Fremason's "In Memoriam" booklet (1910).
A West Yorkshire Freemason's "In Memoriam" booklet published in April 1910, containing obituaries for:
- Thomas Hill (1825-1891) of Bradford
- Fountain Read (1843-1909) of Leeds
- Walter Wright (1853-1909) of Halifax
- Benjamin Oates (1836-1910) of Dewsbury
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| collection: | Leaflets, Pamphlets & Small Booklets |
| tags: | 1910, 1910-19, Benjamin Oates (1836-1910), Digitised Items, Fountain Read (1843-1909), Freemasonry, In Memoriam, Thomas Hill (1825-1891), Walter Wright (1853-1909), ~LKWDC1 |
| date: | April 1910. |
| rights: | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) |
| date added: | 18 April 2017 |
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The following is an uncorrected automated OCR transcription and will likely contain errors (expand):
Brother Thomas Bill.
Born at Bradford, January nth, 1825, he was the son of Mr. Jonas Hill, a builder of considerable repute and a member of an old and respected family in that city.
After receiving his scholastic education, he became associated with the business of his father, who retired later, in 1848. Brother Hill continued the firm in co-partnership with his brother and subsequently on his own sole account. Finally retiring in 1879 he was succeeded by his nephew, Mr. Joshua Hill (now P.M. of No. 2330).
During the whole of his career, Brother Hill maintained in the highest degree a reputation for great capacity and inflexible principle, and such was the faith in his integrity that a contract for work to be done was deemed unnecessary by those who employed him.
In a town so enterprising and public spirited, the services of such a man could not be allowed to remain in abeyance, and he was elected Town Councillor in 1866. That he had proved to be a great acquisition was indicated by his election to the Aldermanic Bench in 1874 and again in 1880. Elected Mayor in 1885 he acquitted himself with honour and distinction, adding lustre to the office and his native town. During his municipal career vast street improvements and other works were carried through involving great outlay of public capital. It was here, as Chairman or Deputy-Chairman of Special Committees, his extensive technical knowledge and experience proved invaluable. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1885, and was highly esteemed, being punctual in attendance, merciful yet firm, and just yet considerate in discharging his duty.
Brother Thomas Hill was initiated in the Lodge of Hope No. 302 on the 17th of April, 1848, and installed Master in 1856, and again in 1883. He became a Founder of Pent alpha Lodge No. 974 in 1863, and in that year was appointed Prov. S. Grand Deacon, subsequently in 1870 serving the office of Prov. J. Grand Warden.
Exalted May 10th, 1850, in the Chapter of Chanty No. 302, was installed Z. in 1858, receiving in 1859 the office of Prov. G. Standard Bearer (R.A.), and in 1872 that of Prov. Grand J.
The name of Brother Hill will ever stand out prominently for his zeal in Freemasonry, and more especially for his noble support and work on behalf of Masonic Charity. In 1871 he was Vice-Chairman of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee, and Chairman for 1872-3-4-5, qualifying as Vice-Patron respectively of the R.M.I. for Boys and for the R.M.I. for Girls. Also as Vice-President of the R.M. Benevolent Institution. But his benevolence was not confined to Institutions, nor yet the Craft itself.
As a man of business he was the soul of honour, as a citizen loyal and true, and as a Craftsman faithful to the principles which a Mason holds dear. Dignified, yet kindly, unassuming and affable in demeanour, he endeared himself to everyone. He passed away October 2nd, 1891, lamented throughout his town and the Province, and far beyond.
The interment was the occasion of a great and mournful gathering, and of public demonstrations of sorrow and respect.
Brother fountain Read,
Born in Leeds March 17th, 1843, he was the son of Mr- John Read of that city.
Educated in Leeds and also at Guine in France, he commenced in 1867 as a worsted spinner at Portland Mills, Bradford, later at Oakenshaw and subsequently in partnership with his son at Harold Mills, Bowling. During his long business career, he was held in high respect by his associates as one, whilst possessed of much astuteness, was reliable in his engagements and upright in his dealings. Broad minded, energetic and public spirited, his desire was to promote the welfare of his fellow men. As a member of the Visiting Committee of the Bradford Royal Infirmary, a Manager of the East Morley and Bradford Savings Bank, and also in other directions, he rendered valued service.
Brother Read was initiated in the Eccleshill Lodge No. 1034, June 18th, 1875, and, after serving preliminary offices with ability and zeal, was elected to the office of Master and installed in March, 1885.
He did good work as Charity Steward for the years 1892-3-4, during which time he represented the Lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee.
