Biography
William P. Roberts, Civil War veteran and a resident of Minneapolis since 1874, died on July 21, 1931, at the summer home of his son on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Mr. Roberts entered the University after the Civil War, in which he served as Second Lieutenant. After securing his degree he practiced for a few years in Nebraska before going to Minneapolis, where he entered the law firm of Benton & Benton, which later became Benton, Roberts and Brown.
From 1896 to 1906 he was a Representative in the State Legislature, serving as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He also was active in Masonic work and was Grand Master of Minnesota Masons in 1909 and Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons in 1917. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as Minnesota Department Commander. --From The Michigan Alumnus, Vol. 37, 1931, p. 750.
********************************************* *******
Past Grand Master
WILLIAM PRESTON ROBERTS
It is with great sorrow that I officially announce to you the death of Past Grand Master which occurred at the home of his son, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 21, 1931. Brother Roberts was born at Gwnnedd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 16 Jun 1845. He was educated in the public schools, the Millersville State Normal School, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan ,graduating from Millersville Normal in 1869. He came to Minnesota shortly thereafter and engaged in the practice of law which he continued until his death. He was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the sessions of 1899 and 1901 and 1905, and the special session of 1902. He enlisted on his eighteenth birthday in Company H, 47lh Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia and served until discharged 9 Dec 1865 with the rank of First Lieutenant.
He was made a Mason in Hennepin Lodge No. 4, Minneapolis, in 1883, served as Master for two years and was Treasurer for thirty-six years. He was appointed Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1904, and elected Grand Master in 1908. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in St Johns Chapter No. 9, Minneapolis in 1906 and served as High Priest one year. He was appointed Grand Royal Arch Captain pf the Grand Chapter in 1911 and elected Grand High Priest in 1917. He was made a Royal and Select Master in Minneapolis Council No. 2, Minneapolis in 1907. He had attained the 33* in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and was also, for many years Vice President of the Minnesota Masonic Veteran Association. In 1915 he revised the Code of the Grand Lodge, and in 1918, that of the Grand Chapter.
He was prominent in Grand Army affairs and in 1915 was Department Commander of Minnesota. We shall miss his counsel and cooperation in our efforts, but must bow to the will of the Almighty, trusting with the faith of Masons that this is not a closing chapter, but the beginning of a new and better volume,
"He is not dead, this friend, not dead,
But in the path we mortals tread
Got some few trifling steps ahead
And nearer to the end,
So that we too, once past the bend
Shall meet him face to face, this friend
We fancy dead."
The funeral was held in Lakewood Chapel, Minneapolis, July 24th, conducted by Rev. Dr. Marion D. Shutter, of the Church of the Redeemer, the Masonic commitment service being under the auspices of Hennepin Lodge No. 4, the Grand Master officiating. A large number of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter officers were in attendance.
As a tribute of our respect to his memory let this memorial be read in each Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction at the first Communication after its receipt, and proper record made in the minutes.
Attest: JOHN FISHEL, Grand Secretary.
Some may wish to check this out.... Masonic Code of Minnesota: Containing Revised Constitution, General Regulations, and Grand Lodge Standing Resolutions, with Annotated Decisions of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M.
***********************************************
Five corner stones were placed with Masonic ceremonies in 1908. On Saturday, May of that year, Grand Master William P. Roberts opened the Grand Lodge in the hall of Summit Lodge and then proceeded to the site of St. Paul's Universalist Church where the corner stone was set in place. On an early summer's day in June an occasional communication was opened in the Minneapolis armory, after which the Grand Lodge, escorted by the Grand Commandery, the Grand Chapter, three local Commanderies and four Blue
Lodges proceeded to the grounds of the new Temple for Ark Lodge. A marching band led the way. "The service passed off regularly and impressively", declared the Grand Master.
In September, 1908, upon the invitation of the St. Louis County Commissioners, transmitted through Palenstine and Ionic Lodges in Duluth, the Grand Lodge laid the corner stone of the new court house. It was an imposing structure, and the Grand Master remarked that the site was a beautiful one, over-looking Lake Superior. He also noted that the attendance, made up not only of the Brethren, but of others from the city was "immense and inspiring".
The reports of the corner stone ceremonies frequently were tinged with just a bit of hypervole. On November 4 the Grand Lodge, at the invitation of the Village Board, was back in Hibbing. The ceremony this time was for the new city hall. Duluth Commandery was on hand, having come from the city by special train, and with Mesaba Lodge, made up the escort. The orator for the occasion was the renowned and Illustrious Brother Trevanion William Hugo, 33 degree. He was, over a period of years, Grand High Priest, Grand Commander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Minnesota, Grand Minister of State and Grand Chancellor in the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Grand Cross, and author of the index for Albert Pike's MORALS AND DOGMA. He was active in other fraternal organizations, and was Potentate of Osman Temple of the Shrine. In Duluth he was president of the school board, president of the city council, and Mayor of the city. Perhaps we shall not see his like again soon.
