Craft Masonry in Ontario, Seneca and Yates Counties, New York

“A system of speculative masonry: in its origin, patronage, dissemination ...,” by Salem Town, page 265.

http://books.google.com/books?id=CSsiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA265&dq=%22harmony+lodge+no.+293%22&cd=1#v=onepage&q=%22harmony%20lodge%20no.%20293%22&f=false

1822 Officers of Harmony Lodge No. 293, Gorham, NY: R. W. Chester Loomis, James P. Robinson, Ira Merrill, Oliver Harwood, David Sprague.

http://www.osydistrict.org/Histories.html

On December 11th, 1854, Canandaigua Lodge No. 294 recommended the petition for Rushville Lodge. Grand Lodge granted a Dispensation February 23rd, 1855, with Ambrose S. Thomas as its first Master. One of its first members was Chester Loomis, who had been Master of Harmony No. 273, the first Lodge in the Rushville area before surrendering its Charter during the Morgan Affair.

In 1855, the first meetings took place in Watkins Hall. The building had been a Methodist Church and at the time served as the Old Fellows Hall. Fire devastated the building and several others in 1882. The fire destroyed all records except the Lodge Register, the signature book and the ledger, which resided in the Secretary's home.

The Lodge then purchased a low, one and one-half story building on the corner of Green and Main Streets and moved across the street. In 1887, the Lodge voted to raise the roof and add another floor. Due to its indebtedness, the Lodge lost the building. The Lodge then paid rent to

H. Collins Mapes and sublet the rooms to the Maccabees. In 1890, Rushville No. 377 repurchased the building.

As the Lodge prospered, this building became too small. With the aid of field days and other money-raising events, the sale of the old building and generous contributions from the member- ship, the Lodge erected the present building 1922-23 on the corner of Main and Gilbert Streets. Grand Master S. Nelson Sawyer laid the cornerstone in December 1922. Fewer than 10 years later, a fire damaged the north side of the building.

In 1937, the Trustees voted to purchase the lot on the north side of the Temple, moved the Temple to this lot and built a gasoline station on the vacated corner lot. In 1943, a flash flood destroyed the north wall, tipping the building to the creek. After raising or lifting the building and rebuilding the wall, the work of the Lodge continues to this day. and the Lodge turned in its Charter in 1829 during the Morgan Affair. The hunger for fellowship and Brotherhood, which grew in the armies during the Civil War led to a resurgence of Masonry during the 1860's. Many soldiers joined Military Lodges during their time of service and, upon war's end desired to continue their Masonic ties.

Such was the case in Honeoye when, in 1866 a group of area Masons signed a petition to organize a Lodge in the Village. The petition was recommended by Naples Lodge No. 133 and Union Lodge No. 45 on April 7, 1866. A Dispensation was granted on July 30, 1866 by Robert Holmes, GM. The first Officers of Eagle Lodge U.D. were: Ami Stevens, Master; Amos Hilborn, SW; Gardner Marble, JW; John Wilson, Treasurer and Ransom McCrossen, Secretary.

The first meeting of Eagle Lodge was held U.D. on August 4, 1866 in the rooms over E.W. Gilbert's Store, which stood in a block of frame buildings. This cluster of buildings was destroyed by fire on April 30, 1930. On June 4, 1867, a Charter was granted to Eagle Lodge No. 619 by Stephen H. Johnson, GM. The first meeting held under the new Charter was on July 15, 1867.

