M.W. Daniel B. Brismade 1826-1827

Daniel B. Brismade

The above, however, is not his full name. His father, Judge Daniel Nathaniel Brinsmade, was an ardent Federalist and when his son was born October 15, 1782, his sympathies were shown on the French question by the name given this, his only child. Daniel Bourbon Farrand Wooster Brinsmade was the name as is shown by an old book among the family possessions inscribed "To D. B. F. W.B. from his father."

His maternal grandmother had slaves who interested the young lad. At fifteen he attended the ordination ball in connection with the ordination of a minister. Neither, Yale nor Williams claim him as a graduate, but he studied law at the famous school in Litchfield. Returing to his birthplace, Washington, Conn., he followed in his father's footsteps. As Town Clerk, Deputy to the General Assem¬bly, Deacon of the Church, Librarian of the Sunday School, owner of a country store and pharmacy, a farmer and bee
raiser, he filled out a life of usefulness.     .

He was a tall and slender man of a nervous, active temperament. His title of General was acquired because of his being at the head of all the cavalry of the state. When his daughter married Frederick Gunn he gave the young couple a house near the Green, which became the original Gunnery School.

Brother Brinsmade may have been a charter member of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 27. Our first record shows him as Junior Warden in 1795. From that date until 1825 he acted as Master fully half the time. Brother Brinsmade's name appears as the first Commander of Clinton Commandery while it existed in the town of Washington under a dispensation. He appears in the Grand Lodge as Grand Junior and Senior Warden, and Deputy Grand Master before being elected Grand Master, May 10, 1826. He served for two years and passed to the Great Beyond November 3, 1862. His life was "notably faithful and efficient."