CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF Union "Mark" Lodge, CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE. COMPILED BY CHARLES B, SPOFFORD, 32° M.'. E.'. H.'. P.'. WKBB CHAPTER, NO. 6. , paST MASTKK COLOMBIAN COONCIL, NO. 2. The original of this bool< is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030289254 MONOGRAPH OF Union "Mark" lodge, No. 1, Claremont, New Hampshire. AN ABSTRACT FROM THE RECORDS, WITH A LIST OF ITS MEMBERS. COMPILED BY CHARLES B. SPOFFORD. 32° M.'. E.". H.". P.". WEBB CHAPTER, NO. 6. PAST MASTER COLUMBIAN COUNCIL, NO. Z. PRIVATELY PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, i891. Ms 6-37 ^^. H -^^ ^^ g ^>^^pr^^ ( ? 3 /3 INTRODUCTION. The records of an o%anization, of which there was never but one chartered in this state, seemed to me to be of sufificient interest to place before the Companions of this Chapter ; and the fact of its having been organized prior to the establishment of Grand Chapter, and even before the Chapter itself, lends historical interest to the record of those men who nearly three-quarters of a cen- tury ago laid the foundations of our present Chapter and Council. C. B. SPOFFORD. Claremont, N. H., September ist, 1891. UNION "MARK" LODGE. The first recorded attempt at obtaining a dispensation for a " Mark Lodge " occurs in the records of " Hiram Lodge," on May 5th, 1802, when the Master, Daniel Barber, was instructed to procure a "marked lodge," and the sum of ten dollars was voted to pay for the same. The same vote was again taken September ist, in the same year, and the "Wardens & Secretary were instruct- ed to furnish a recommendation for that purpose." These dispensations were undoubtedly obtained for the purpose of conferring the " mark " upon Brother Daniel Barber, the newly elected Master, previous to his receiv- ing the Past Master's degree. The vote of September, was to enable Dr. Linus Stevens to receive the same degree. In each instance they were obtained from the Grand Mas- ter, and the sum of ten dollars was paid by the Lodge. The next record in connection with a "Mark Lodge occurs as follows : Albany, T,d July, i8i8. W. Brethren, I inclose the dispensation requested & wishing you prosperity in your individual and collective capacity, I am yours fraternally, DeWITT CLINTON. Benjamin Tyler & i Joseph Rice and > associates. ) " The fee due for the dispensation and which goes to the General Grand Chapter is Twenty dollars which you will please to forward by mail." (6) [ A Copy of the Dispensation^, To all Mark Master Masons — Greeting — Be it known that I, DeWitt Clinton, Grand High Priest of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States of America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter aforesaid do by this letter of dispensation authorize and empower our worthy brethren Benjamin Tyler, Joseph Rice, John Taylor, Thomas Haxton ( Saxton,) Elisha Hitch- cock, Joseph Alden, Charles Higbee, Junior, James B. Andrews, Sam'l Higbee, Roswell Elmer, Zenas Hitchcock, junior, and Lemuel Hitchcock, and their associates, to form, open, and hold a lodge of Mark Master Masons in the Town c(f Claremont, in the State of New Hampshire, from the date hereof until the next meeting of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter, ( unless it should be my pleasure to sooner revoke the same ) which lodge shall be called Union Mark Lodge, No. I, and I do hereby appoint Daniel Barber to be the first Master, Stephen Rice to be the first Senior Warden, and Nathan Bingham to be the first Junior Warden, divesting them with full power and authority to assemble upon lawful and proper oc- casions and to perform all such acts as have been and ought to be done for the advantage of Free Masonry. I ^■■^- ! Given under my hand & privy seal at the City of Albany, Anno Domini i8i8, of Masonry 5818. DeWITT