Over the years, many fundraising events were held which, in 1966, allowed the Lodge to purchase land on West Lake Road. Many more fundraising events and sacrifices by all of the Brothers resulted in the erection and dedication of our present building in 1981.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/potterbioa-l.htm

W. A. Carson, MD, of Rushville, NY, son of William A. and Margaret (DISBRO) CARSON, was born at Seneca, Ontario, NY, 11 Nov 1841. He was educated at Canandaigua Academy (1858), Genesee Seminary and College (1859-61) and Albany Medical College (1862-63). He was formerly a farmer, and is now practicing physician and druggist. He was resident physician of the Albany Hospital in 1864, chairman of the Board of Education of Rushville Union School for nine years, and president of the Yates County Medical Society in 1888. Dr. CARSON cast his first vote for President LINCOLN in 1864, and has since been a steadfast Republican. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors from the town of Potter two terms, being chairman one year, president of the village of Rushville three terms and was elected to the Assembly of New York State by a plurality of 1,033, his opponents being Henry M. HUNTINGTON (Democrat) and John KLINE (Prohibitionist). The Republican plurality in 1887 was 370. In the towns of Potter and Middlesex, Mr. CARSON received the largest vote ever given to any candidate for member of Assembly since the formation of the towns. He is a member of Rushville Lodge, F&AM. He married 1 Feb 1865, Elizabeth A., d/o C. W. NEWMAN of Gorham, NY and they had two children, Harriet N. and William A. CARSON Jr.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/potterbiom-w.htm

David M. McMasters, son of David J. and Laura MC MASTERS, was born 27 Aug 1839 in Potter, NY. He was educated at the common schools and has always lived upon the farm. In politics a Republican, Mr. MC MASTERS has taken an active interest in the affairs of this town. He has been supervisor for two terms and is a member of Lodge of F&AM of Rushville. 16 Nov 1865, he married Emma, daughter of Charles BORDWELL, of this town, by whom he had three children, Nellie F., who married Charles SILVERNAIL; Carrie L. and Charles S.
Seneca Lake Lodge No. 308, West Dresden, Yates, New York

Warrant: 11 Jun 1853; destroyed by fire; reissued 8 May 1902

See also: Reading Dundee Lodge No. 308; preceded by Reading No. 366c, 7 Jun 1823; renamed Ionic (Reading-Ionic) in 1828; surrendered 1831; revived as Reading-Dundee No. 308, 3 Jun 1847; became Dundee No. 123, 4 Jun 1858; fire 20 Jun 1900; reissued 2 May 1900.

http://books.google.com/books?id=rkUZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA220&dq=%22seneca+lake+lodge+No.+308%22&cd=5#v=onepage&q=%22seneca%20lake%20lodge%20No.%20308%22&f=false page 221.

1855 Lodge List:

SENECA LAKE LODGE, NO. 308

West Dresden, Yates Co. Meets on Saturdays, on or next preceding the full moon.

Date of Carter, June11th, 5853.


Ambrose H. Condit, .Worshipful Master

John Bogert, , Senior Warden

Aaron R. McLean, Junior Warden,

Geo. W. Simmons, Treasurer

Jas. D. Condit, Secretary

Geo. W. Pettingill, Senior Deacon

Jesse Havens, Junior Deacon

Charles Havens, Steward

Thomas Veazie, Jr., Steward
Israel Graves, Master of Ceremonies

Geo. W. Brundage, Chaplain

John Veazie, Tiler.

PAST MASTER

Ambrose H. Condit.
MEMBERS.

John Agar,

David K. Allington,

Wm. E. Benny,

Wright Brown,

John B. Buckley,

Silas J. Buckley

Robert Downey,

Henry Dubois,

Dewit C. Frink,

Caleb Goundry,

Geo. W. Graves,

Luther Harris,

Caleb J. Legg,

Henry Milton,

David Prosser,

Chas. J. Townsend,

Thomas Veazie, Sen.

David S. Wagener,

Chas. P. Willis,

James (or William) Brown

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/torreybioa-l.htm

James Brown, a native of Scotland, emigrated to America with his parents in his boyhood. The family first settled in Livingston County. In 1803 or 1804, James purchased a farm in the town of Benton, built him a log cabin, and soon after married Mary BARNES, of Benton. He died on the place in 1818. The widow survived until 1845. They reared five sons and two daughters. Alexander, the youngest, succeeded his father on the homestead, married Elizabeth WILKIE, and died in 1859. His widow now resides in Geneva.