On November 21, having been invited by Winona Lodge No. 18, the Grand Master laid the corner stone for the three-story Masonic Temple in Winona, an early lumber mill center on the west bank of the Mississippi. This Temple, erected some four years after itscounter-part in Duluth, has for years been distinguished by an unusually well-equipped stage with drops and settings especially designed for the degrees of the four bodies of the Scottish Rite. The Winona stage, indeed, seems to be a copy of the one in Duluth'sbeautiful Temple. Several of the participants in the ceremony were Scottish Rite dignitaries who had been instrumental in bringing the Rite to the Valley of inona at the turn of the century. The orator for the day was the Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection,
George P. Tawney, 33 degree. The ubiquitous John Fishel, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, was present as he had been and would continue to be at ceremonies over the state. On occasion, he would direct the band. Two hundred Brethren made upthe line of march, but this time no mention is made of bands or Masonic marching units from any of the several Masonic bodies. The day concluded with speech making, a banquet, and the presentation of a trowel.
Source: Educational Lodge #1002 Paper of Nov 1977
Posted 29 Sep 2012 by Glenn D Kiecker- Life member of Catarac Lodge #2
Life Story William Preston Roberts
ROBERTS, William Preston. Some of the most successful men of the Northwest came to this region in search of health, rather than for business purposes, as its bracing and invigorating climate has a wide reputation.
William P. Roberts, twice the representative from Hennepin county in the lower house of the legislature, was one of the number. He was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, in that state, June 16, 1845. His father, Job Roberts, was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and was of Welsh descent. The family came to this country in 1698 from Bala, North Wales, and settled in what is now Gwynedd township, a Welsh name, pronounced as though spelled Gwyneth, with the sound "th" soft, as in "the." His mother was Hannah Pickering.
William obtained his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and in Maryland, where he lived three years. The schools of the latter state, at that time, were indifferent, because only partially supported by the state. He afterwards attended the First State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pa., from which he graduated in 1867, after the War of the Rebellion, which interrupted his college course. Choosing law for his profession, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, which has supplied the bar with so many brilliant men of the profession. After a full course in this institution he graduated in 1869, and immediately began the practice which he has continued ever since. He first opened a law office in Nebraska, where he practiced for six years, the first two alone, and then was a member of the firm of Cole & Roberts, which was dissolved when he was compelled to leave for Minnesota in search of better health. He settled in Minneapolis in 1874, and practiced alone until 1878, when he formed a partnership with Col. R. C. Benton and his brother, C. H. Benton, first under the style of Benton & Benton, and later as Benton, Benton & Roberts. In December, 1881, this partnership was dissolved and another formed by Mr. Roberts and Colonel Benton, under the style of Benton & Roberts, which lateremdash when Rome G. Brown became associatedemdash was known as Benton, Roberts & Brown, and so continued until 1895, when, by the death of the senior partner, the partnership terminated. Since that time Mr. Roberts has conducted his law practice without an associate. His practice has been general, but his more important work has been connected with the set l lement of estates, and with trusteeships. He was active in the preparation and trial of the St. Anthony Falls water power litigation, and with the "railroad crossing" cases in Minneapolis.
He enlisted as a private soldier when a school boy, June 16, 1863, on his 18th birthday, into the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as corporal in Company H. Before the end of the year he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the 45th United States Colored Troops, and served with the Army of the Potomac and with the Army of the James a large part of the time. During the draft disturbances of 1863, he was on duty in the coal regions of Pennsylvania and in West Virginia, but was with Grant in his last campaign, culminating at Appomattox. In May, 1865, the command was sent to the Rio Grande. During the latter part of this service he was in the brigade staff. He was mustered out as first lieutenant in December, 1865. During all the time he held a commission he had, except about one month, command of his company whenever it was in active campaign, except when, at times he was detailed for duty as adjutant, quartermaster, or aide-de-camp. He is a member of the G. A. R., and past post commander of Geo. N. Morgan Post, No. 4, of Minneapolis.
He was judge advocate of the State Department of the Order and a member of its National Council of Administration. Also a member of the Loyal Legion, and was the junior vice commander of the Minnesota Department. He has always been a Republican, and shouted for Fremont, in a slave state when a school boy. Ha had never held office until he was elected to the legislature in 1898. He was re-elected in 1900, and has been one of the active members. He introduced two original bills in his first legislative term which have attained considerable attention- one, to place names of candidates alternately on the official ballot became a law; the other, a "primary election law" of general application, gave way to a modified plan and law. He was president of the Union League of Minneapolis in 1895.
He was also a member of the Fourth Ward Republican Club, and of the Commercial Club, and a prominent Mason, being past master of Hennepin Lodge, No. 4, and is at present the grand orator of the Grand Lodge. He belongs to the Universalist Church. In 1869 he was married to Anna M. Pugh, who died in 1870, leaving no children. He was married to Agnes Doyle Taggart, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1876, who died in 1895, leaving two sons who served in the late Spanish War in the Thirteenth Minnesota Volunteers-- Horace W., born July 8, 1877, and Roy G., born January 29, 1880.
internet Gen file... --- Source of info unknown..
