İLL.·. BRO.·. WENDELL THORNTON DAVIS, 33°. ILL.. BRO.. WENDELL THORNTON DAVIS died Dec. 3, 1876. He was born in Sandwich, Mass., April 12, 1818. He was a son of Mr. Wendell Davis, for many years sheriff of Barnstable County; and nephew of Hon. John Davis, judge of the United States District Court of this State. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1838; studied law in Law School connected with the university; and soon after settled at Greenfield, where he engaged in the practice of his profession. It has been well said of him, that "he was born a public servant." Besides filling many professional offices, including those of trial justice, register of probate, and register of bankruptcy, he served for several years as a member of the legislature, and as a selectman of Greenfield. But, although bred to and engaged in the practice of the law, he was pre-eminently a man of Business and affairs; and no man in his section of the State did so much to develop its resources, and promote its material prosperity. He was for many years clerk and treasurer of the Troy and Greenfield Railroad, and was a staunch and efficient promoter of the Hoosac-Tunnel enterprise. It was due to his labors, more than to those of any other person, that the village of Turner's Falls, with its great manufacturing industries, was created. He was the business head of the Turner's Falls Power Company, and retained an interest in most of the local manufacturing enterprises, as in all the public works, of the new village. In fact, the sphere of his activities was so extended, that we despair of making an accurate record of his employments, and can only praise the energy, probity, sound judgment, and cheerful industry, which he brought to the discharge of labors so varied. Nor were his interests confined to matters of personal and pecuniary concern: he was foremost in the promotion of every social and benevolent enterprise, and took an active interest in religious and political affairs. It is characteristic of the man that he was for many years connected with the military organization of his town, and was an officer of the company; and it is pleasant to record that he was a dear lover of music, and was organist and choir leader of the village church. But, useful and honorable as was the active life of our beloved Brother, it is in the qualities of his character as a man and a citizen that our interest is chiefly centred. He was eminently a social man, thoroughly human in his sympathies, warm in his attachments, large-hearted and loveable in all his relations to his brother-man. It has been said of him, that "he was a popular man in Western Massachusetts;" and this, which would in many cases be equivocal praise, is only a just tribute to that sweetness and nobility of nature which endeared him to all who knew him. He carried a sunny atmosphere about him and his natural cheerfulness and gayety of temper lent to his companionship an inexpressible charm. We cannot easily estimate the happiness which such a temper diffuses; for the great majority of men are so oppressed with the cares of life, and so prone to take a gloomy outlook, that they bask gratefully in the warmth and sunshine which emanate from these kindly-gifted natures. It is gratifying, but not at all surprising, to find that such a man as Mr. Davis formed an early connection with our Brotherhood. He was made a Master Mason in Jerusalem Lodge, at Northampton, Sept. 21, 1847. The charter of Republican Lodge, Greenfield, was surrendered at the time of the anti-Masonic excitement; and he was one of those who procured its restoraHe became a member of Republican Lodge June 3, 1852, and was Master of it in 1858 and 1859. He was elected Senior Grand Warden of the M... W.. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Dec. 14, 1864. tion. He was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Franklin Royal Arch Chapter June 1, 1853, in which, at one time, he filled the office of High Priest. He was also Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts. The Cryptic Degrees were conferred upon him in Boston Council of Royal and Select Masters. Dec. 9, 1856, he became a charter member of Titus Strong Council, of which he was also Thrice Ill.. Master. He was dubbed a Knight Templar in Boston Encampment Oct. 10, 1854. He became a charter member of Connecticut Valley Commandery Dec. 2, 1866, and was its first Eminent Commander. He was, in fact, the father of both the Council and Commandery in Greenfield. He received the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite Feb. 20, 1863, in Boston Consistory, and was created a Sov.. Gr.. Inspector General, 33°, and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, May 22, 1863. He was deeply attached to our Rite, and greatly regretted that he could not oftener be present with us. The time he devoted to Masonry amid the pressing cares of his ever-busy life is sufficient evidence of the regard in which he held the institution. In truth, he set a high value upon the privileges of Masonry, and was ever zealous in Masonic work. The death of a man so useful and beloved as our honored Brother will always be a cause of reasonable sorrow. But we find consolation in the reflection that he lived long enough to do great good to those about him; that the influence of his character and life will be felt long after his departure: and that he left a sweet and stainless memory,-a treasure to us all, a constant incentive to well-doing, and of priceless value, as showing that the straight path of noble living is the way to pleasantness and peace. Respectfully submitted. CHARLES C. HUTCHINSON, 33, HENRY P. PERKINS, 33°, Committee. |