John W. BROWN, born 13 Oct 1809, remained with his parents until he attained his majority. He was a natural mechanic and commenced his business life as a carpenter and builder. Many of the fine residences in Benton and Torrey are specimens of his skill. He married Eliza A. MEEKER, of Benton, and resided near Bellona until 1878, when he removed to Michigan, where he died in 1888. His wife died 1 Jan 1858. They had nine children, four daughters and five sons.

Only one of the five sons resides in Yates, William, born 16 Aug 1833. 4 Jul 1855, he married Elizabeth MITTOWER, and in Jan 1859, removed to the homestead of his wife’s father. Mr. BROWN is a Democrat and a worthy and reliable citizen. He is a member of Seneca Lodge No. 308, F&AM, and is now serving his eleventh year as Worthy Master.

Amos A. Norman

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/yates/sketches/torreybiom-y.htm

Solomon Norman, born 8 Feb 1761 in Cleveland, Yorkshire, England, came to America in early manhood. He located first at Geneva, where he was engaged as overseer of a gang of slaves. In 1803 he purchased of William SPRING of Northumberland County, Pa., the Norman homestead at three dollars per acre, now owned by his grandson, Amos A. NORMAN. 7 Dec 1806, he married Susannah CHARLES, of Geneva. He was a gentleman of the old school, well educated, held town offices and the invention of the first grain drill is attributed to him. He remained on their farm until about 1840 when he went to Illinois, where he died 1 May 1846. Mrs. NORMAN died 18 Jul 1826.

They were the parents of twelve children. His youngest child, Harvey W. NORMAN was born 18 Feb 1825 and succeeded his father on this homestead. He was prominent in the Presbyterian Church and an F. and A.M. He was a Republican holding the office of supervisor and other town offices. 12 Nov 1846, he married Nancy A. VAN DEVENTER, who was born 9 Sep 1825. He died 21 Jul 1879.

Their children were:

Minard A., b. 3 Sep 1848, married Hattie M. HAZARD, of Torrey in 1867, was a farmer and mason and died 9 May 1883;

Amos A., b. 1 Jul 1850; d. Apr 1912. Amos A. NORMAN was a farmer and fruit grower on the homestead. He is a prominent Republican and has been honored with several town offices, including supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has been many years worshipful Master of Seneca Lodge No. 308 (and a 40 year member). He has been twice married: 18 Mar 1875, he married Olive A. BROWN, who died 13 Jan 1876. They had one child, deceased. 6 Feb 1878 he married Mary E. MARLOW, to whom four children have been born:

Harry W., b. 11 Apr 1880;

Maud A. b. 28 Sep 1881;

William A., b. 31 Dec 1882;

Stephen D., b. 02 Sep, 1884.

Appendix I

http://books.google.com/books?id=-GciAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA828&lpg=PA828&dq=%22John+N.+Macomb,+Jr.%22&source=bl&ots=UnpHyp80v6&sig=DKzUeZWx1SQnDYoI2RBpDCdaq3g&hl=en&ei=Cm55S7bLMNub8AbuteGVCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22John%20N.%20Macomb%2C%20Jr.%22&f=false page 828.

JERUSALEM COMMANDERY, No. 17,

PENN YAN.
(Contributed by Sir John N. Macomb, Jr.)

In the year 1848 the first effort was made to establish an Encampment at Penn Yan, in the then unoccupied territory extending from Utica to Rochester, and from Lake Ontario to Pennsylvania. On the 17th of May. with this end in view, John L. Lewis. Jr.. and Davison Mosher went to Rochester, where they received the Orders of Masonic Knighthood at the hands of that veteran Mason, William E. Lathrop. Associating with themselves several other Knights of the Order, in Feb 1840. they applied to M. E. Robert R. Boyd, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the State of NY, for a dispensation to organize an Encampment at Penn Yan. Owing to some informality this petition was not received: it was, however, renewed in the following June, in proper form, and was presented to Grand Master Boyd, accompanied by the required fee in the form of a draft for $00. which was placed by the Grand Master (who was at that time also Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge) in the tin box which contained the Grand Lodge funds.