CLINTON. Superscribed. S3>^c. Messrs. Benjamin Tyler & Josph Rice, Claremont, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. On July 13th following, the following Masons met at Zenas Hitchcock's hall* : Stephen Blanchard, Jr., Stephen Rice, Nathan *Zenas Hitchcock lived at what is now Cross's Hotel, West Claremont; kept store in the buudmg opposite; was born in the house now owned by Daniel Bowker. (7) Bingham, Thomas Saxton, Zenas Hitchcock, Roswell Elmer, Jno. Aluen, Charles Higbee, Jr., John Hitch- cock, Jr., John Tyler, Benj'm Tyler, Samu'l Higbee, and James B. Andrews. [Believers in the fatality of thirteen take notice — thir- teen men on the thirteenth of the month.] After reading the letter of dispensation a Lodoje of Mark Master Masons was opened in due form, the follow- ing serving as ofiScers Pro Tem : Master, R. W. Stephen Blanchard, Jr. Senior Warden, W. Stephen Rice. Junior Warden, W. Nathan Bingham. Secretary, Joseph Alden. Treasurer, Joseph Rice. M. Overseer, Thomas F. Saxton. Senior Overseer, Zenas Hitchcock. Junior Overseer, Roswell Elmer. Stewards i Charles Higbee, Jr. btewards, j j^^^ Hitchcock, Jr. Tyler, John Tyler. Thomas F. Saxton, Zenas Hitchcock and Stephen Rice were chosen a committee to form a code of By-Laws and seven dollars was determined upon as the fee for the degree. Daniel Barber, Stephen Rice and Stephen Bing- ham were chosen to return thanks for the dispensation. John Hitchcock, Jr., Lemuel Hitchcock, Benjamin Tyler, Stephen Rice, and Charles Higbee, Jr., a com- mittee to furnish working tools. James P. Alden, Godfrey Stevens, and Charles A. Saxton were proposed and elected members and paid their initiation fees. (8) The Lodge was then closed in form. Au£-usi 26th, 1818. The lodge met at Zenas Hitch- cock's hall, Stephen Rice acting as Master, Zenas Hitchcock as Senior Warden, Nathan Bingham as Junior Warden, and Joseph Alden as Secretary. Peter Niles and Daniel Chase were proposed for membership. The Lodge closed and reopened at the home of Ebenezek Rice, and Niles and Chase were elected and advanced. Jesse Hitchcock was proposed and it was voted to hold meetings hereafter in Ebenezer Rice's hall*- The appended By-Laws were adopted : CHAPTER FIRST. Article I. The members of Union Mark Lodge, No. i, shall as- semble on the second Wednesday of November, February, May and August, at 2 o'clock, P. M. Art. II. Right W. Master may call a special meeting of the lodge upon any emergency, at his discretion, provided the members be duly notified. Art. IV. The annual election of officers shall be holden on the second Wednesday of November, which ofiicers shall be R. W. Mas- ter, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Master Overseer, Senior Overseer, Junior Overseer, two Stewards & Tyler, all of which if required shall be chosen by ballot. Art. VII. Every meeting of the lodge shall be closed at a season- able hour. Art. V. The officers thus elected shall be installed as soon as may be and shall hold their offices till others are elected and installed in their room. *Ebenezer Rice lived at West Claremont, in the house now known as the Bancroft house. (9) CHAPTER SECOND. DUTIES OF OFFICERS. Article I. It shall be the duty of the R. W. Master to preside at all meetings and in his absence the next senior officer. Art. II. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep and render just and exact account of the funds and property entrusted to his care. He shall receive from the Secretary all the monies and securities be- longing to the lodge and shall pay them out, by order of the R. W. Master, agreeably to the vote of the lodge. Art. III. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a true and exact record of all proceedii%s of the lodge, with a list of the mem- bers and visitors attending each meeting. To collect and receive all fees which shall become due to the lodge, to keep a correct account of the same and pay them over to the Treasurer. To make returns agreeably to the G. G. R. Arch Constitution. To issue summonses for meetings of the lodge whenever directed by the R. W. Master or by vote of the members. He shall settle his accounts with the treas- urer at each annual meeting and oftener if required, and for his servi- ces shall receive such compensation as the lodge may from time to time determine. Art. IV. It shall be the duty of the Stewards to take care of all the jewels, furniture and stores of the lodge, to provide necessary ac- commodations and refreshments, and to exhibit their bill for allow- ance and adjustment. Art. V. It shall be the duty of the Tyler to distribute summonses to attend seasonably, and he shall receive for his service fifty cents for each attendance. Art. VI. The Treasurer and Secretary shall give bonds to the R. W. Master and Wardens with good and sufficient sureties, for the faithful performance of their respective duties, which bonds shall be lodged in the hands of the R. W. Master for the time being. CHAPTER THIRD. ADVANCEMENT OF CANDIDATES. Article I. All propositions for advancement in this lodge shall be made by a member at a stated communication, and shall be laid over to the next regular meeting. (10) Art. II. Every candidate at the time of his application shall de- posit in the hands of the Secretary the sum of three dollars. Art. III. No candidate shall be advanced in this lodge until he shall have received the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Art. IV. No candidate can be admitted but by a unanimous vote ; if only one or two objections appear the ballot may be tried again if desired. The fees for advancement shall be Seven Dollars. Art. V. When a candidate is approved he must appear for ad- vancement within one year or his deposit will be forfeited and he must be balloted for over, if he apply again. Art. VI. No candidate shall be advanced in this lodge who has been rejected in any Mark Lodge. CHAPTER FOUR. PROCEEDINGS WITHIN THE LODGE. Article I. Every brother when he speaks shall rise and respect- fully address the presiding officer ; and only one shall be allowed to speak at a time, nor shall any member absent himself without permis- sion. Art. II. No brother shall improperly disclose the rejection of any candidate, or other transactions of this lodge, on penalty of expulsion, if a member; if a visitor, of never being received again as such, and after the rejection of any candidate this article shall be read. Art. III. Every brother shall have a right to inform of any disor- derly conduct or improper behavior of a member, by complaint which shall be made to the lodge in writing at a regular communication, and shall ly over to the next regular communication, and the accused sum- moned to attend ; at which time the lodge shall proceed to hear the complaint, and, if upon examination, such complaint shall appear to be just and well grounded, the Brother offending shall be admonished, suspended or expelled at the discretion of the lodge, provided, how- ever, to suspend there shall be at least one-half the members present, and to expel, two-thirds. And in case a member refuse to comply with such due process the Lodge may proceed to take a vote of expul- sion ex parte. Provided, in all cases of expulsion two-thirds of the members present shall vote in its favor. (II) CHAPTER FIVE. EXPENSES AND FUNDS. Article I. The expenses of all special meetings called for the benefit of individuals shall be defrayed by said individuals unless otherwise directed at the time by the lodge. Art. II. The funds and property of the Lodge shall remain for- ever undivided and shall always be considered as the property of the existing members, who shall have sole management thereof and by vote at any regular meeting, dispose of the same for the benefit of the