William P. Roberts, Civil War veteran and a resident of Minneapolis since 1874, died on July 21, 1931, at the summer home of his son on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Mr. Roberts entered the University after the Civil War, in which he served as Second Lieutenant. After securing his degree he practiced for a few years in Nebraska before going to Minneapolis, where he entered the law firm of Benton & Benton, which later became Benton, Roberts and Brown.
From 1896 to 1906 he was a Representative in the State Legislature, serving as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He also was active in Masonic work and was Grand Master of Minnesota Masons in 1909 and Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons in 1917. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as Minnesota Department Commander. --From The Michigan Alumnus, Vol. 37, 1931, p. 750.
********************************************* *******
Past Grand Master
WILLIAM PRESTON ROBERTS
It is with great sorrow that I officially announce to you the death of Past Grand Master which occurred at the home of his son, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 21, 1931. Brother Roberts was born at Gwnnedd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 16 Jun 1845. He was educated in the public schools, the Millersville State Normal School, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan ,graduating from Millersville Normal in 1869. He came to Minnesota shortly thereafter and engaged in the practice of law which he continued until his death. He was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the sessions of 1899 and 1901 and 1905, and the special session of 1902. He enlisted on his eighteenth birthday in Company H, 47lh Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia and served until discharged 9 Dec 1865 with the rank of First Lieutenant.
He was made a Mason in Hennepin Lodge No. 4, Minneapolis, in 1883, served as Master for two years and was Treasurer for thirty-six years. He was appointed Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1904, and elected Grand Master in 1908. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in St Johns Chapter No. 9, Minneapolis in 1906 and served as High Priest one year. He was appointed Grand Royal Arch Captain pf the Grand Chapter in 1911 and elected Grand High Priest in 1917. He was made a Royal and Select Master in Minneapolis Council No. 2, Minneapolis in 1907. He had attained the 33* in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and was also, for many years Vice President of the Minnesota Masonic Veteran Association. In 1915 he revised the Code of the Grand Lodge, and in 1918, that of the Grand Chapter.
He was prominent in Grand Army affairs and in 1915 was Department Commander of Minnesota. We shall miss his counsel and cooperation in our efforts, but must bow to the will of the Almighty, trusting with the faith of Masons that this is not a closing chapter, but the beginning of a new and better volume,
"He is not dead, this friend, not dead,
But in the path we mortals tread
Got some few trifling steps ahead
And nearer to the end,
So that we too, once past the bend
Shall meet him face to face, this friend
We fancy dead."
The funeral was held in Lakewood Chapel, Minneapolis, July 24th, conducted by Rev. Dr. Marion D. Shutter, of the Church of the Redeemer, the Masonic commitment service being under the auspices of Hennepin Lodge No. 4, the Grand Master officiating. A large number of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter officers were in attendance.
As a tribute of our respect to his memory let this memorial be read in each Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction at the first Communication after its receipt, and proper record made in the minutes.
Attest: JOHN FISHEL, Grand Secretary.
Some may wish to check this out.... Masonic Code of Minnesota: Containing Revised Constitution, General Regulations, and Grand Lodge Standing Resolutions, with Annotated Decisions of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M.
***********************************************
Five corner stones were placed with Masonic ceremonies in 1908. On Saturday, May of that year, Grand Master William P. Roberts opened the Grand Lodge in the hall of Summit Lodge and then proceeded to the site of St. Paul's Universalist Church where the corner stone was set in place. On an early summer's day in June an occasional communication was opened in the Minneapolis armory, after which the Grand Lodge, escorted by the Grand Commandery, the Grand Chapter, three local Commanderies and four Blue
Lodges proceeded to the grounds of the new Temple for Ark Lodge. A marching band led the way. "The service passed off regularly and impressively", declared the Grand Master.
In September, 1908, upon the invitation of the St. Louis County Commissioners, transmitted through Palenstine and Ionic Lodges in Duluth, the Grand Lodge laid the corner stone of the new court house. It was an imposing structure, and the Grand Master remarked that the site was a beautiful one, over-looking Lake Superior. He also noted that the attendance, made up not only of the Brethren, but of others from the city was "immense and inspiring".
The reports of the corner stone ceremonies frequently were tinged with just a bit of hypervole. On November 4 the Grand Lodge, at the invitation of the Village Board, was back in Hibbing. The ceremony this time was for the new city hall. Duluth Commandery was on hand, having come from the city by special train, and with Mesaba Lodge, made up the escort. The orator for the occasion was the renowned and Illustrious Brother Trevanion William Hugo, 33 degree. He was, over a period of years, Grand High Priest, Grand Commander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Minnesota, Grand Minister of State and Grand Chancellor in the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Grand Cross, and author of the index for Albert Pike's MORALS AND DOGMA. He was active in other fraternal organizations, and was Potentate of Osman Temple of the Shrine. In Duluth he was president of the school board, president of the city council, and Mayor of the city. Perhaps we shall not see his like again soon.