In the scramble for the spoils, which formed an important event in that unfortunate and unhappy communication of the Grand Lodge, the victors bore off, among other treasures, this particular draft, payment of which was stopped at the bank, and it was not until the 25th of February, 1850, that the dispensation was placed in the hands of the petitioners. It. however, bears this endorsement: "Granted on payment of fees, June 7th, 1849, J. M. Hatch, G. R. p. C

On the 9th of June, 1850. a charter was issued, signed by James Hegeman, Grand Master; William E. Lathrop, D. G. M.; George L. Thatcher. Gr. Generalissimo; and John L. Lewis, Jr., Gr. Capt. Gen., authorizing Davison Mosher as Grand Commander; John L. Lewis, Jr., as Gen.; Cornelius Masten as Capt. Gen., to confer the Orders of Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Templar, Knights of Malta, Knights of the Christian Mark, and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The petitioners for the dispensation were as follows:

Davison Mosher, of Monroe Encampment, No. 12, Rochester, NY.

John L. Lewis, Jr., of Monroe Encampment, No. 12, Rochester, NY.

Cornelius Masten, of Morton Encampment, No. 4, New York. NY.

William M. Oliver, of Columbian Encampment, No. 1, New York, NY.

John Daggett, of Genesee Encampment, No. 10, Lockport, NY.

Clement W. Bennett, of Washington Encampment. No. 1, Washington, DC.

Rev. Wm. H. Goodwin, of Washington Encampment, No. 1, Washington. DC.

William C. Bishop, of Louisville Encampment, No. 1, Louisville, KY.

John Trimble.

The last named is recorded as having received the Orders of Knighthood in Ireland, but no Encampment is given. The name "Jerusalem" given to this Encampment, was from the original name of the township in which its asylum is located.

The first conclave was held on the first day of March. 1850. At this time the only Commandery occupying any portion of the territory named in the beginning of this sketch, besides Jerusalem, was Town. U. D. (now No. 16), at Auburn.

Within a few years from this time, Jerusalem Commandery had conferred the Orders of Knighthood upon the greater part of the material resident within easy reach of its asylum; none from the more distant portions of its jurisdiction applying except on two occasions, when they were looking toward the organization of new Commanderies.

On the 9th day of April. A. D. 1852, consent was given to the organization of St. Omer's Commandery, No. 19. at Elmira, and soon afterward Dc Molay Commandery, No. 22, was organized at Hornellsville; these concessions cut off a very important part of our territorial jurisdiction.

On the 20th day of January, A. D. 1860, consent was given to the organization of Geneva Commandery. No. 20. and this reduced us to only one Chapter. Penn Yan. No. lop; for, although Ovid Chapter, No. 92. is still within our jurisdiction, the companions of that Chapter find it more convenient to go to Geneva for their Orders of Chivalry, and they accordingly go, "asking no questions for conscience's sake."

The history of Jerusalem Commandery contains so few matters of general interest, aside from the facts connected with its own organization and that of other Commanderies within the limits of its original jurisdiction, that a further discussion thereof would be out of place in this sketch.

Subjoined is a list of the Eminent Commanders of Jerusalem Commandery since its organization:

1850. Davison Mosher.
1851-52. John L. Lewis.
1853. Charles G. Judd.
1854. Henry P. Sartwell. M. D.
1855-58. Charles G. Judd.
1859-60. Darius A. Ogden.
1861-66. John L. Lewis.
1867-69. James Burns.
1870. Robert P. Bush, M. D.
1871-72. James Burns.
1873-74. Franklin E. Smith.
1875-77. Charles S. Eastman.
1878-82. John N. Macomb, Jr.