He qualified as a Life Governor of the R.M.I. for Boys and earnestly and successfully endeavoured to induce subscriptions from others on behalf of the Masonic Institutions generally.
The office of Prov. J. Grand Deacon was conferred upon him in 1895.
Exalted in the Chapter of Charity No. 302 on the 9th of April, 1885, he was installed First Principal October nth, 1892 and appointed Prov. Grand Sword Bearer (R.A.) in 1897.
Cheerful and sprightly in manner, kindly, helpful and sympathetic in disposition, his presence was always hailed with pleasure by his brethren.
During the earlier months of the )^ear 1909 his failing health became the cause of serious anxiety to those near and dear. Unfortunately their fears were soon to be realized, for whilst visiting at Morecambe he suddenly passed away on the 2nd of August, 1909. His remains were interred at Undercliffe Cemetery in the presence of many sorrowing friends and associates in business, public and Masonic life.
Brother Walter Wright.
Born at Halifax May 15th, 1853, he was the son of Samuel Wright, and Elizabeth his wife, of that town.
Educated locally, he became associated with the business of Messrs. Thomas Fleming and Son, card and belt manufacturers. After shewing aptitude and capability in a high degree, he was admitted into partnership and subsequently was largely instrumental in building up the worldwide reputation which the firm, with its many branches and agencies, afterwards attained. From 1892 the firm became known as Messrs. Fleming, Birkby and Goodall Ltd., and the growing magnitude of its operations entailed heavy labour and responsibilities upon our lamented brother.
Brother Wright was initiated in the Lodge of Probity No. 61, Halifax on the 16th of August, 1880, and installed Master in 1891. He was Treasurer from the year 1898 to 1904 and was Provincial Charity Member for the Lodge during several years. He was a generous giver in many directions, and contributed liberally to the Masonic Institutions, qualifying as Life Governor and Steward respectively for the R.M. Benevolent Institution, for the R.M.I. for Boys (twice) for the R.M.I. for Girls (three times), and as Life Governor of the West Yorkshire Fund.
In 1902 he was appointed Prov. J. Grand Deacon.
He was exalted in the Chapter of Sincerity No. 61, November, 1887.
Quiet and unassuming in bearing, of cheerful and amiable disposition, of unimpeachable integrity, he won the regard and high esteem of all those associated with him. His devotion and attachment to the Craft was deep and unswerving throughout his Masonic career, and his great pleasure was to be in the midst of his brethren by whom he was sincerely beloved. But in a while the Shadow of Death was approaching, a lingering disease laid its fell hold upon him, and in one short year, on the 20th of September, 1909, our brother passed from mortal life.
At All Saints' Church, Salterhebble, a large and representative gathering of mourners attended to pay a last token of respect to his memory as the remains were laid to rest.
Brother Benjamin Oates,
Born at Dewsbury June 4th, 1836, he was the son of Mr. Samuel Oates (a member of an old well known family of that town) and Sarah (nee Brearey)
his wife. Educated firstly at private local schools his tuition was completed under Dr. Haigh at Bram-ham College, Tadcaster. After serving three years in the Wool Warehouse of his father, he was apprenticed to Mr. Timothy Harrop of Chickenley Mills, blanket manufacturer, he rejoined his father and eventually became a partner in the wool business. Mr. Samuel Oates retiring in 1875 our Brother commenced business as an estate agent in Church Street, Dewsbury, which he continued until about five years ago when he relinquished active occupation on account of ill health. Although never filling any very prominent public office, yet he ever desired to promote the welfare of his native town. He became a Founder of the Dewsbury Chamber of Commerce in 1861 and was a Vice-President in 1871. Actively interested in the Thornhill and Savile Town Ratepayers' Association, he was President some forty years ago. He also rendered service as a Member of the one time Thornhill Local Board, also on the Committee of the Dewsbury Mechanics' Institute, &c., &c.
Brother Benjamin Oates was initiated in the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles No. 208 on the 3rd of August, 1854, and was installed Master on the 8th of December, 1859. He served the office of Secretary for the years 1868, 1869, 1870 and 1871, also as Treasurer for 1899, 1900 and 1901. He took part in 1859 in forming the West Yorkshire Charity Committee and at the Jubilee Celebration last year his surviving colleagues were Bro. Joss Brook of Huddersfield and our veteran Brother Henry Smith, P.D.P.G.M, In April 1904 his investiture as Prov. Assistant Grand Secretary was performed amidst such loud and prolonged applause by the Brethren, as has seldom been witnessed in Prov. Grand Lodge.
He was exalted January 31st, 1861 in Chapter No. 208 and installed Z. February, 1869.