On November 21, having been invited by Winona Lodge No. 18, the Grand Master laid the corner stone for the three-story Masonic Temple in Winona, an early lumber mill center on the west bank of the Mississippi. This Temple, erected some four years after itscounter-part in Duluth, has for years been distinguished by an unusually well-equipped stage with drops and settings especially designed for the degrees of the four bodies of the Scottish Rite. The Winona stage, indeed, seems to be a copy of the one in Duluth'sbeautiful Temple. Several of the participants in the ceremony were Scottish Rite dignitaries who had been instrumental in bringing the Rite to the Valley of inona at the turn of the century. The orator for the day was the Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection,
George P. Tawney, 33 degree. The ubiquitous John Fishel, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, was present as he had been and would continue to be at ceremonies over the state. On occasion, he would direct the band. Two hundred Brethren made upthe line of march, but this time no mention is made of bands or Masonic marching units from any of the several Masonic bodies. The day concluded with speech making, a banquet, and the presentation of a trowel.
Source: Educational Lodge #1002 Paper of Nov 1977
Posted 29 Sep 2012 by Glenn D Kiecker- Life member of Catarac Lodge #2
Life Story William Preston Roberts
ROBERTS, William Preston. Some of the most successful men of the Northwest came to this region in search of health, rather than for business purposes, as its bracing and invigorating climate has a wide reputation.
William P. Roberts, twice the representative from Hennepin county in the lower house of the legislature, was one of the number. He was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, in that state, June 16, 1845. His father, Job Roberts, was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and was of Welsh descent. The family came to this country in 1698 from Bala, North Wales, and settled in what is now Gwynedd township, a Welsh name, pronounced as though spelled Gwyneth, with the sound "th" soft, as in "the." His mother was Hannah Pickering.
William obtained his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and in Maryland, where he lived three years. The schools of the latter state, at that time, were indifferent, because only partially supported by the state. He afterwards attended the First State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pa., from which he graduated in 1867, after the War of the Rebellion, which interrupted his college course. Choosing law for his profession, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, which has supplied the bar with so many brilliant men of the profession. After a full course in this institution he graduated in 1869, and immediately began the practice which he has continued ever since. He first opened a law office in Nebraska, where he practiced for six years, the first two alone, and then was a member of the firm of Cole & Roberts, which was dissolved when he was compelled to leave for Minnesota in search of better health. He settled in Minneapolis in 1874, and practiced alone until 1878, when he formed a partnership with Col. R. C. Benton and his brother, C. H. Benton, first under the style of Benton & Benton, and later as Benton, Benton & Roberts. In December, 1881, this partnership was dissolved and another formed by Mr. Roberts and Colonel Benton, under the style of Benton & Roberts, which lateremdash when Rome G. Brown became associatedemdash was known as Benton, Roberts & Brown, and so continued until 1895, when, by the death of the senior partner, the partnership terminated. Since that time Mr. Roberts has conducted his law practice without an associate. His practice has been general, but his more important work has been connected with the set l lement of estates, and with trusteeships. He was active in the preparation and trial of the St. Anthony Falls water power litigation, and with the "railroad crossing" cases in Minneapolis.
He enlisted as a private soldier when a school boy, June 16, 1863, on his 18th birthday, into the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as corporal in Company H. Before the end of the year he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the 45th United States Colored Troops, and served with the Army of the Potomac and with the Army of the James a large part of the time. During the draft disturbances of 1863, he was on duty in the coal regions of Pennsylvania and in West Virginia, but was with Grant in his last campaign, culminating at Appomattox. In May, 1865, the command was sent to the Rio Grande. During the latter part of this service he was in the brigade staff. He was mustered out as first lieutenant in December, 1865. During all the time he held a commission he had, except about one month, command of his company whenever it was in active campaign, except when, at times he was detailed for duty as adjutant, quartermaster, or aide-de-camp. He is a member of the G. A. R., and past post commander of Geo. N. Morgan Post, No. 4, of Minneapolis.
He was judge advocate of the State Department of the Order and a member of its National Council of Administration. Also a member of the Loyal Legion, and was the junior vice commander of the Minnesota Department. He has always been a Republican, and shouted for Fremont, in a slave state when a school boy. Ha had never held office until he was elected to the legislature in 1898. He was re-elected in 1900, and has been one of the active members. He introduced two original bills in his first legislative term which have attained considerable attention- one, to place names of candidates alternately on the official ballot became a law; the other, a "primary election law" of general application, gave way to a modified plan and law. He was president of the Union League of Minneapolis in 1895.
He was also a member of the Fourth Ward Republican Club, and of the Commercial Club, and a prominent Mason, being past master of Hennepin Lodge, No. 4, and is at present the grand orator of the Grand Lodge. He belongs to the Universalist Church. In 1869 he was married to Anna M. Pugh, who died in 1870, leaving no children. He was married to Agnes Doyle Taggart, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1876, who died in 1895, leaving two sons who served in the late Spanish War in the Thirteenth Minnesota Volunteers-- Horace W., born July 8, 1877, and Roy G., born January 29, 1880.
internet Gen file... --- Source of info unknown..
