemasons' Magazine for publication :—

• Whereas, Death, the common inheritance of all the living, has removed from among us our respected friend and Brother, William Johnston,
• Resolved, That by this first visit of death to our Lodge, we are reminded how uncertain is our tenure of life, and how certain is the approach of that hour, but a few days distant, when we must follow through the same mysterious portal to the celestial Lodge above.

Resolved, That while this melancholy event saddens our hearts, we have still the the pleasing reflection, that the conscientious and upright life of our Brother, his devotedness as a friend, his fidelity as a citizen, his honesty and integrity in all his dealings, his faithfulness to the principles of our Order, have won for him a good name, which is above all price, and the respect and esteem of all who knew him.

• Resolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased Brother, our sympathies in the bereavement which has fallen upon them.
• Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of the Lodge, and that a copy of the same be transmitted to the family of our deceased Brother.

Fraternally yours,
Benjamin Pope, Sec'y.

JONES, EDWARD FRANC 1828-1913

Biography by Bro. John C. Darrow, provided by Bro. Gary Heinmiller.

• MM 1851, St. Paul (Ayer)

Edward Franc Jones, b. 3 Jun 1828; d. 14 Aug 1913: bur. Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex, MA.

Masonry is tightly intertwined with the building of this Great Nation! Another community outreach of our Lodge is involvement in the celebration of the accomplishments of Masons, especially those with local ties. One such mason is General Edward Jones, hailing from Binghamton NY, who was a Civil War hero, who answered President Abraham Lincoln's call to arms. When the 150th anniversary of this important event took place in 2011, our Lodge joined with other local groups to celebrate this brave Man and Mason, Edward F. Jones.

On April 19, 2011, our Valley Lodges held a memorial ceremony to honor one of our own, Lt. Governor/ General Edward F. Jones (Jones of Binghamton). It was the 150th anniversary of Jones and his volunteer militia answering President Abraham Lincoln’s call to arms at the outbreak of the Civil War. General Jones was a Master Mason (Raised 1851, age 23), a Knight Templar, in the York Rite and a Scottish Rite Mason, ultimately coroneted a 33° in the Otsiningo Bodies (17 Sep 1889), Valley of Binghamton, AASR.

In my continuing research, I came across an article in the Binghamton Press form April 30, 1909. A headline reads, “Scottish Rite Reunion Closes To-Night.” A great article on the topic which highlights: “According to the opinion of several veteran Masons, who have witnessed scores of similar sessions, the work of the Binghamton Masons in connection with the present reunion has seldom if ever been surpassed. The members have organized under the name of the General Edward F. Jones class. General Jones is a 33o Mason and Dean of the Fraternity in this vicinity. From every point of view, the Annual Reunion of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, which closes tonight with a banquet at the Arlington Hotel, has been a thorough success.”

Wikipedia Entry

Edward Franc Jones (June 3, 1828 Utica, Oneida, NY - August 14, 1913 Binghamton, Broome, NY) was a merchant, manufacturer, author and politician from New York. He was the son of Lorenzo B. Jones and Sophronia (Chapman) Jones. He was educated at Leicester, MA. In 1850, he married Mary A. Tarbell, of Pepperell, MA.

He fought with the 6th & 26th Massachusetts Regiments in the Civil War. On February 24, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Jones for the award of the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general, United States Volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, for meritorious services during the war. The U.S. Senate confirmed the award on April 10, 1866. In 1862, he married Susan Annie Brown, from Boston. In 1865, he opened a scales manufacturing plant at Binghamton, and became widely known as "Jones of Binghamton" for his new means of advertising. He created the slogan "Jones pays the freight" or "Jones, he pays the freight", meaning that, unlike his competitors, he would not charge anything for the delivery of his scales to the buyer.

He was Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1886 to 1891, elected on the Democratic ticket with Governor Dvid B. Hill in 1885 and 1888. In 1905, he published the novel Richard Baxter: A Story of New England Life of 1830 to 1840, which may be read online. He was buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. His home at Binghamton, known as the Gen. Edward F. Jones House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

BINGHAMTON SAVINGS BANK — Among the interesting things brought to light was the first book ever kept by the bank showing the deposits. May 15th. 1867, Gen. Edward F. Jones deposited five cents in the bank. He was the first depositor.

During his Binghamton days, he lived at 13 Bates Place [Street], now Asbury Court.

• Johnson City Lodge web site
• Wikipedia entry
• Richard Baxter at archive.org
• Biography at Civil War interactive
• Local History article on the Jones house
• Local news article on Johnson City Lodge commemoration
• Local obituary
• New York Times obituary
• Binghamton Press obituary

JORDAN, CHARLES G. 1875-1936

From Proceedings, Page 1936-141:

Right Worshipful Brother Jordan was born in Braintree June 27, 1875, and died there May 21, 1936.