His fifty-five years of Masonry saw no slackening in his attachment to the Craft. Father of his Lodge for some years to the close of his life, he was looked up to by his brethren with veneration, affection and respect and held in high estimation by the whole town. Kindly and gentle feeling and goodwill towards everyone pervaded his nature. Sorrowfully his many friends witnessed his gradual passing, and the last sleep peacefully fell upon him on the 26th of January, 1910.
Born at Bradford, January nth, 1825, he was the son of Mr. Jonas Hill, a builder of considerable repute and a member of an old and respected family in that city.
After receiving his scholastic education, he became associated with the business of his father, who retired later, in 1848. Brother Hill continued the firm in co-partnership with his brother and subsequently on his own sole account. Finally retiring in 1879 he was succeeded by his nephew, Mr. Joshua Hill (now P.M. of No. 2330).
During the whole of his career, Brother Hill maintained in the highest degree a reputation for great capacity and inflexible principle, and such was the faith in his integrity that a contract for work to be done was deemed unnecessary by those who employed him.
In a town so enterprising and public spirited, the services of such a man could not be allowed to remain in abeyance, and he was elected Town Councillor in 1866. That he had proved to be a great acquisition was indicated by his election to the Aldermanic Bench in 1874 and again in 1880. Elected Mayor in 1885 he acquitted himself with honour and distinction, adding lustre to the office and his native town. During his municipal career vast street improvements and other works were carried through involving great outlay of public capital. It was here, as Chairman or Deputy-Chairman of Special Committees, his extensive technical knowledge and experience proved invaluable. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1885, and was highly esteemed, being punctual in attendance, merciful yet firm, and just yet considerate in discharging his duty.
Brother Thomas Hill was initiated in the Lodge of Hope No. 302 on the 17th of April, 1848, and installed Master in 1856, and again in 1883. He became a Founder of Pent alpha Lodge No. 974 in 1863, and in that year was appointed Prov. S. Grand Deacon, subsequently in 1870 serving the office of Prov. J. Grand Warden.
Exalted May 10th, 1850, in the Chapter of Chanty No. 302, was installed Z. in 1858, receiving in 1859 the office of Prov. G. Standard Bearer (R.A.), and in 1872 that of Prov. Grand J.
The name of Brother Hill will ever stand out prominently for his zeal in Freemasonry, and more especially for his noble support and work on behalf of Masonic Charity. In 1871 he was Vice-Chairman of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee, and Chairman for 1872-3-4-5, qualifying as Vice-Patron respectively of the R.M.I. for Boys and for the R.M.I. for Girls. Also as Vice-President of the R.M. Benevolent Institution. But his benevolence was not confined to Institutions, nor yet the Craft itself.
As a man of business he was the soul of honour, as a citizen loyal and true, and as a Craftsman faithful to the principles which a Mason holds dear. Dignified, yet kindly, unassuming and affable in demeanour, he endeared himself to everyone. He passed away October 2nd, 1891, lamented throughout his town and the Province, and far beyond.
The interment was the occasion of a great and mournful gathering, and of public demonstrations of sorrow and respect.
Brother fountain Read,
Born in Leeds March 17th, 1843, he was the son of Mr- John Read of that city.
Educated in Leeds and also at Guine in France, he commenced in 1867 as a worsted spinner at Portland Mills, Bradford, later at Oakenshaw and subsequently in partnership with his son at Harold Mills, Bowling. During his long business career, he was held in high respect by his associates as one, whilst possessed of much astuteness, was reliable in his engagements and upright in his dealings. Broad minded, energetic and public spirited, his desire was to promote the welfare of his fellow men. As a member of the Visiting Committee of the Bradford Royal Infirmary, a Manager of the East Morley and Bradford Savings Bank, and also in other directions, he rendered valued service.
Brother Read was initiated in the Eccleshill Lodge No. 1034, June 18th, 1875, and, after serving preliminary offices with ability and zeal, was elected to the office of Master and installed in March, 1885.
He did good work as Charity Steward for the years 1892-3-4, during which time he represented the Lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee.
He qualified as a Life Governor of the R.M.I. for Boys and earnestly and successfully endeavoured to induce subscriptions from others on behalf of the Masonic Institutions generally.
The office of Prov. J. Grand Deacon was conferred upon him in 1895.
Exalted in the Chapter of Charity No. 302 on the 9th of April, 1885, he was installed First Principal October nth, 1892 and appointed Prov. Grand Sword Bearer (R.A.) in 1897.