Biography
William P. Roberts, Civil War veteran and a resident of Minneapolis since 1874, died on July 21, 1931, at the summer home of his son on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Mr. Roberts entered the University after the Civil War, in which he served as Second Lieutenant. After securing his degree he practiced for a few years in Nebraska before going to Minneapolis, where he entered the law firm of Benton & Benton, which later became Benton, Roberts and Brown.
From 1896 to 1906 he was a Representative in the State Legislature, serving as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He also was active in Masonic work and was Grand Master of Minnesota Masons in 1909 and Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons in 1917. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as Minnesota Department Commander. --From The Michigan Alumnus, Vol. 37, 1931, p. 750.
********************************************* *******
Past Grand Master
WILLIAM PRESTON ROBERTS
It is with great sorrow that I officially announce to you the death of Past Grand Master which occurred at the home of his son, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 21, 1931. Brother Roberts was born at Gwnnedd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 16 Jun 1845. He was educated in the public schools, the Millersville State Normal School, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan ,graduating from Millersville Normal in 1869. He came to Minnesota shortly thereafter and engaged in the practice of law which he continued until his death. He was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the sessions of 1899 and 1901 and 1905, and the special session of 1902. He enlisted on his eighteenth birthday in Company H, 47lh Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia and served until discharged 9 Dec 1865 with the rank of First Lieutenant.
He was made a Mason in Hennepin Lodge No. 4, Minneapolis, in 1883, served as Master for two years and was Treasurer for thirty-six years. He was appointed Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1904, and elected Grand Master in 1908. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in St Johns Chapter No. 9, Minneapolis in 1906 and served as High Priest one year. He was appointed Grand Royal Arch Captain pf the Grand Chapter in 1911 and elected Grand High Priest in 1917. He was made a Royal and Select Master in Minneapolis Council No. 2, Minneapolis in 1907. He had attained the 33* in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and was also, for many years Vice President of the Minnesota Masonic Veteran Association. In 1915 he revised the Code of the Grand Lodge, and in 1918, that of the Grand Chapter.
He was prominent in Grand Army affairs and in 1915 was Department Commander of Minnesota. We shall miss his counsel and cooperation in our efforts, but must bow to the will of the Almighty, trusting with the faith of Masons that this is not a closing chapter, but the beginning of a new and better volume,
"He is not dead, this friend, not dead,
But in the path we mortals tread
Got some few trifling steps ahead
And nearer to the end,
So that we too, once past the bend
Shall meet him face to face, this friend
We fancy dead."
The funeral was held in Lakewood Chapel, Minneapolis, July 24th, conducted by Rev. Dr. Marion D. Shutter, of the Church of the Redeemer, the Masonic commitment service being under the auspices of Hennepin Lodge No. 4, the Grand Master officiating. A large number of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter officers were in attendance.
As a tribute of our respect to his memory let this memorial be read in each Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction at the first Communication after its receipt, and proper record made in the minutes.
Attest: JOHN FISHEL, Grand Secretary.
Some may wish to check this out.... Masonic Code of Minnesota: Containing Revised Constitution, General Regulations, and Grand Lodge Standing Resolutions, with Annotated Decisions of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M.
***********************************************
Five corner stones were placed with Masonic ceremonies in 1908. On Saturday, May of that year, Grand Master William P. Roberts opened the Grand Lodge in the hall of Summit Lodge and then proceeded to the site of St. Paul's Universalist Church where the corner stone was set in place. On an early summer's day in June an occasional communication was opened in the Minneapolis armory, after which the Grand Lodge, escorted by the Grand Commandery, the Grand Chapter, three local Commanderies and four Blue
Lodges proceeded to the grounds of the new Temple for Ark Lodge. A marching band led the way. "The service passed off regularly and impressively", declared the Grand Master.
In September, 1908, upon the invitation of the St. Louis County Commissioners, transmitted through Palenstine and Ionic Lodges in Duluth, the Grand Lodge laid the corner stone of the new court house. It was an imposing structure, and the Grand Master remarked that the site was a beautiful one, over-looking Lake Superior. He also noted that the attendance, made up not only of the Brethren, but of others from the city was "immense and inspiring".
The reports of the corner stone ceremonies frequently were tinged with just a bit of hypervole. On November 4 the Grand Lodge, at the invitation of the Village Board, was back in Hibbing. The ceremony this time was for the new city hall. Duluth Commandery was on hand, having come from the city by special train, and with Mesaba Lodge, made up the escort. The orator for the occasion was the renowned and Illustrious Brother Trevanion William Hugo, 33 degree. He was, over a period of years, Grand High Priest, Grand Commander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Minnesota, Grand Minister of State and Grand Chancellor in the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Grand Cross, and author of the index for Albert Pike's MORALS AND DOGMA. He was active in other fraternal organizations, and was Potentate of Osman Temple of the Shrine. In Duluth he was president of the school board, president of the city council, and Mayor of the city. Perhaps we shall not see his like again soon.