Lodge, or for the relief of indigent and distressed worthy Mark Mas- ter Masons or their widows and orphans, but no sum of money shall ever be granted, or any amount be allowed except at a regular meet- ing. CHAPTER SIX. Article I. Every Mark Master Mason named in the dispensa- tion of this Lodge shall be considered a member, provided he attend and sign the by-laws. Art. II. Any Mark Master Mason wishing to become a member of this Lodge must be proposed at a regular meeting, and be unani- mously accepted by the members present and sign the by-laws. Art. III. These by-laws shall be read at every election of officers, previous to the choice, and shall be subject to alterations or amend- ment, provided the same be proposed in writing at a regular meeting and lie over for consideration till the next regular communication. September 30, 1818. David Parker, of Charlestown, was proposed for membership, and it was voted to hold the annual meeting on November i ith, at two o'clock P. M. November 11, 1818. The annual meeting made choice of the following officers : Rt. W. Master, Stephen Rice. Sen. Warden, Nathan Bingham. (12) Jun. Warden, Zenas Hitchcock. Treasurer, Joseph Rice. Secretary, Joseph Alden. M. O., Thomas F. Saxton; S. O., Godfrey Stevens; J. O., C. A. Saxton. Stewards, John Tyler, John Hitchcock. Tyler, Peter Niles. Voted — That the Lodge meet on the first Thursday of each month for four months, and thereafter until it was deemed expedient to change. Jesse Hitchcock was elected and received his degree and it was voted to hire the hall of Daniel Chase for four months. [ Chase's hall was occupied by the Lodge and was the upper story of what is now the Sullivan House.] December 3, 1818. David Parker was elected and • Daniel Bond proposed. One dollar was voted for re- freshment, and sixty cents for a record book. The treas- urer was also authorized to purchase a book for his own use. The Lodge was then closed, and followed by a special when Daniel Bond was rejected, but it was recon- sidered and laid over one meeting, to January 17, 1819, when he was elected, and with David Parker received the degree. The next meeting occurred June 3, 18 19. James A. Gregg was proposed and elected at a special immediately following, and on July ist he received the work. August 15th, 1816. A resolution was presented rela- tive to the disposition of the funds of the Lodge. It was laid upon the table until the next regular meeting. An order for S3j^c. postage paid by Joseph Alden was voted (13) paid, and also i8c. to Nathan Bingham for postage on letter of thanks to DeWitt Clii^ton. It was voted that an address be expected from Jno. P. Alden, and then closed in form. September 2, 1819. The Brothers met at Daniel Chase's hall. Five Dollars was voted to Daniel Chase for use of hall. Three Dollars to Peter Niles for Tyling, and David Parker's "mark" was by his request recorded, (a chisel and mallet.) The following resolution was adopted : ^ Resolved, That all the funds of Union Mark Lodge, No. i, remain- ing after defraying expenses of the lodge, be given to the following brethren : Stephen Rice, Nathan Bingham, Zenas Hitchcock, J. P. Alden, Joseph Rice, Thomas F. Saxton, Godfrey Ste- vens, Daniel Barber, Charles A. Saxton, John Hitchcock, Jr., John Tyler, Joseph Alden, Roswell Elmer, Daniel Chase, Peter Niles, Benj'm Tyler, Elisha Hitchcock, Joseph Hitchcock, Samuel Hitchcock, Charles Higbee, Samuel Hig- BEE, James B. Andrews, Daniel Bond, Jr., David Parker, and James A. Gregg, a majority of whom, at any meeting of which all the above mentioned ( if practicable and without great inconvenience ) are notified shall have power to dispose of as they think most proper for the best interests of Masonry. Resolved, That Brother Joseph Rice be requested to give his re- ceipt to a committee of three to be chosen by the lodge, for said dona- tion and to be