Horace A. Whitney, Grand Master, 1879

Born in the State of New York in 1841, he served during the Civil War in the 1st N. Y. L. A., enlisting October 1, 1861, at Phoenix, New York, to serve three years; was appointed Sergeant October 10, 1861; discharged November 25, 1863, to enter the general service, and was subsequently detailed for duty in the Bureau of Colored Troops under Col. C. W. Foster. In 1867 he was transferred to the Treasury Department and after passing through the various grades became Cashier, which position he occupied at the time of his death.

W. Brother Whitney is described as having been "amiable in disposition, courteous and gentlemanly in conduct, and of estimable character; he was most beloved by those who knew him best, and was sincerely mourned by all his friends and brethren." His zeal for the institution of Masonry led to his rapid preferment while a comparatively young man, and his administration of every office to which he was called testified to the wisdom of the confidence reposed in his ability.

He died very suddenly in this city July 3, 1886, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, the Grand Lodge conducting the Masonic services. W. Brother Whitney was initiated, passed, and raised in Washington Centennial Lodge, No. 14, in June and August, 1867; served as Junior Warden in 1869; Senior Warden, 1870, and Master, 1872-74. He was elected to the position of Grand Master December, 1878, after filling several of the subordinate chairs in the Grand Lodge.

He received the Capitular degrees in LaFayette Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., January 4 and 18, 1873, and served as Scribe in 1878.

AHGP District of Columbia

Source: History of the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, compiled by W. Brother Kenton N. Harper, 1911.