Isaac Larue Johnson, Grand Master,
1875-76
Brother
Johnson was born in Warren County, New Jersey, October 16, 1837.
He came to Washington when a youth, was graduated from Columbia
College, studied law, and was admitted to the bar of the courts
of the District. In 1862 he was commissioned a captain in the
153rd Pennsylvania Infantry, and served in the Army of the
Potomac. Resigning his commission in 1863 he returned to
Washington and engaged in the practice of law in which he soon
won a reputation highly honorable.
An able
lawyer, his love of Masonry led him to devote a large portion of
his time to the service of the Craft, bringing to that service
one of the strongest minds ever devoted to it in this
jurisdiction. He was a logical and forceful speaker and writer,
and his reputation as an able and learned Mason extended far
beyond the confines of this jurisdiction. Genial, witty,
thoroughly informed on a great variety of subjects, he will long
be remembered for his qualities of mind and heart.
Brother
Johnson was made a Master Mason in National Lodge, No. 12, of
this jurisdiction, December 12, 1865, and served as Master of
his Lodge in 1870 and 1871. His zeal and ability soon won him
recognition in the Grand Lodge where he was elected Grand Master
for the years 1875 and 1876.
November 25, 1875, he was elected to
honorary membership in George C. Whiting Lodge, No. 22.
He received
the Capitular degrees in Eureka Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., in
1867, and was High Priest of that Chapter in 1870. He entered
the official line of the Grand Chapter as Grand King in 1873,
and became Grand High Priest in 1877.
He was
knighted in Columbia Commandery, No. 2, of Washington, District
of Columbia, March 22, 1868; dimitted in 1872 to become a
charter member of DeMolay Mounted Commandery, No. 4, which body
he served as Eminent Commander in 1880.
He also
received the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite degrees from
fourth to thirty-second in the lodge, chapter, council, and
consistory of this jurisdiction.
He closed his
Masonic and earthly career of usefulness in this city on
Thursday, December 28, 1899, and his remains were interred at
Oak Hill Cemetery December 31, 1899, with Masonic honors
performed by the Grand Lodge.
In the words
of one of his contemporaries, "This well-known brother, honored
and distinguished in the Masonic bodies of our jurisdiction,
went down into the shadow of death full of experience, full of
kind words, and full of good companionship. He was endowed with
a brilliant and comprehensive intellect, kindness of heart, and
a warm, genial disposition. As a soldier he won honorable
distinction; as a citizen, respect and esteem; as a Mason he
merited and received honors and preferment"
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.
|