kept by them for the benefit of the above mentioned brethren ; which committee or a majority of them are authorized to call a meeting of the members, at such time and place as they think proper, by complying with the foregoing resolution. Resolved, That the funds constituting this donation remain in the hands of Brother Joseph Rice until called for in the manner above mentioned. Voted, That Godfrey Stevens, Zenas Hitchcock, and Daniel Chase constitute a committee for th§ above mentioned purpose, (14) Voted, To accept as the amount, the account exhibited by Brother Joseph Rice's book. Voted, That all the papers and books of Union Mark Lodge, No. I, be deposited in the hands of the committee. August 20, 1820. A meeting was held in Chase's Hall for the purpose of disposing of the funds of "Union Mark Lodge, No. I." Present — Brothers Elisha Hitchcock, Daniel Bond, Jr., Daniel Chase, James B. Andrews, Peter Niles, Zenas Hitchcock, Roswell Elmer, Charles A. Sax- ton, John Tyler, Nathan Bingham, Joseph Rice, God- frey Stevens, and Charles Higbee. Elisha Hitchcock was chosen moderator and God- frey Stevens clerk ; it was — Resolved, "That the funds of Union Mark Lodge amounting to thirty-one dollars and thirty-iive cents be given to Webb Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and the committee were authorized to give up Brother Rice's receipt on his payment of said sum to Webb Chap- ter." Resolved, " That the books and writings be deposited with the Sec- retary of Webb Chapter." The meeting was then adjourned sine die. After an existence of two years, during which time it held ten meetings and conferred the Mark Degree upon six candidates, they doubtless surrendered its dispensa- tion to make room for Webb Chapter, which was organ- ized the July following, and, as the records above show, they were knowing of its intended organization. The Grand Chapter of New Hampshire was organized June 10, 1819, and adopted regulations July 12, 1820, of which Article (IS) IX reads: "No warrant shall be granted by this Grand Chapter, for holding a Mark Masters, Past Masters or Most Excellent Masters Lodge, independently of a Royal Arch Chapter." The last two meetings were obviously held in conformity with these facts. UNION MARK LODGE, No. i, CLAREMONT, N. H. ORGANIZED JULY 13th, 1818. OFFICERS. RIGHT WORSHIPFUL MASTERS. Stephen Blanchard, Jr., July 13, 1818, to November ii, 181J Stephen Rice, November 11, 1818, to August 20, 1820. SENIOR WARDENS, Stephen Rice, July 13, 1818, to November 11, 1818. Nathan Bingham, November 11, 1818, to August 20, 1818. JUNIOR WARDENS. Nathan Bingham, July 13, 1818, to November 11, 1818. Zenas Hitchcock, November 11, i8i8, to August 20, 1820. SECRETARY. Joseph Alden, July 13, 1818, to August 20, 1820. TREASURER. Joseph Rice, July 13, 1818, to August 20, 1820. (17) MEMBERS. Alden, Joseph, (Capt.) Claremont. Born November 2 1 St, 1779. « Secretary, July 13th, 1818, to August 20th, 1820. Took degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. April 6th, 1814; F. C. November 2d, 1814; M. M. January 4th, 1815. He was a charter member of the " Mark Lodge," also of Webb Chapter and Columbian Council. Alden, Jonathan P., Claremont. Took his Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. December 3d, 1817; F. C. February 3d, 1818; M. M. March 4th, 18 18. Suspended from Hiram Lodge in 1825 for one year, for intemperance. Charter member of the "Mark Lodge." Andrews, James B., Claremont. (Married February 9th, 1812, by Dan'l Barber.) Took Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. November 4th, 1812; F. C. April 7th, 1813; M. M. April 7th, 1 8 13. Was a charter member of the "Mark Lodge," Webb Chapter, and Columbian Council. (i8) Barber, Daniel, (Rev.) Claremont. Born in Simsbury, Conn., October 2d, 1756. A charter member of Hiram Lodge, No. 9, and its first Senior Warden; Master, 1799 