On November 21, having been invited by Winona Lodge No. 18, the Grand Master laid the corner stone for the three-story Masonic Temple in Winona, an early lumber mill center on the west bank of the Mississippi. This Temple, erected some four years after itscounter-part in Duluth, has for years been distinguished by an unusually well-equipped stage with drops and settings especially designed for the degrees of the four bodies of the Scottish Rite. The Winona stage, indeed, seems to be a copy of the one in Duluth'sbeautiful Temple. Several of the participants in the ceremony were Scottish Rite dignitaries who had been instrumental in bringing the Rite to the Valley of inona at the turn of the century. The orator for the day was the Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection,
George P. Tawney, 33 degree. The ubiquitous John Fishel, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, was present as he had been and would continue to be at ceremonies over the state. On occasion, he would direct the band. Two hundred Brethren made upthe line of march, but this time no mention is made of bands or Masonic marching units from any of the several Masonic bodies. The day concluded with speech making, a banquet, and the presentation of a trowel.
Source: Educational Lodge #1002 Paper of Nov 1977
Posted 29 Sep 2012 by Glenn D Kiecker- Life member of Catarac Lodge #2
Life Story William Preston Roberts
ROBERTS, William Preston. Some of the most successful men of the Northwest came to this region in search of health, rather than for business purposes, as its bracing and invigorating climate has a wide reputation.
William P. Roberts, twice the representative from Hennepin county in the lower house of the legislature, was one of the number. He was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, in that state, June 16, 1845. His father, Job Roberts, was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and was of Welsh descent. The family came to this country in 1698 from Bala, North Wales, and settled in what is now Gwynedd township, a Welsh name, pronounced as though spelled Gwyneth, with the sound "th" soft, as in "the." His mother was Hannah Pickering.
William obtained his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and in Maryland, where he lived three years. The schools of the latter state, at that time, were indifferent, because only partially supported by the state. He afterwards attended the First State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pa., from which he graduated in 1867, after the War of the Rebellion, which interrupted his college course. Choosing law for his profession, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, which has supplied the bar with so many brilliant men of the profession. After a full course in this institution he graduated in 1869, and immediately began the practice which he has continued ever since. He first opened a law office in Nebraska, where he practiced for six years, the first two alone, and then was a member of the firm of Cole & Roberts, which was dissolved when he was compelled to leave for Minnesota in search of better health. He settled in Minneapolis in 1874, and practiced alone until 1878, when he formed a partnership with Col. R. C. Benton and his brother, C. H. Benton, first under the style of Benton & Benton, and later as Benton, Benton & Roberts. In December, 1881, this partnership was dissolved and another formed by Mr. Roberts and Colonel Benton, under the style of Benton & Roberts, which lateremdash when Rome G. Brown became associatedemdash was known as Benton, Roberts & Brown, and so continued until 1895, when, by the death of the senior partner, the partnership terminated. Since that time Mr. Roberts has conducted his law practice without an associate. His practice has been general, but his more important work has been connected with the set l lement of estates, and with trusteeships. He was active in the preparation and trial of the St. Anthony Falls water power litigation, and with the "railroad crossing" cases in Minneapolis.
He enlisted as a private soldier when a school boy, June 16, 1863, on his 18th birthday, into the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as corporal in Company H. Before the end of the year he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the 45th United States Colored Troops, and served with the Army of the Potomac and with the Army of the James a large part of the time. During the draft disturbances of 1863, he was on duty in the coal regions of Pennsylvania and in West Virginia, but was with Grant in his last campaign, culminating at Appomattox. In May, 1865, the command was sent to the Rio Grande. During the latter part of this service he was in the brigade staff. He was mustered out as first lieutenant in December, 1865. During all the time he held a commission he had, except about one month, command of his company whenever it was in active campaign, except when, at times he was detailed for duty as adjutant, quartermaster, or aide-de-camp. He is a member of the G. A. R., and past post commander of Geo. N. Morgan Post, No. 4, of Minneapolis.
He was judge advocate of the State Department of the Order and a member of its National Council of Administration. Also a member of the Loyal Legion, and was the junior vice commander of the Minnesota Department. He has always been a Republican, and shouted for Fremont, in a slave state when a school boy. Ha had never held office until he was elected to the legislature in 1898. He was re-elected in 1900, and has been one of the active members. He introduced two original bills in his first legislative term which have attained considerable attention- one, to place names of candidates alternately on the official ballot became a law; the other, a "primary election law" of general application, gave way to a modified plan and law. He was president of the Union League of Minneapolis in 1895.
He was also a member of the Fourth Ward Republican Club, and of the Commercial Club, and a prominent Mason, being past master of Hennepin Lodge, No. 4, and is at present the grand orator of the Grand Lodge. He belongs to the Universalist Church. In 1869 he was married to Anna M. Pugh, who died in 1870, leaving no children. He was married to Agnes Doyle Taggart, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1876, who died in 1895, leaving two sons who served in the late Spanish War in the Thirteenth Minnesota Volunteers-- Horace W., born July 8, 1877, and Roy G., born January 29, 1880.
internet Gen file... --- Source of info unknown..
