MOGMWStubblefield
WILLIAM RUFUS STUBBLEFIELD 1835-1909
Grand Master, 1880-1881
BIOGRAPHY
From Biographies of Past Grand Masters, 1821-1901, by the Grand Lodge of Missouri:
Note: This biography was written when Brother Stubblefield was still alive. He died in 1909 and is buried in Ash Grove Cemetery in Ash Grove, Missouri.
Most Worshipful Brother William R. Stubblefield appears, from the annals of the Grand Lodge, to have been recognized in 1874 by appointment as Grand Marshal. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Sixteenth District in 1875, and again in 1876. At the Annual Communication of 1877 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, in 1878 Senior Grand Warden, in 1879 Deputy Grand Master, and in 1880 Most Worshipful Grand Master. He was succeeded by Brother A. M. Dockery.
Brother Stubblefield was born in Greenfield, Greene County, Illinois, May 8, 1835; received his education in the schools of that day. At the age of twenty-one he engaged as a merchant's clerk in Carrollton, Illinois, remaining but a few months, when he came to St. Louis, August 15, 1856, entering a wholesale hat house, and later in a clothing house, which he followed until 1898, when he removed to Salem, Missouri, remaining there two years, and returned to St. Louis to connect himself with the street railway system.
Brother Stubblefield began his Masonic life in Occidental Lodge No. 163, in which he was raised March 13, 1859, and has continuously held membership since. He was quickly recognized by appointment as Senior Deacon, followed by election as Senior Warden. At this time the Civil War cloud hovered over St. Louis; the house he was connected with established a branch house in Chicago, Illinois, when Brother Stubblefield removed there to assume charge, remaining in that city until 1870, when he returned to St. Louis.
During the period spent in Chicago he was exalted in Lafayette Royal Arch Chapter No. 2 in 1864, and received the Cryptic degrees in Chicago Council No. 4, Royal and Select Masters the same year. The Orders of Knighthood were conferred upon him in Apollo Commandery No. 1 in 1864. He received all the degrees in the Scottish Rite bodies of Chicago during 1866. The exact dates of his connection with various bodies cannot be obtained, as all records were destroyed in the great fire that almost swept Chicago out of existence.
Returning to St. Louis he severed his connection with the several Masonic bodies in Chicago. April 12, 1871, he affiliated with Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter No. 50, was elected Excellent High Priest for 1872, 1873, 1874, and again for 1891. He also served as Worshipful Master of Occidental Lodge in 1874. Tyrian Council No. 13, Royal and Select Masters, was organized largely through the efforts of Companion Stubblefield, and he was rewarded by election as Thrice Illustrious Master. He affiliated with Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8, Knights Templar, and was elected Eminent Commander in 1875. His membership still remains in that Commandery.
Brother Stubblefield assisted in organizing Tuscan Chapter No. 68, Order Eastern Star, in 1868, and was the first Worthy Patron. He was Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter O. E. S. the third year after its organization.
He was anointed, consecrated and set apart to the Order of High Priesthood, and served as Master of Ceremonies for many years.
In the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters he was elected Most Illustrious Grand Master October, 1876, and served one term. In the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons he was elected Grand Scribe in 1874, Grand King in 1875, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1876, and Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 1877. He served as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, 1890 to 1897, inclusive.