to 1802; one of the first District Deputy Grand Masters, serving continuously from 1803 (when they were first appointed) until 181 1. Was appointed by the dispensation as Master of "Union Mark Lodge " but the records do not show him to have been present at any of the meetings except November nth, 1 8 18, at which time the Stewards book credits him as free of assessment for refreshments. He probably received his first degrees in Simsbury, Conn., where he was ordained Deacon in the Episcopal church, October 29th, 1786. In 1795 he removed from Manchester, Vt., to Claremont, and became rector of Union church where he continued until November iSth, 1818, when he avowed himself a Roman Catholic, and conformed to that church. In 1801 Dartmouth College conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Batchelder, in the " History of the Eastern Diocese," says of him : " Under his ministry the Episcopal Church in Claremont made considerable progress ; he was not a man of culture but he had consid- erable natural ability, and his public performances were respectable and effective. In his vocation he was devout and diligent." These words may also apply to his " ma- sonic life," and that he was consistent in his conversion is evident from the fact that he withdrew from his masonic obligations in February, 1822, at about which time he removed to Connecticut, and subsequently to St. Inigoes, Md., where he died in 1834. (19) Bingham, Stephen, Claremont. Was a charter member and on the committee to return thanks for dispensation. Was not a member of any of the masonic orders in Claremont, and was not present at any of the meetings of Union Mark Lodge. Bingham, Nathan, Claremont. Admitted to membership in Hiram Lodge, January 2d, 1811. Junior Warden, 4812-13; Master, 1814-15-16, 1830, [836-37, 1840; Junior Warden of Mark Lodge, July 13th, 1818, to November nth, 1818; Senior Warden of Mark Lodge, November nth, 1818, to August 20th, 1820. Was a charter member of "Webb Chapter," and iirst King; High Priest in 1823, 1830, 1833, 1845-46; King in 1821-22-27-28-29-36-37 to 41, inclusive, and 1844; Grand Scribe in 1823 ; charter member and Deputy Master of " Columbian Council '' from its organization in 1822 until it became dormant in 1832; was a prominent member of the Episcopal church, and was buried from that church November ist, 1858. Blanchard, Stephen, Hopkinton. Although the records of the Lodge mention his attend- ance as Master at its organization, yet the fact that he was not present at any subsequent meetings, leads me to believe he was from Hopkinton. He was, at the date of the organization of Union Mark Lodge, Junior Grand Warden of the State, also State Grand Lecturer, and a member of Trinity R. A. Chapter, No. 2, then located at Hopkinton, and of which many Claremont masons were (20) members. He was a Past High Priest of that Chapter, and from a pamphlet of forty pages in our possession, published in 1817, entitled, "A letter addressed to Ethan Smith, Cong't'l minister at Hopkinton," occasioned by sermon, "Episcopacy examined," he was evidently a scholarly gentleman. Born in Medford, Mass., July ist, 1763 ; died in Hopkinton, N. H., March i6th, 1829. Bond, Daniel, Jr., Claremont. Born June nth, 1792. Took Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. February 7th, 1816; F. C. May ist, 1816; M. M. September 4th, 1816. Treasurer, 1853-54. Junior War- den, 1 841. Senior Warden, 1824. Received Mark de- gree in "Union Mark Lodge" July 7th, 1819. Was a charter member of "Webb Chapter," taking the P. M., M. E. M. and R. A. degrees on August 20th, 1821, and served as First Principal Sojourner. Charter member of "Columbian Council" April isth, 1822. Was made an honorary member of Hiram Lodge, March 4th, 1874. Died March 17th, 1882, aged 90 years. Chase, Daniel, Claremont. Born in 1767. Took Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. March