Appendix II

JAMES L. GILLIS and JOHN WHITNEY

“History of the abduction of William Morgan, and the anti-masonic excitement ...” by A. P. Bentley page 84-96.

http://books.google.com/books?id=LiA7rletu88C&pg=PA91&dq=%22samuel+gillis%22+%22victor%22&cd=6#v=onepage&q=%22samuel%20gillis%22%20%22victor%22&f=false

We have grouped these two individuals under one subhead for the reason that they were jointly presented in the indictment as co-criminals, for what reason it was never known except to the prosecutors and the grand jury who found the bill. We shall, however, in treating of their cases take up each separately, and unlike the Court before whom they were tried, grant them separate trials. It was said that the reason they were jointly presented, was, that the Anti-masonic committee found they had more evidence to convict Whitney than Gillis, and by indicting and trying them together they hoped to secure two victims instead of one. This may have been the proper solution, as it appeared they had some evidence against Whitney, while none worthy of belief was ever produced against Gillis.

It has already been mentioned in speaking of the case of Barrage Smith that Mr. Whitney came to Canandaigua with that gentleman on the memorable 12th of September. His business there ostensibly was to employ a stone cutter for his business in Rochester, and his partner in his testimony on the trial stated they were in want of such a workman, and that Whitney told him that was his business to Canandaigua on the morning before leaving Rochester. But it was generally believed that Smith and Whitney went there that day pursuant to an arrangement to receive Morgan and take him to Niagara. While at Canandaigua, he made inquiries for a stone cutter, and several parties who knew him met him and testified that that appeared to be his only business. He was not at the jail when Morgan was taken out, but was overtaken by the carriage, traveling on foot, a mile or two out of the village. He got up and rode on the seat with the driver to Victor, when he procured a horse and went on ahead of the carriage to Rochester, where it is supposed he made the arrangements for the ' second carriage that took up the party at Hanford's. He went on with the carriage to Lewiston, or near there, and attended the Installation on the 14th, and returned to Rochester in the steamboat with Smith the following day. His own version of the affair is given in his testimony at the second trial of Mr. Gillis, which was as follows:

"John Whitney being duly sworn, stated in substance that he started from. Rochester for Canandaigua on the 12th of September, 1824, in company with Burrage Smith, for the purpose of collecting a bill due him at Victor, and to get a stone cutter at Canandaigua, which was his only business and only object he had in view, and that he did not then know that Morgan was to be taken away. That he was imperfectly acquainted with the defendant at that time. he got on the box of the carriage containing Morgan about a mile out of Canandaigua. James L. Gillis was not in the carriage to his knowledge. He did not know Morgan at that time. Rode in the carriage to Beach's tavern at Victor, where he left it when watering at the trough, and got a horse of Dr. Beach to go to Rochester. He did not see the carriage after he left it to go into Beach's until he saw it at the Reservoir at Rochester. When he waked them up at Beach's he went around to the kitchen door and from thence into the bar-room, where he saw two or three persons, among whom was one of the Gillises; he thinks Enos, with whom he drank; was there in all, twenty minutes- or half an hour—did not see James L. Gillis there, nor on the road to Rochester, nor at Hanford's Landing, where he was present when they changed carriages, and he could not have been there without his knowing it; Gillis did not ride out with him, nor did he see him to his knowledge at any place or any where on the road; no man of that name accompanied him, nor did he see any one of that name on the road. He knew of no restraint upon Morgan. He did not hear him threatened—he was not gagged, nor blinded, nor to his knowledge was he intoxicated. He heard some fault found with Morgan about the course he had pursued. Morgan manifested regret, and he (witness) understood from the company and from Morgan, that Morgan was going west, secretly, for the purpose of preventing Miller and his associates from knowing where he did go—with the object in view to stop the publication of the book they were about to publish, and he (witness) verity believed this was the real object.