Cheerful and sprightly in manner, kindly, helpful and sympathetic in disposition, his presence was always hailed with pleasure by his brethren.
During the earlier months of the )^ear 1909 his failing health became the cause of serious anxiety to those near and dear. Unfortunately their fears were soon to be realized, for whilst visiting at Morecambe he suddenly passed away on the 2nd of August, 1909. His remains were interred at Undercliffe Cemetery in the presence of many sorrowing friends and associates in business, public and Masonic life.
Brother Walter Wright.
Born at Halifax May 15th, 1853, he was the son of Samuel Wright, and Elizabeth his wife, of that town.
Educated locally, he became associated with the business of Messrs. Thomas Fleming and Son, card and belt manufacturers. After shewing aptitude and capability in a high degree, he was admitted into partnership and subsequently was largely instrumental in building up the worldwide reputation which the firm, with its many branches and agencies, afterwards attained. From 1892 the firm became known as Messrs. Fleming, Birkby and Goodall Ltd., and the growing magnitude of its operations entailed heavy labour and responsibilities upon our lamented brother.
Brother Wright was initiated in the Lodge of Probity No. 61, Halifax on the 16th of August, 1880, and installed Master in 1891. He was Treasurer from the year 1898 to 1904 and was Provincial Charity Member for the Lodge during several years. He was a generous giver in many directions, and contributed liberally to the Masonic Institutions, qualifying as Life Governor and Steward respectively for the R.M. Benevolent Institution, for the R.M.I. for Boys (twice) for the R.M.I. for Girls (three times), and as Life Governor of the West Yorkshire Fund.
In 1902 he was appointed Prov. J. Grand Deacon.
He was exalted in the Chapter of Sincerity No. 61, November, 1887.
Quiet and unassuming in bearing, of cheerful and amiable disposition, of unimpeachable integrity, he won the regard and high esteem of all those associated with him. His devotion and attachment to the Craft was deep and unswerving throughout his Masonic career, and his great pleasure was to be in the midst of his brethren by whom he was sincerely beloved. But in a while the Shadow of Death was approaching, a lingering disease laid its fell hold upon him, and in one short year, on the 20th of September, 1909, our brother passed from mortal life.
At All Saints' Church, Salterhebble, a large and representative gathering of mourners attended to pay a last token of respect to his memory as the remains were laid to rest.
Brother Benjamin Oates,
Born at Dewsbury June 4th, 1836, he was the son of Mr. Samuel Oates (a member of an old well known family of that town) and Sarah (nee Brearey)
his wife. Educated firstly at private local schools his tuition was completed under Dr. Haigh at Bram-ham College, Tadcaster. After serving three years in the Wool Warehouse of his father, he was apprenticed to Mr. Timothy Harrop of Chickenley Mills, blanket manufacturer, he rejoined his father and eventually became a partner in the wool business. Mr. Samuel Oates retiring in 1875 our Brother commenced business as an estate agent in Church Street, Dewsbury, which he continued until about five years ago when he relinquished active occupation on account of ill health. Although never filling any very prominent public office, yet he ever desired to promote the welfare of his native town. He became a Founder of the Dewsbury Chamber of Commerce in 1861 and was a Vice-President in 1871. Actively interested in the Thornhill and Savile Town Ratepayers' Association, he was President some forty years ago. He also rendered service as a Member of the one time Thornhill Local Board, also on the Committee of the Dewsbury Mechanics' Institute, &c., &c.
Brother Benjamin Oates was initiated in the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles No. 208 on the 3rd of August, 1854, and was installed Master on the 8th of December, 1859. He served the office of Secretary for the years 1868, 1869, 1870 and 1871, also as Treasurer for 1899, 1900 and 1901. He took part in 1859 in forming the West Yorkshire Charity Committee and at the Jubilee Celebration last year his surviving colleagues were Bro. Joss Brook of Huddersfield and our veteran Brother Henry Smith, P.D.P.G.M, In April 1904 his investiture as Prov. Assistant Grand Secretary was performed amidst such loud and prolonged applause by the Brethren, as has seldom been witnessed in Prov. Grand Lodge.
He was exalted January 31st, 1861 in Chapter No. 208 and installed Z. February, 1869.
His fifty-five years of Masonry saw no slackening in his attachment to the Craft. Father of his Lodge for some years to the close of his life, he was looked up to by his brethren with veneration, affection and respect and held in high estimation by the whole town. Kindly and gentle feeling and goodwill towards everyone pervaded his nature. Sorrowfully his many friends witnessed his gradual passing, and the last sleep peacefully fell upon him on the 26th of January, 1910.