Brother Jordan was educated in the public schools of Braintree, Adams Academy at Quincy, and Tufts College, which gave him a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1896.

Brother Jordan's early business was the conduct of a grain, hay, and flour business. While thus engaged, he became Treasurer of the South Shore Cooperative Bank. This work so interested him that he decided to devote his whole time to banking. He retained his connection with the Cooperative Bank for the rest of his life, and became a Director of the Weymouth Trust Company and manager of a branch office. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Cooperative Bank League.

He served the town as a member of many important committees and was long one of the three Light Commissioners. He was the organizer and first President of the Weymouth Rotary Club.

He was raised in Delta Lodge February 23, 1904, was its Master in 1912 and 1913, and its Secretary from 1920 until his death. He was Junior Grand Steward in 1914 and District Deputy Grand Master for the Twenty-sixth Masonic District in 1916 and 1917, by appointment of Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson and Most Worshipful Leon M. Abbott. He was a member of Pentalpha Chapter and a member and Past Commander of South Shore Commandery.

A memorial committee of his Lodge characterized him as "rich in the love and esteem of all who knew him; blessed and fortunate as having no such thing as an enemy; honored for his integritv, skill, and judgment in business, in finance, in public service, and in Masonry."

JORDAN, HENRY 1823-1866

• MM 1860, Lodge of St. Andrew

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, No. 1, November 1866, Page 31:

Boston, Sept. 13, 1866.

At a meeting of Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, the following tribute of respect to the memory of our late Secretary, Brother Henry Jordan, and of sympathy with his family, was presented; and it was —

• Voted, That it be entered on our records, and a copy, signed by the members, be sent to the family of our deceased brother.

John Albree, Secretary pro tem.

Our fraternal circle is broken ! Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix weeps over the loss of "one of her most beloved!" Henry Jordan is no more ! A few days ago, we clasped his hand in fraternal love; now he has joined the company of "All Saints," and walks with them in Paradise.

On the 7th of September, by a Providence mysterious to us, he was suddenly called from earth to heaven. His last purpose, to visit and cheer his and our friend and brother, was eminently illustrative of that "new law," unfolded in our beautiful ritual, which he so fully exemplified in his daily life.

We have performed the last rites and strewed the "Sprig of Acacia" over his lifeless remains, leaving them in the quiet grave, there to rest until the resurrection morn. It only remains for us, in a few expressive words, to record our respect and esteem for him whose loss we so deeply deplore. Our brother was one who faithfully performed every duty. Genial in his disposition, kindly in his manner, he was ever loving and beloved. We found liim a faithful brother, a trusty friend, and a sincere Christian.

He has left us a bright example. God give us grace to follow him as he followed the "Master."

We mingle our tears with those of the bereaved family; to them we extend our heartfelt sympathy. In an affliction so deep, so unexpected, language seems too feeble to express the depth of our emotions. We commend the afflicted widow and fatherless children —

"To Him who cloth vouchsafe to bear
The bitter anguish of despair;
Who soothes the heart oppressed with woe,
And gently dries the tears that flow."

JOSLIN, HOMER SHUMWAY 1862-1943

From Proceedings, Page 1943-165:

Brother Joslin was born in Oxford, Massachusetts, on December 14, 1862, and died at his home in that place on September 10, 1943.

After graduation from Philips Exeter Academy in 1881, he entered the shoe manufacturing business, in which he remained until his retirement in 1922 as President of the H. S. Joslin Company.

He took an active interest in town affairs, serving as Moderator for thirty-two years, and was also a member of the School Board and of the Board of Health.

He was raised in Oxford Lodge on July 19, 1897, and served as Master in 1903-1904. By appointment of Most Worshipful John Albert Blake, he serv'ed as District Deputy Grand Master of the old 19th District in 1907 and 1908.

On December 27, 1911, he was elected a member of the Board of Masonic Relief and his service was continuous and faithful until his death. His deep interest in the Masonic Home was shown by his frequent visits and his kindly attention to the guests there, as well as by his regular attendance upon the meetings of the Board of Relief in Boston.

He was exalted in Tyrian Chapter, R.A.M., of Millbury on October 4, 1898, and served as High Priest in 1907. He was greeted in Hiram Council, R. & S. M., in 1899, and knighted in Worcester County Commandery, K.T., in 1900.

He was buried in North Cemetery in Oxford on September 12, 1943, the Masonic burial service being conducted by Oxford Lodge.

His was a life of unselfish service to the community and to Freemasonry and his memory should inspire us all to follow in his footsteps and to be guided by his ideals.

"We can be great by helping one another;
We can be loved for very simple deeds;
Who has the grateful mention of a brother
Has really all the honor that he needs."

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Distinguished Brothers