ist, 1815; F. C. August 2d, 1815 ; M. M. De- cember 6th, 181 5. Treasurer, 1833 to 1840. Grand Junior Warden, 1838. Grand Senior Warden, 1839. Deputy Grand Master, 1840-41-42. The various masonic bodies met in his hall, which was in the hotel kept by him, and now known as the " Sullivan House." Took Mark degree, August 20th, 1818. Charter member of "Webb Chapter," taking degrees August 20th, 1821, and (21) served as Steward many years. Charter member of Co- lumbian Council, April 15th, 1822. Died December 2d, 1840, aged 73 years. Elmer, Roswell, Claremont. (Married, January 31st, 1821. Took Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. November Sth, 1815; F. C. April 3d, 1816; M. M. June Sth, 1816. Junior Warden, 18 19-20-2 1-33-34 -3 5. Secretary, 1832. Senior Warden, 1823-30-36. Master, 1824-5. A charter member of Union Mark Lodge, also charter member of "Webb Chapter," having taken his degrees, previous to its organization, in Keene. Served as Secretary from its organization in 1821 to 1823. Scribe in 1827-28-29-35-36. King in 1830-33-34. High Priest in 1831-32. Charter member of Columbian Coun- cil, April 15th, 1822, and Recorder from 1829 to 1830. Dimitted from Claremont bodies in 1839. Gregg, James A., Unity. Took Mark degrees June 3d, 1819. Was a charter member of Webb Chapter, taking all the other degrees except the Mark on August 20th, 1821. Counil degrees in "Columbian, No. 2," May 20th, 1822. Recorder of Council from May, 1824, to May, 1825. Higbee, Charles, Jr., Claremont. Born in 1785. Took degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. March 5th, 1806; F. C. October ist, 1806; M. M. March 4th, 1807. A charter member of "Union Mark Lodge," (22) " Webb Chapter," and " Columbian Council." Died Feb- ruary 7th, 1864, aged 79 years. HiGBEE, Samuel, Claremont. Took Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. May 6th, 1812; F. C. November 4th, 1812; M. M. February 3d, 181 3 ; and a charter member of Union Mark Lodge. Died August 7th, 1852, aged 63 years. Samuel and Charles Higbee were brothers. Hitchcock, John, Jr., Claremont. Born April 30th, 1781. Hiram Lodge as follows : E. A. February 2d, 1803 ; F. C. March 2d, 1803 ; M. M. July 22d, 1803. A charter member of Union Mark Lodge. Buried by the Lodge, January 31st, 1858, aged "JJ years. Was father of five sons all of whom were members of Hiram Lodge, No. 9. Hitchcock, Lemuel, Claremont. Born November 14th, 1779. Hiram Lodge : E. A. February 3d, 1802; F. C. March 3d, 1802; M. M. March 26th, 1802. Secretary, 1805 and 1806. Junior Warden, 1808. Senior Warden, 1809. A charter member of Union Mark Lodge. John, Jr., and Lemuel were brothers, and sons of John, one of the first settlers of the town. Hitchcock, Jesse, Claremont. Hiram Lodge: E. A. December 3d, 1817; F. C. Febru- ary 3d, 18 18; M. M. April I St, 1818. Took "Mark" (23) degree November nth, 1818. A son of John, Jr., and brother to Zenas. HiTCHCOCKj Zenas, Claremont. Born November 27th, 1791. Hiram Lodge: E. A. May sth, 18 13; F. C. March 2d, 1814; M. M. March 2d, 1814. Senior Warden, 1818. Master, 1819 and 1820. Charter member of Union Mark Lodge. Died February 13th, 1822, and was buried by Hiram Lodge with hono^. NiLES, Peter, Claremont. Admitted to Hiram Lodge, October 3d, 1810. Took Mark degree August 26th, 1818. Was a charter member of Webb Chapter, taking degrees with exception of Mark August 20th, 1 82 1. Columbian Council May 20th, 1822. Parker, David, (Col.,) Charlestown. Born April 4th, 1782. Took masonic Lodge degrees in Faithful Lodge, No. 12, of Charlestown. Joined Hiram Lodge, June 4th, 1845, o" account of No. 12 forfeiting its charter. Took Mark degree January 7th, 1819. Had passed the chair on the organization of Webb Chapter, and took the M. E. M. and Royal Arch, August 20th, 1821. Took Council degrees in Columbian, No. 2, on May 20th, 