William P. Roberts, Civil War veteran and a resident of Minneapolis since 1874, died on July 21, 1931, at the summer home of his son on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Mr. Roberts entered the University after the Civil War, in which he served as Second Lieutenant. After securing his degree he practiced for a few years in Nebraska before going to Minneapolis, where he entered the law firm of Benton & Benton, which later became Benton, Roberts and Brown.
From 1896 to 1906 he was a Representative in the State Legislature, serving as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He also was active in Masonic work and was Grand Master of Minnesota Masons in 1909 and Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons in 1917. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as Minnesota Department Commander. --From The Michigan Alumnus, Vol. 37, 1931, p. 750.
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Past Grand Master
WILLIAM PRESTON ROBERTS
It is with great sorrow that I officially announce to you the death of Past Grand Master which occurred at the home of his son, near Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 21, 1931. Brother Roberts was born at Gwnnedd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 16 Jun 1845. He was educated in the public schools, the Millersville State Normal School, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan ,graduating from Millersville Normal in 1869. He came to Minnesota shortly thereafter and engaged in the practice of law which he continued until his death. He was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the sessions of 1899 and 1901 and 1905, and the special session of 1902. He enlisted on his eighteenth birthday in Company H, 47lh Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia and served until discharged 9 Dec 1865 with the rank of First Lieutenant.
He was made a Mason in Hennepin Lodge No. 4, Minneapolis, in 1883, served as Master for two years and was Treasurer for thirty-six years. He was appointed Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge in 1904, and elected Grand Master in 1908. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in St Johns Chapter No. 9, Minneapolis in 1906 and served as High Priest one year. He was appointed Grand Royal Arch Captain pf the Grand Chapter in 1911 and elected Grand High Priest in 1917. He was made a Royal and Select Master in Minneapolis Council No. 2, Minneapolis in 1907. He had attained the 33* in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and was also, for many years Vice President of the Minnesota Masonic Veteran Association. In 1915 he revised the Code of the Grand Lodge, and in 1918, that of the Grand Chapter.
He was prominent in Grand Army affairs and in 1915 was Department Commander of Minnesota. We shall miss his counsel and cooperation in our efforts, but must bow to the will of the Almighty, trusting with the faith of Masons that this is not a closing chapter, but the beginning of a new and better volume,
"He is not dead, this friend, not dead,
But in the path we mortals tread
Got some few trifling steps ahead
And nearer to the end,
So that we too, once past the bend
Shall meet him face to face, this friend
We fancy dead."
The funeral was held in Lakewood Chapel, Minneapolis, July 24th, conducted by Rev. Dr. Marion D. Shutter, of the Church of the Redeemer, the Masonic commitment service being under the auspices of Hennepin Lodge No. 4, the Grand Master officiating. A large number of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter officers were in attendance.
As a tribute of our respect to his memory let this memorial be read in each Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction at the first Communication after its receipt, and proper record made in the minutes.
Attest: JOHN FISHEL, Grand Secretary.
Some may wish to check this out.... Masonic Code of Minnesota: Containing Revised Constitution, General Regulations, and Grand Lodge Standing Resolutions, with Annotated Decisions of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M.
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Five corner stones were placed with Masonic ceremonies in 1908. On Saturday, May of that year, Grand Master William P. Roberts opened the Grand Lodge in the hall of Summit Lodge and then proceeded to the site of St. Paul's Universalist Church where the corner stone was set in place. On an early summer's day in June an occasional communication was opened in the Minneapolis armory, after which the Grand Lodge, escorted by the Grand Commandery, the Grand Chapter, three local Commanderies and four Blue
Lodges proceeded to the grounds of the new Temple for Ark Lodge. A marching band led the way. "The service passed off regularly and impressively", declared the Grand Master.
In September, 1908, upon the invitation of the St. Louis County Commissioners, transmitted through Palenstine and Ionic Lodges in Duluth, the Grand Lodge laid the corner stone of the new court house. It was an imposing structure, and the Grand Master remarked that the site was a beautiful one, over-looking Lake Superior. He also noted that the attendance, made up not only of the Brethren, but of others from the city was "immense and inspiring".
The reports of the corner stone ceremonies frequently were tinged with just a bit of hypervole. On November 4 the Grand Lodge, at the invitation of the Village Board, was back in Hibbing. The ceremony this time was for the new city hall. Duluth Commandery was on hand, having come from the city by special train, and with Mesaba Lodge, made up the escort. The orator for the occasion was the renowned and Illustrious Brother Trevanion William Hugo, 33 degree. He was, over a period of years, Grand High Priest, Grand Commander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Minnesota, Grand Minister of State and Grand Chancellor in the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Grand Cross, and author of the index for Albert Pike's MORALS AND DOGMA. He was active in other fraternal organizations, and was Potentate of Osman Temple of the Shrine. In Duluth he was president of the school board, president of the city council, and Mayor of the city. Perhaps we shall not see his like again soon.
