Page 297 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 284

In two volumes entitled “Vigilante Days and Ways,” he has embodied
a thrilling narrative of early events in Montana and other Western
States and Territories. Though for a long time disassociated with
Masonic labors, we know that he still retains a warm interest in the
Grand Lodge, for which he labored so long and well in its early
formative history. His action in arresting the charter of Gallatin
Lodge was approved by the Committee on Appeals and Grievances,
which gave much time to a hearing of its members. The charter was
restored in an excess of charity, and the Lodge still exists, but the
virus of dissension has never been wholly eradicated, and it has
never attained the strength and prosperity that its surroundings and
opportunities justified. Only one new Lodge, Jefferson, No. 15, was
organized during Bro. Langford’s administration, which flourished
well for a few years, but being left at one side by the Northern
Pacific Railway, it succumbed to the fate that has befallen so many
old Lodges in every part of the country.

When election came around, there were a number of surprises, but
none greater than in my own case, for I had no thought of being made
Grand Master. It came without seeking, and, of course, was doubly
gratifying. Bro. Weston’s advancement was postponed for a year.
Bro. Pomeroy became Deputy Grand Master, Bro. John Anderson,
Junior Grand Warden, and Bro. Hezekiah L. Hosmer, Grand
Secretary. This latter brother was one of the most accomplished
Masons that ever came within the range of our acquaintance.
Before coming to Montana as our first Chief justice he had become
prominent as a Mason, and had attained the rank of Deputy Grand
Master in the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He had also gained some
prominence in literature by a production entitled “The Octoroon.”
He was a charming writer and ritualist. Following two reports of
my own he contributed two Correspondence Reports, which remain
to us as a monument to his skill with the pen. He left us before
the expiration of his second term as Grand Secretary, in 1872, and
Grand Master appointed me as his successor, and here I am yet, just
finishing my thirtieth year in office.

In San Francisco, whither he removed, Bro. Hosmer held some
position in the Mint, and was Prelate of Golden Gate Commandery.
His son was Grand Orator last year of the Grand Lodge of California.

The salary of the Grand Secretary was fixed at $300, which was to
include his providing the Correspondence Report. Though we lived
economically, had no regalia or temple to support, we had not yet
risen to the high level of solvency.