1820. T. I. Master in 1830 and 183 1. Grand Master of Guards, Grand Council, in 1830. Was District Deputy Grand Master during the years 1839 to 1845, inclusive. He lived in the house now occupied by Edwin Hubbard, at (24) North Charlestown. He was a prosperous farmer and a prominent man. His title of Colonel was given by rea- son of his serving in that capacity in the i6th Regiment of State Militia. He died May 4th, 1846. Scribe in 1830-33-34-39-40. King in 1831-32-35. High Priest in 1836-37-38-41-42-43-44. Grand Scribe in 1839-40. Grand King in 1841-42. Deputy Grand High Priest in 1843. Grand High Priest in 1844-45. Rice, Joseph, Claremont. Hiram Lodge: E. A. March 3d, 1802 ; F. C. April 7th, 1802; M. M. October 6th, 1802. A charter member of Union Mark Lodge. Treasurer of Hiram Lodge from 1817 to 1824. Treasurer of Mark Lodge during its existence. A charter member and Treasurer of Webb Chapter, 1821-28. Columbian Council, November iSth, 1822. Died April 24th, 1829, aged 60 years. Rice, Stephen, Claremont. Took Lodge degrees in Hiram Lodge : E. A. October 7th, 1801 ; F. C. November 4th, i8oi ; M. M. December 7th, 1801. A charter member of Union Mark Lodge, and also of Webb Chapter and Columbian Council. Was first Senior Warden of the Mark Lodge, and Master from November nth, 1818 to August 20th, 1820. Recorder of Columbian Council at its organization and until 1823. Died December 28th, 1826. Saxton, Thomas F., (M. D.,) Claremont. Took degrees in Hiram Lodge : E. A. February 3d, 1813; F. C. November 3d, 1818; M. M. April 6th, 1814. (25) A charter member of Mark Lodge. Took Chapter de- grees in Webb Chapter. Dimitted from Lodge in 1822, and removed to Windsor, Vt., where he died. Saxton, Charles A., Claremont. Took degrees in Hiram Lodge : E. A. February 3d, 1818; F. C. May 6th, 1818 ; M. M. July ist, 1818. A charter member of Mark Lodge and Webb Chapter. Dimitted from Lodge in June, 1822, and removed to Windsor, Vt. Was a son of Thomas F. Stevens, Godfrey, Claremont. Born September loth, 1796. Hiram Lodge as follows : Charter member of Union Mark Lodge and first Scribe of Webb Chapter. Charter member of Columbian Council, and Secretary from 1825 to 1829. Was Secretary of Hiram Lodge in 1820. Jun- ior Warden, 1821-22. Master, 1823. District Deputy Grand Master, 1838. Secretary of Webb Chapter, 1824- 28. Grand Scribe, 1824. Grand Principal Conductor of the Grand Council, at its organization in Keene, July 9th, 1823. Died September 14th, 1842, aged 46 years.. Was a brother of Paran Stevens, founder of Stevens's High School. Tyler, Benj'm, Jr., Claremont. Took degrees in Hiram Lodge : E. A. December 3d, 1816; F. C. January 7th, 1801 ; M. M. April 2d, 1801. A charter member of Union Mark Lodge, Webb Chapter and Columbian Council. Junior Warden, Hiram Lodge, 1805 and 1806. Died February i8th, 1826, aged 55 years, and was buried by the Lodge. (26) Tyler, John, Claremont. Took degrees in Hiram Lodge: E. A. December 3d, 1800; F. C. January 7th, 1801 ; M. M. April 2d, 1801. A charter member of Mark Lodge and Webb Chapter. A brother of Benj'm, Jr., both sons of Colonel Benj'm Tyler, one of the first settlers of the town. The above few facts are all that can be learned of these ancient brethren. The disposition in those days to make as few records as possible leaves many matters in doubt. No records of death were kept in the town until 1854, or thereabouts, and nearly all of these men had passed to "the Grand Lodge above" before that date. Those whose deaths are noted have been found in the records of the Lodge or by visits to the churchyards where they lie buried. That they " builded better than they knew " it is but just for us to record, believing that "he who remem- bers not his ancestors deserves not recognition by his posterity." Cornell University Library HS539.C59 U58 Monograph.. of ,ynj,on.,'Mar^ C 3 1924 030 289 254 ol)n,anx