"Morgan complained of Miller and his associates—said they had led him astray, and he was sorry for it. He appeared perfectly satisfied in going off, and spoke of an arrangement to go. On the Ridge Road they stopped at two public houses, and at an orchard they got out, gathered and ate apples, Morgan among the others, each walking about at pleasure. There was no jug of liquor in the carriage, but there was some brought into it in a tumbler. Witness took supper at Wright's and went on with the carriage to within about ten miles of Lewiston. Witness does not know that Morgan was carried out of the State, nor what became of him. The carriage was not closed all the time. He had no conversation with the Gillis whom he saw at Beach's on the subject of Morgan. James L. Gillis did not ride in the carriage with Smith and himself from Victor to Canandaigua. Witness did not take tea at Ackley's, nor was he about the post office that day, or night, except coming in or going out from Canandaigua. The persons in the carriage were addressed by their correct names. He informed, or engaged to inform, those who were going to the Installation at Lewiston that this carriage was on its way, and he expected himself to go with them. It was told to Morgan that he should be as well taken care of as though he published the book, if he did as he agreed. He docs not remember of hearing any reason for putting Morgan into the carriage by force, but Morgan admitted that he had agreed with Loton Lawson that he had agreed to go, and appeared to apologize, and stated that he did not know what the arrangements were at the jail. Witness thoroughly understood that the only object was to keep Morgan from Miller and his associates, and stop the publication of the book.”

When Whitney was apprised while at work on the Ohio canal that Garlinghouse was on his way to arrest him, he left Louisville and went to St. Louis, where a brother-in-law of his resided, but after remaining there for a short time returned voluntarily to Rochester and surrendered himself. James L. Gillis, the co-respondent of Whitney, at the time of the Morgan abduction was a resident of the Northwestern part of Pennsylvania, where he had located in the year 1822. He was a native of Washington, county, New York. He served in the war of 1812 and was with General Scott at the battle of Lundy's Lane, where he was wounded. That part of Pennsylvania to which he had emigrated was "at the time a wild country . . .

. . . he went to Canandaigua to negotiate a draft on Philadelphia at one of the banks in that village, but not having completed his business when the regular stage left he returned in the evening by a “return extra coach,” to Victor. He then concluded to go on to Rochester the same night to expedite matters and close up his business preparatory for his early return to his home in Pennsylvania. He had in Rochester previously sold a quantity of wheat and purchased a lot of mill irons to take with him back to Pennsylvania. He things he must have been ahead of the Morgan carriage all the way to Rochester, as he neither saw or heard of it, and had never till some days afterwards ever heard of Morgan at all. A witness by the name of Felt on the trial, testified that “Gillis is a thorough driving man who starts on a journey without regard to day or night.” Another witness testified that “Gillis is a businessman and very enterprising." He having closed his affairs in that section of the country, soon after returned to his home in Pennsylvania. It was some time in that out of the way section of the country before he heard what was going on, or that he was accused of being one of the "Morgan abductors," but it did reach him after a while, and he at once started for Canandaigua to inquire into matters, and confront his accusers. When he arrived at Canandaigua he was formally arrested before he got out of the stage, and put under bonds to appear at a future term of the Court.

At the term of Court to which he was recognized to appear, he was present and demanded his trial, but Whitney not having returned from the west, Gillis was refused a trial until his co-respondent was arrested and in the jurisdiction of the Court. So he alternated back and forth between New York and Pennsylvania at every term of the Court for nearly two years. It was finally stipulated between the attorneys that Mr. Gillis need not attend any more terms, until he was served with notice that the prosecutor and Court were ready to bear and determine his case.

At length Whitney returned and was arraigned on the indictment. The case came on for trial at the May term, 1829. A notice of the time of the trial had been sent by mail, but owing to the irregularities of the mail facilities of that day, and the great distance to any post office from Mr. Gillis' residence it failed to, reach him. The opening proceedings in the case, are here subjoined, from which it will be seen that Mr. Gillis was not present, but was patiently awaiting a summons at his home in Pennsylvania, to appear when informed his case was ready for trial:

"ontario General Sessions, May Term, 1829.

The People, vs. John Whitney and James L. Gillis - Indictment for conspiracy, etc

"nathaniel Howell, Judge.

"for The People—