On November 21, having been invited by Winona Lodge No. 18, the Grand Master laid the corner stone for the three-story Masonic Temple in Winona, an early lumber mill center on the west bank of the Mississippi. This Temple, erected some four years after itscounter-part in Duluth, has for years been distinguished by an unusually well-equipped stage with drops and settings especially designed for the degrees of the four bodies of the Scottish Rite. The Winona stage, indeed, seems to be a copy of the one in Duluth'sbeautiful Temple. Several of the participants in the ceremony were Scottish Rite dignitaries who had been instrumental in bringing the Rite to the Valley of inona at the turn of the century. The orator for the day was the Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection,
George P. Tawney, 33 degree. The ubiquitous John Fishel, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, was present as he had been and would continue to be at ceremonies over the state. On occasion, he would direct the band. Two hundred Brethren made upthe line of march, but this time no mention is made of bands or Masonic marching units from any of the several Masonic bodies. The day concluded with speech making, a banquet, and the presentation of a trowel.
Source: Educational Lodge #1002 Paper of Nov 1977
Posted 29 Sep 2012 by Glenn D Kiecker- Life member of Catarac Lodge #2
Life Story William Preston Roberts
ROBERTS, William Preston. Some of the most successful men of the Northwest came to this region in search of health, rather than for business purposes, as its bracing and invigorating climate has a wide reputation.
William P. Roberts, twice the representative from Hennepin county in the lower house of the legislature, was one of the number. He was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, in that state, June 16, 1845. His father, Job Roberts, was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and was of Welsh descent. The family came to this country in 1698 from Bala, North Wales, and settled in what is now Gwynedd township, a Welsh name, pronounced as though spelled Gwyneth, with the sound "th" soft, as in "the." His mother was Hannah Pickering.
William obtained his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and in Maryland, where he lived three years. The schools of the latter state, at that time, were indifferent, because only partially supported by the state. He afterwards attended the First State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster county, Pa., from which he graduated in 1867, after the War of the Rebellion, which interrupted his college course. Choosing law for his profession, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, which has supplied the bar with so many brilliant men of the profession. After a full course in this institution he graduated in 1869, and immediately began the practice which he has continued ever since. He first opened a law office in Nebraska, where he practiced for six years, the first two alone, and then was a member of the firm of Cole & Roberts, which was dissolved when he was compelled to leave for Minnesota in search of better health. He settled in Minneapolis in 1874, and practiced alone until 1878, when he formed a partnership with Col. R. C. Benton and his brother, C. H. Benton, first under the style of Benton & Benton, and later as Benton, Benton & Roberts. In December, 1881, this partnership was dissolved and another formed by Mr. Roberts and Colonel Benton, under the style of Benton & Roberts, which lateremdash when Rome G. Brown became associatedemdash was known as Benton, Roberts & Brown, and so continued until 1895, when, by the death of the senior partner, the partnership terminated. Since that time Mr. Roberts has conducted his law practice without an associate. His practice has been general, but his more important work has been connected with the set l lement of estates, and with trusteeships. He was active in the preparation and trial of the St. Anthony Falls water power litigation, and with the "railroad crossing" cases in Minneapolis.
He enlisted as a private soldier when a school boy, June 16, 1863, on his 18th birthday, into the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as corporal in Company H. Before the end of the year he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the 45th United States Colored Troops, and served with the Army of the Potomac and with the Army of the James a large part of the time. During the draft disturbances of 1863, he was on duty in the coal regions of Pennsylvania and in West Virginia, but was with Grant in his last campaign, culminating at Appomattox. In May, 1865, the command was sent to the Rio Grande. During the latter part of this service he was in the brigade staff. He was mustered out as first lieutenant in December, 1865. During all the time he held a commission he had, except about one month, command of his company whenever it was in active campaign, except when, at times he was detailed for duty as adjutant, quartermaster, or aide-de-camp. He is a member of the G. A. R., and past post commander of Geo. N. Morgan Post, No. 4, of Minneapolis.
He was judge advocate of the State Department of the Order and a member of its National Council of Administration. Also a member of the Loyal Legion, and was the junior vice commander of the Minnesota Department. He has always been a Republican, and shouted for Fremont, in a slave state when a school boy. Ha had never held office until he was elected to the legislature in 1898. He was re-elected in 1900, and has been one of the active members. He introduced two original bills in his first legislative term which have attained considerable attention- one, to place names of candidates alternately on the official ballot became a law; the other, a "primary election law" of general application, gave way to a modified plan and law. He was president of the Union League of Minneapolis in 1895.
He was also a member of the Fourth Ward Republican Club, and of the Commercial Club, and a prominent Mason, being past master of Hennepin Lodge, No. 4, and is at present the grand orator of the Grand Lodge. He belongs to the Universalist Church. In 1869 he was married to Anna M. Pugh, who died in 1870, leaving no children. He was married to Agnes Doyle Taggart, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1876, who died in 1895, leaving two sons who served in the late Spanish War in the Thirteenth Minnesota Volunteers-- Horace W., born July 8, 1877, and Roy G., born January 29, 1880.
internet Gen file... --- Source of info unknown..
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